Last reviewed: 20 August 2026
A good referee is not simply the most senior person you know. The best referee is an eligible person who can provide specific evidence relevant to the scholarship’s selection criteria.
Check who is allowed to write
Some programmes require academic referees, employers or a particular combination. Others exclude relatives, personal contacts or current scholarship staff.
Choose evidence over prestige
A supervisor who knows your work well can often write a stronger letter than a famous senior person who can only provide general praise.
Prepare the referee
Send the official programme link, deadline, submission method, your current CV and a short reminder of relevant projects or achievements. Do not write a false letter for someone else to sign.
Allow time
Invite referees well before the deadline and confirm whether the system sends them a separate link. Keep a respectful reminder schedule.
Check consistency
Your CV, essays and reference should not contradict each other on dates, roles or achievements. Accurate consistency strengthens credibility.