If you are applying for a Chevening Scholarship, you will need to submit a reference letter from a professional who can attest to your skills, achievements, and potential. Writing a reference letter can be a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. However, with the right guidance and examples, you can create a compelling and effective letter that will enhance your application.
Tips for Writing a Chevening Reference Letter
Before we dive into the examples, here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a Chevening reference letter:
1. Understand the requirements
Make sure you are familiar with the Chevening requirements for reference letters. Each letter should be written on letter-headed paper, signed and dated, and include the referee’s contact details. The letter should not exceed one A4 page.
2. Highlight the applicant’s strengths
Your letter should focus on the applicant’s skills, achievements, and potential, and how these qualify them for a Chevening Scholarship. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
3. Be honest and objective
A Chevening reference letter should be an honest and objective assessment of the applicant’s abilities. Avoid exaggerating or embellishing their achievements, and be truthful about any weaknesses or areas for improvement.
4. Personalize the letter
A personalized reference letter can be more effective than a generic one. Mention specific conversations or interactions you have had with the applicant, and how these have influenced your opinion of them.
5. Edit and proofread
Make sure you edit and proofread your letter carefully before submitting it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure the tone and content are appropriate for the Chevening Scholarship application.
Examples of Chevening Reference Letters
Academic Achievements
Dear Chevening Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for a Chevening Scholarship. As their [subject/field] professor at [university], I have had the pleasure of teaching them for [number of years/semesters] and have been consistently impressed by their academic achievements and intellectual curiosity.
Throughout their studies, [applicant’s name] has demonstrated exceptional [skills/qualities], as evidenced by [specific examples]. They have also been actively involved in [extracurricular activities], showing leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to [causes/values].
I have no doubt that [applicant’s name] has the potential to make a significant contribution to [field/industry] and to benefit from the Chevening Scholarship program. I strongly endorse their application and recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
Professional Experience
Dear Chevening Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for a Chevening Scholarship. As their supervisor/manager at [company/organization], I have had the privilege of working with them for [number of years/months] and have been consistently impressed by their professional skills and achievements.
[Applicant’s name] has demonstrated exceptional [skills/qualities], as evidenced by [specific examples]. They have also shown a willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities, and have consistently delivered high-quality work under pressure.
I believe that [applicant’s name] has the potential to make a significant contribution to [field/industry] and to benefit from the Chevening Scholarship program. I strongly endorse their application and recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
Leadership Potential
Dear Chevening Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for a Chevening Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] as a [colleague/mentor] at [company/organization] and have been consistently impressed by [his/her] leadership potential and dedication to [causes/values].
[Applicant’s name] has demonstrated exceptional [skills/qualities], as evidenced by [specific examples]. [He/She] has also shown a commitment to [extracurricular activities], taking on leadership roles and making a positive impact in [his/her] community.
I believe that [applicant’s name] has the potential to become a future leader in [field/industry] and to benefit greatly from the Chevening Scholarship program. I strongly endorse their application and recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Dear Chevening Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for a Chevening Scholarship. As the founder/CEO of [company/organization], I have had the opportunity to work with [him/her] closely and have been consistently impressed by [his/her] entrepreneurial spirit and vision.
[Applicant’s name] has demonstrated exceptional [skills/qualities], as evidenced by [specific examples]. [He/She] has also shown a commitment to [causes/values], using [his/her] business acumen to make a positive impact in [his/her] community.
I believe that [applicant’s name] has the potential to become a successful entrepreneur and to benefit greatly from the Chevening Scholarship program. I strongly endorse their application and recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
Community Involvement
Dear Chevening Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for a Chevening Scholarship. As [his/her] teacher/mentor/volunteer supervisor, I have had the opportunity to observe [his/her] commitment to [causes/values] and [his/her] dedication to making a positive impact in [his/her] community.
[Applicant’s name] has demonstrated exceptional [skills/qualities], as evidenced by [specific examples]. [He/She] has also been actively involved in [extracurricular activities], showing leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to [causes/values].
I believe that [applicant’s name] has the potential to become a future leader in [field/industry] and to benefit greatly from the Chevening Scholarship program. I strongly endorse their application and recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
Academic Improvement
Dear Chevening Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for a Chevening Scholarship. As their [subject/field] professor at [university], I have had the pleasure of teaching them for [number of years/semesters] and have seen [his/her] academic progress firsthand.
[Applicant’s name] has faced [challenges/obstacles] during [his/her] studies, but [he/she] has demonstrated a remarkable ability to overcome them and to improve [his/her] academic performance. [He/She] has shown a willingness to learn, to seek feedback, and to take on new challenges.
I believe that [applicant’s name] has the potential to make a significant contribution to [field/industry] and to benefit greatly from the Chevening Scholarship program. I strongly endorse their application and recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
Research Potential
Dear Chevening Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for a Chevening Scholarship. As their [subject/field] research supervisor at [university/institution], I have had the pleasure of working with them on [research project/thesis] and have been consistently impressed by their research potential and intellectual curiosity.
[Applicant’s name] has demonstrated exceptional [skills/qualities], as evidenced by [specific examples of research output/work]. [He/She] has also shown a willingness to engage with [other research areas/disciplines], and to collaborate with other researchers and institutions.
I believe that [applicant’s name] has the potential to become a leading researcher in [field/industry] and to benefit greatly from the Chevening Scholarship program. I strongly endorse their application and recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a Chevening reference letter?
A Chevening reference letter should highlight the applicant’s skills, achievements, and potential, and how these qualify them for a Chevening Scholarship. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, and make sure the letter is personalized and honest.
Who should I ask to write my Chevening reference letter?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can provide a detailed and objective assessment of your abilities. This could be a professor, supervisor, mentor, or colleague, depending on your background and experience.
How long should my Chevening reference letter be?
Your Chevening reference letter should not exceed one A4 page. Make sure you follow the Chevening requirements for letter format and content.
Can I see examples of Chevening reference letters?
Yes, you can find examples of Chevening reference letters online, including on the official Chevening website. However, make sure you do not copy or plagiarize these examples, but use them as a guide for your own letter.
What should I do if my referee cannot write in English?
If your referee cannot write in English, you can provide a certified translation of their letter, along with the original letter in their language. Make sure you follow the Chevening requirements for translations.
When is the deadline for Chevening reference letters?
The deadline for Chevening reference letters is the same as the deadline for the scholarship application. Make sure you check the Chevening website for the specific deadline for your country and course.
Conclusion
Writing a Chevening reference letter can be a valuable opportunity to showcase your skills, achievements, and potential to a potential scholarship committee. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a compelling and effective letter that will enhance your application and increase your chances of being selected for a Chevening Scholarship.