Letter of recommendation for masters

According to a Graduate Admissions Council (GMAC) survey, nearly 87% of master’s programmes worldwide rate recommendations as “important” or “very important” in evaluating applicants.

At Edvoy, we guide you step by step on how to secure effective LORs that increase your chances of admission to top universities.

Book a call with our counsellors at Edvoy now.

What is a letter of recommendation for a master's degree

A letter of recommendation for a master’s degree is a formal statement written by a professor, employer, or mentor endorsing your suitability for postgraduate study. It highlights your academic performance, skills, achievements, and qualities that align with the master’s programme you’re applying for.

“Your recommendation letters are the voice of those who know you best. They tell us what numbers and transcripts cannot.” – Stanford University Graduate Admissions

Letter of recommendation for a master's degree from a professor

For most master’s applications, you’ll need at least one academic LOR from a professor. This is particularly crucial if you’re applying straight after your bachelor’s degree. Professors can validate your subject expertise, classroom participation, and research potential.

Here’s what professors usually highlight in a strong academic LOR:

• Your subject-specific knowledge (for example, economics, engineering, or computer science)
• Evidence of critical thinking and problem-solving
• Research projects, dissertations, or lab work you undertook
• Commitment, consistency, and ethical behaviour as a student
• Potential for success in a rigorous postgraduate environment

Tip: When approaching professors, remind them of specific projects or coursework you excelled in. This helps them write a detailed, personalised letter rather than a generic one.

Letter of recommendation for master's from employer

If you’ve worked for a few years before applying, or if the programme values professional experience (like an MBA or applied sciences), an employer LOR is equally important. Employers focus on your leadership, teamwork, and professional skills.

Strong employer LORs typically cover:

• Your technical skills and achievements in the workplace
• Leadership and responsibility in team settings
• Initiative, problem-solving, and innovation at work
• Work ethics and dependability
• Transferable skills relevant to postgraduate study (like communication or analytical thinking)

At Edvoy, we recommend having a balance of LORs: if the university asks for two, submit one academic and one professional. This gives the admissions team a complete picture of who you are.

Also read: Letter of recommendation: Everything you need to know

Letter of recommendation for a master's in the USA

Universities in the USA are particularly detail-oriented when it comes to recommendation letters. Most master’s programmes require 2–3 LORs, with specific instructions on whether they should be academic or professional.

Key points for US master’s LORs:

• Must be written on official letterhead and signed
• Should directly address your potential to thrive in the specific programme
• Some universities require your recommenders to submit online directly through portals like CommonApp or the university’s graduate application system
• Admissions committees value anecdotes—real examples of leadership, creativity, or resilience in your LOR can make you stand out

An LOR is not just about praising the student, it’s about giving us tangible evidence of potential.”- University of Michigan Admissions

Related articles

Letter of Recommendation: Everything you need to know

6 Sample letter of recommendation for students

The best letter of recommendation format to follow

Letter of recommendation for a master's in the UK

For the UK, master’s applications typically ask for 2 LORs. While many accept employer letters, the emphasis is often on academic performance, especially for research-focused degrees.

What UK universities look for:

• Proof of academic readiness for advanced study
• Clear examples of analytical and research ability
• Professional conduct and communication skills
• Suitability for the specific course (e.g. MSc Data Science, MA Education)

At Edvoy, we’ve seen students with well-structured academic LORs gain admissions to top institutions like University College London, University of Manchester, and King’s College London, even with borderline GPAs.

Letter of recommendation for a master's in Germany

Germany’s master’s programmes are highly competitive, especially in engineering, STEM, and research-heavy fields. Universities often mandate at least two academic LORs.

Here’s what makes German LORs unique:

• Strong focus on research and technical projects
• Professors must outline your ability to contribute to the academic community
• Attention to your academic ranking in class (for example, top 10% or top 20%)
• Direct references to your independent work, dissertations, or industrial training

If you’re applying to TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, or Heidelberg, ensure your recommenders stress your research aptitude and technical capabilities.

Letter of recommendation for master's programme: Format

While every university sets guidelines, most LORs follow a similar format:

1. Introduction – Who the recommender is, their relationship with you (professor/employer), and context.
2. Academic/Professional performance – Achievements, technical skills, and intellectual ability.
3. Personal qualities – Leadership, resilience, teamwork, or communication skills.
4. Specific examples – Real-life projects, coursework, or workplace achievements.
5. Closing endorsement – Strong recommendation for admission, contact details for verification.

Pro tip from Edvoy: A good LOR should be 400–500 words, specific, and personalised. Generic letters weaken your application.

Need personalised help? Speak to an Edvoy counsellor.

Sample LORs

Sample 1:

Dear Admissions Team,

I am pleased to write this Letter of Recommendation for XXX, who has been a student at our institution for the past three years. I have worked closely with her and observed her academic performance and work ethic during this time.

From the very beginning, XXX has shown a strong inclination towards research and has consistently demonstrated her ability to think critically and analyse complex academic problems. She has always been proactive in her approach and has shown a genuine interest in learning new things.

One of the most impressive aspects of XXX’s academic profile is her ability to work collaboratively with her peers and instructors. She is an excellent team player and has always been willing to go the extra mile to achieve team goals. Her ability to communicate effectively and articulate her ideas has been an asset to her team.

During her academic tenure, XXX has taken several courses across multiple disciplines, including history, political science, and economics. Her performance in these courses has been exemplary, and she has consistently demonstrated her ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. I have had the opportunity to work with XXX on several research projects, and I can confidently say that she has a natural flair for research. Her research work has been thoughtful and well-structured, and she has consistently demonstrated a good understanding of the research question and the methodology required to answer it.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend XXX for admission to the Master's program. She has all the qualities of an excellent student, including academic excellence, a strong work ethic, and a passion for learning. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Sincerely,

Recommender’s

Full Name

Designation-Department

Institution, City

Contact No-

Email ID-

Sample 2:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter of recommendation for [Applicant’s Name], who was employed at [Company Name] as a [Job Title] from [Employment Start Date] to [Employment End Date]. I enjoyed working closely with [Applicant’s Name] during this time and can attest to their exceptional work ethic, skills, and abilities.

As an employee, [Applicant’s Name] consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to their work, paying meticulous attention to detail and delivering high-quality results. They were proactive in identifying opportunities for process improvements and always willing to take on new challenges. [Applicant’s Name] was an integral team member, and their contributions were instrumental in our success.

[Applicant’s Name] holds a Bachelor’s degree in [Degree Name] from [University Name]. Throughout their studies, they exhibited a passion for their field of study, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter and a keen ability to apply their knowledge in practical settings. Based on my experience working with [Applicant’s Name], I do not doubt they would excel in a Master’s program. They possess a unique combination of academic knowledge, practical skills, and a strong work ethic, making them a valuable addition to any program.

I highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to the Master’s program they are applying for. I am confident they will continue to impress with their dedication, hard work, and ability to deliver exceptional results.

Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

[Company Name]

Letter of recommendation for master's admission

Admissions teams use LORs to answer one key question: “Will this student succeed in our programme?” A strong LOR assures them you’re not only qualified but also motivated and prepared for the academic journey.

We at Edvoy advise students to:

• Request LORs at least 4–6 weeks before deadlines
• Provide your recommender with your CV, SOP draft, and course details
• Check university guidelines (word limits, digital vs. hard copies) carefully
• Always waive your right to view the recommendation. makes it more credible

Common mistakes to avoid in your LOR

• Choosing recommenders who don’t know you well
• Submitting generic “template-style” letters
• Ignoring specific university instructions
• Repeating your SOP instead of adding new perspectives
• Missing deadlines due to late requests

Also read: Sample letters of recommendation for students

FAQs

How many LORs do I need for a master’s application?

You’ll typically need 2–3 letters of recommendation for a master’s, but the exact number depends on the country, university and course. Check each programme’s page: some ask for two academic references, others accept one academic + one professional (useful if you have work experience). Start early, confirm your referees, brief them on your goals, share your CV/transcripts, and give them the submission links and deadlines.

Can I ask my internship supervisor for a LOR?

Absolutely, internship supervisors are excellent referees if they’ve directly overseen your work. They can speak to your problem-solving, initiative, teamwork, and real-world impact, which strengthens your file, especially for applied or professional programmes. Choose a supervisor who remembers specific projects and can cite measurable outcomes; give them a short bullet summary of your key contributions to make their letter concrete.

Do universities verify LORs?

Yes, many universities verify references by emailing or calling recommenders, particularly in the US, UK and Germany. Some portals also send secure links to the recommender’s official email to prevent fraud. Make sure your referees use institutional or company email addresses, respond promptly, and are aware of deadlines. Never write your own letter or use generic templates; admissions teams can spot them, and it can jeopardise your application.

Should LOR be handwritten or typed?

Always typed on official letterhead, dated, and signed, handwritten letters are not accepted. The letterhead should include the recommender’s department or company details, address and contact information. Ask them to include their designation, email and phone number in the closing. Keep the tone professional, 1-1.5 pages, with specific examples tied to the skills the programme values (analytical ability, research readiness, leadership, communication).