Scholarship recommendation letter tips are super important because these letters can truly make or break your chances of getting a scholarship. When I was applying for scholarships and helping others, I realized that knowing how to write a good recommendation letter is a skill you need to master. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what to include, how to structure it, and even some examples, to help you write letters that stand out and boost your chances of winning that scholarship.
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What is a letter of recommendation for a scholarship?
A letter of recommendation, sometimes called a reference letter, is a document written by someone who knows you, like a teacher, employer, or mentor. In this letter, they introduce themselves, explain how they know you, and share why they believe you’re a great fit for the scholarship or study program you’re applying for.
Scholarship providers want a second opinion. They want someone else to vouch for your character, skills, and achievements to confirm what you’ve already shared in your application. So, the letter supports and backs up your resume, motivation letter, and other documents by giving extra insight into who you are and why you deserve the scholarship.
Who Should Write a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?
When it comes to who should write your scholarship recommendation letter, many assume it has to be someone “important,” like the dean of your faculty or the CEO of a big company. But here’s the truth: titles don’t matter nearly as much as real, firsthand experience with you.
Scholarship committees want to hear from people who know you—your work ethic, personality, and potential. That’s why your best bet is to ask professors, thesis supervisors, direct managers, or even colleagues who have worked closely with you. These are the people who can give an honest, informed recommendation based on real interactions.
Pro tip: In some cases, the person you ask may not know exactly how to write a strong recommendation letter, or they may simply be too busy. It’s completely normal for them to ask you to guide them, or even draft the letter yourself for them to review and sign.
That’s why I’ll be sharing practical tips below to help you (and them) write a powerful and convincing scholarship recommendation letter, keep reading.
Header Tips for a Scholarship Recommendation Letter
When preparing a scholarship recommendation letter, even the little details matter, starting from the top of the page. These are some key tips to keep in mind for the header and opening lines:
1. Use a Recent Date
Always include a current date on the letter. Avoid reusing old, generic letters from past applications—they can look careless or outdated. A fresh date shows the letter was written specifically for this opportunity.
2. Add a Clear Title or Subject Line
A simple and professional title like “Letter of Recommendation” or “Academic Reference” at the top helps the reader know exactly what they’re looking at. Keep it straightforward.
3. Address It to the Right Person or Institution
Avoid vague phrases like “To Whom It May Concern.” Scholarship committees appreciate personalization—it shows effort and intent. Try to find out who will read the letter and tailor the greeting accordingly. Some better examples include:
- “Admissions Committee, Faculty of Economic Sciences…”
- “Scholarship Review Panel, University of XYZ…”
- “Selection Committee, [Name of the Scholarship Program]…”
This small touch goes a long way in showing that the letter was written specifically for that program—and not just copied and pasted.
Content Tips for a Strong Scholarship Recommendation Letter
When someone agrees to write you a scholarship recommendation letter, they’re essentially vouching for your potential, and how it’s presented can make a difference. These are the key elements every strong letter should include (feel free to share these tips with whoever is writing it for you):
1. Start With the Reason for the Letter
The recommender should open by clearly stating why they are writing the letter and what program or scholarship they are recommending you for. This shows that the letter is personalized and intentional.
“I am writing to recommend [Your Name] for the XYZ Scholarship Program…”
“It is with great confidence that I recommend [Your Name] for admission to the Master’s in Computer Science at XYZ University…”
2. Explain Who They Are and Their Relationship With You
The person who is recommending you must explain their role and how they know you. This builds credibility and gives the reader context, for example:
“As a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the XYZ University, I had the opportunity to teach [Your Name] in my Global Politics class…”
“I was [Your Name’s] direct supervisor during his internship at our company’s marketing department…”
3. Give Context About the Program or Work You Did
Here, the letter should briefly describe the nature of the course, project, or job you were involved in. This helps the scholarship committee understand the responsibilities you handled and how demanding the role was.
“The [Job, Course, Project] curriculum demands roughly 40 hours per week of hands-on [whatsoever work], independent research, and teamwork…”
“In our department, teamwork and problem-solving are critical, and [Your Name] consistently delivered in both areas…”
4. Highlight the Qualities That Make You a Great Fit
This is the heart of the letter. This is where your recommender will describe the qualities, academic, professional, or personal, that make you stand out and explain why you’re a strong candidate for the scholarship.
“During the semester, [Your Name] demonstrated exceptional critical thinking skills and leadership in group discussions…”
“[Your Name] was known for his initiative, attention to detail, and ability to manage tight deadlines without sacrificing quality…”
5. Close With a Strong Endorsement
The letter should end by clearly reinforcing the recommendation. Your recommender should express confidence that you’ll add value to the program.
“I am confident that [Your Name] will make meaningful contributions to the program and thrive in this new academic environment.”
“I strongly recommend them for this opportunity without reservation.”
6. Offer to Provide More Info
Lastly, your recommendation should show openness to further communication, in case the scholarship committee has any further questions.
“If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via email or phone.”
“I would be happy to provide additional information if needed.”
Following these shared steps will make you stand out when submitting your scholarship application. Take your time, no rush because you are just a step away from winning that scholarship; keep reading.
Smart Tips to Get Strong Recommendation Letters for Scholarships
1. Ask Early (Seriously, Don’t Rush Them)
Don’t wait until the last minute. The people who will write your recommendation—professors, mentors, or former bosses—are often busy with their own commitments. Give them at least one month in advance so they have time to write something thoughtful and strong. Also, always consider the application deadline when planning this.
2. Share Your CV and Motivation Letter
Don’t assume they remember every detail about you. Help them out. Share your updated CV and motivation letter so they understand your achievements and why you’re applying for the scholarship. This gives them context and helps them align their letter with your goals.
3. If You’re Asking Professors After a Long Time…
Oh, maybe you graduated a few years ago and haven’t stayed in touch with your lecturers; well, no worries—just be intentional about how you reconnect.
Think about the professors who knew you well or taught subjects where you stood out extremely. Before asking for a letter, reach out first to catch up. Send an email, make a quick phone call, or even visit if possible (Yo! don’t go empty-handed, get them a gift). Let them know what you’ve been up to, what your goals are now, and ask for their advice. This re-establishes the relationship before you make your request.
Bonus Tip Just For You
A personalized, honest, and enthusiastic recommendation letter can truly set your application apart, so don’t be afraid to guide the people writing it. You’re not doing it alone; you’re building a team of people who believe in your potential.
Formatting Tips for a Strong Scholarship Recommendation Letter
1. Follow Any Specific Instructions
If the scholarship provider or university gives you formatting or submission guidelines, follow them to the letter. For example, they might require:
- A specific format or template
- That the letter comes from a certain type of person (e.g., a professor or supervisor)
- The letter is submitted in a sealed envelope
Failing to meet these requirements could disqualify your application, even if everything else is perfect. Pay attention to the instructions.
2. Language Matters
If you’re applying to a program taught in English, your letter should ideally be written in English as well. The person writing it should also be able to answer follow-up questions in English, if needed.
But don’t stress—if that’s not possible, you can always attach an official translation of the letter to your application.
3. Ideal Length and Style
Keep the letter concise but complete. The sweet spot is:
- 1 to 1.5 pages
- Written in Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri
- Font size 12, standard spacing, and normal margins
This format keeps the letter easy to read and professionally presented.
4. Use of Official Letterhead
If possible, the letter should be printed on the official letterhead of the school, university, or company your referee belongs to. This adds credibility and makes the recommendation more formal.
5. Include Full Contact Information
Make sure the letter clearly states the referee’s:
- Full name and position
- Phone number
- Email address
- Mailing address
This gives the scholarship committee a way to follow up for verification if needed, and it makes your letter more trustworthy. Congratulations, you have just gotten your dream scholarship in your desired country.
Scholarship Recommendation Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Contact Information]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
It is my sincere pleasure to recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] for consideration for [Name of Scholarship or Program].
I am [Your Name], currently working as a [Your Job Title] at [Your Institution or Company Name]. With over [X years] of experience in [Your Field or Subject], I’ve had the opportunity to mentor many bright individuals, and I can confidently say that [Applicant’s First Name] stands out as one of the most promising.
I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] in [Course/Project/Job/etc.], where I observed their remarkable ability in [skill or subject area]. From the beginning, [he/she/they] showed strong initiative, a great learning attitude, and consistently delivered work of high quality.
For example, [insert a short personal story or example of a time when the applicant demonstrated leadership, resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, or any outstanding academic or professional strength].
What sets [Applicant’s Name] apart isn’t just academic or technical ability. It’s [his/her/their] attitude—always positive, proactive, and supportive of others. Whether working independently or as part of a team, [he/she/they] has always been dependable, respectful, and thoughtful.
Without a doubt, I believe [Applicant’s Name] would be a valuable addition to your [Scholarship Program / Academic Institution]. I have no hesitation in recommending [him/her/them], knowing that [he/she/they] will continue to grow, contribute, and represent your institution with excellence.
If you require further details or specific examples, feel free to contact me at [email/phone number]. I would be more than happy to provide additional insights.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Job Title, Institution/Organization]
An Example of a Recommendation Letter
June 17, 2025
Undergraduate Scholars Committee
University of Lagos
456 Academic Drive
Lagos, Nigeria
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Amaka Okoro for admission into the Undergraduate Scholars Program at the University of Lagos.
I taught Amaka in both Literature and English Language classes during her time at Queens College Yaba, Lagos, and I had the privilege of guiding her through the WAEC Honors Literature project in her final year. Her curiosity, creative expression, and deep analytical insight consistently stood out in every assignment.
One particular highlight was her outstanding paper analyzing the use of symbolism in Wole Soyinka’s plays—a piece that demonstrated not only her advanced writing skills but also her ability to engage critically with complex texts.
Beyond academics, Amaka has also shown remarkable leadership. She served as the Head Girl of the college, coordinated our annual Literary Day event, and was editor of the school’s creative writing magazine. She is equally committed to service—volunteering regularly with a literacy initiative for underprivileged children in her community.
I do not doubt that Amaka is more than ready for the academic rigors and intellectual independence the Scholars Program demands. She is a self-motivated, focused, and inspiring young woman who brings excellence into every space she enters.
If further details would be helpful, I would be happy to provide additional insights.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Helen Ogundele
Senior Literature Teacher, Queens College, Lagos
What You Should Know About Scholarship Recommendation Letter— Final Thought
Look, a strong scholarship recommendation letter tips isn’t about big names — it’s about real people who know you and can vouch for your growth, character, and potential.
So don’t overthink it. Ask early, guide them well, and give them the initiative to speak confidently about you.
I’ve done this for myself and helped others win, too. Trust me, with the right recommendation, doors will open.
You’ve got this — now go get that scholarship.
Need help shaping your letter or guiding your referee? Oh, don’t worry — We’re here for you. 👇
Confused About Where and How to Start Securing Scholarships Abroad, OR Write a Personal Statement? Here is a Simple Guide for you:
- Top 10 LinkedIn Accounts to Follow for Scholarship Opportunities
- Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Scholarships Abroad for Beginners
- How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship | Tips and Free Template
- Tips on How to Win a Scholarship
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