How to Write Powerful Letter of Recommendation for Scholarships

One of the most overlooked yet most powerful parts of a scholarship application is the letter of recommendation (sometimes called a reference letter). It’s the only part of your application not written by you, and it gives the selection panel an external, unbiased view of your potential, character, and achievements.

But here’s the problem:

Many African students don’t know who to ask, what the letter should include, or how to guide their referees, which leads to generic, weak letters that hurt your chances.

This complete guide walks you through:

What scholarship reference letters are
Who to ask (and who not to)
What should be inside a strong letter
How to request a recommendation professionally
Real examples and templates
Common mistakes to avoid
Specific tips for Chevening, DAAD, Mastercard, Fulbright, and more

1. What is a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

A recommendation letter is a formal letter written by someone who knows you academically or professionally, explaining why you’re a strong candidate for a scholarship.

Purpose:

To confirm your strengths as stated in your application
To give credibility to your academic or leadership potential
To show a third-party endorsement of your goals

2. Who Can Write a Good Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

Choose someone who:
✅ Has known you for at least 6 months
✅ Has supervised you in school, work, or a community project
✅ Can speak about your skills, ethics, and growth

Best People to Ask:

University lecturer or professor
Research or thesis supervisor
School principal (for high school students)
Work supervisor (if applying for leadership-based programs)
NGO/project coordinator (if relevant to your scholarship field)

People to Avoid:

Family members or friends
Religious leaders (unless they supervised a relevant project)
Someone who barely knows you or only taught you once
Someone who agrees but delays or writes generically

3. What Should a Strong Recommendation Letter Include?

A winning letter should be:

📝 1–2 pages long, on official letterhead
🔍 Specific and detailed, not vague or generic
📌 Aligned with the scholarship’s focus (e.g. leadership, research, community service)

Structure of a Strong Letter:

Header + Introduction – Who the recommender is and how they know the student
Academic/Work Performance – Achievements, skills, growth
Character – Attitude, ethics, perseverance, integrity
Alignment with Scholarship – Why they’re a good fit for the program
Closing and Endorsement – Strong support + contact info

4. Sample Recommendation Letter (Academic – DAAD/Graduate School)

[University Letterhead]
Department of Environmental Science
University of Ghana
P.O. Box LG 209, Legon, Accra
Email: amensah@ug.edu.gh | Tel: +233 20 000 1234
Date: August 30, 2024

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Miss Adjoa Nkrumah for the DAAD EPOS Master’s Scholarship in Environmental Governance. I have known Miss Nkrumah for over three years as her lecturer and final-year thesis supervisor at the University of Ghana.

Academically, Adjoa is one of the most brilliant and driven students I have encountered in my 14 years of teaching. She graduated with a First Class and her research project, which focused on urban waste policy in Accra, was among the top 5 in the department in 2023. Her ability to combine fieldwork, data analysis, and policy insight impressed not only myself but the external examiners.

Beyond academics, Adjoa has demonstrated exceptional leadership. She served as the President of the Environmental Science Students Association, leading a successful campus-wide waste audit campaign. She also volunteers with the EcoClean Ghana NGO, where she trains students in secondary schools on recycling and plastic use reduction.

Her passion for sustainable development, her academic rigour, and her personal values make her an ideal candidate for the DAAD Scholarship. I have no doubt that she will not only benefit from the program but also contribute meaningfully to it.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ama Mensah
Senior Lecturer, University of Ghana
Email: amensah@ug.edu.gh

5. How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter (the Right Way)

✅ DO:

Ask at least 3–4 weeks in advance
Explain what the scholarship is about
Offer to send your CV, transcript, and personal statement
Politely follow up 1 week before the deadline

📌 Sample Email Request:

Subject: Request for a Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Dear Professor Kamau,

I hope you are doing well. I am applying for the Chevening Scholarship this October and would be honoured if you could write me a recommendation letter.

The Chevening program focuses on leadership and academic excellence, and I believe your letter would offer valuable insights into my skills and achievements.

I’ve attached my resume, personal statement draft, and scholarship link for your reference. The letter is due by October 20th, 2024, and it can be submitted online via a link I’ll forward once you confirm.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best regards,
Amina Yusuf

6. Program-Specific Recommendation Letter Tips

Chevening Scholarship

Must come from professional or academic supervisors
Focus on leadership and influence
Submit via online platform (you don’t see the letter)

DAAD EPOS/Helmut Schmidt

Academic referees preferred
Must be on official letterhead and signed
Often uploaded as PDF by the applicant

Mastercard Foundation

Strong on community impact and potential for social change
NGO coordinators or project leaders can be accepted
Emphasize character, leadership, resilience

Fulbright (US Embassy)

At least one academic referee required
Prefer 2–3 letters
Should emphasize adaptability, international potential, academic excellence

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Choosing someone who barely knows your work
❌ Asking at the last minute
❌ Submitting generic “To Whom It May Concern” letters to specific programs
❌ Failing to guide the referee on what’s needed
❌ Submitting without letterhead or contact details
❌ Letters shorter than 3 paragraphs or longer than 2 pages

8. What Makes a Letter Stand Out

Specific examples of projects, papers, or leadership
Clear endorsement: “I strongly recommend…”
Mention of growth over time (not just grades)
Use of quantifiable results: e.g. “Her research helped the department secure a 50% waste reduction grant.”

Final Tips

Choose someone who knows you well and believes in you
Help them help you: give context and materials
Always check the scholarship’s letter format and delivery method
Never pressure or fake a letter
Thank your referees afterward—they’re investing in your future too

N/B:

A powerful letter of recommendation can tip the scales in your favor, especially in highly competitive programs. So don’t leave it to chance. Be strategic, respectful, and proactive.

Need help crafting a referee request or reviewing your letter? Drop a comment or message us—we’re here to support your scholarship journey!

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