Is a letter of recommendation required?
- Optional - when applying for bachelor's studies in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
- Required - when applying for master's studies.
What is a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation shows the university how other people see you.
A university is both a community and a place of study. Before it admits you, it wants to know what you are like and how you take part in community life – that is exactly what a letter of recommendation shows.
The tips below show you what a good letter of recommendation should and should not mention.
Who should write the letter of recommendation?
Ideally, someone who knows you academically: a teacher or a lecturer. You can add up to three recommendations to your application, so you can also ask an employer or the leader of an organization you belong to.
Friends or family members cannot write your recommendation. The letter must give a neutral view, based on work or study, not on a personal relationship. The person writing your recommendation must know you well as a member of your academic or work community. They should be able to describe how you handle your responsibilities and how you work with other people in your group, your teachers and your managers.
Language and contact details
The recommendation must be written in English, and it should include the contact details of the person who wrote it.
What must a letter of recommendation mention?
Ask the person who writes your letter to cover these points:
- Their opinion on how ready and suitable you are for your chosen field (for example, the interests and activities that show your link to it);
- Your future – it helps a lot if the writer knows your plans and ambitions. If they don't, they can still describe the potential they see in you and the qualities that will help you succeed;
- How you do your work and tasks – for example, that you are reliable, finish on time and get good grades or other strong results;
- Anything that may affect your studies – for example, if you are often ill, or if you play sports and miss classes. The university should know. If you handle such situations well, finish your work on time and keep up with the group, that is also worth mentioning;
- Any special needs, if you have them, and how they were met at the school or university where you study now;
- Your health – but only with your consent. If your health or another factor may affect your studies or how active you can be at university, it is worth including.
How do you prepare the person writing your recommendation?
A well-informed person writes a much better letter, so take the time to talk to them first. Explain why you need the letter and name the exact program you plan to apply to. Then the person knows what they are recommending you for and can write the letter for that program. You can also show them a few example letters you like. You will find examples online and in the detailed instructions you get when you register on kastu.eu.
Quality or quantity?
In a letter of recommendation, quality is more important than quantity. It is better if the letter names a few of your strengths, describes them in detail and shows how they will help you in your studies. That is stronger than a long list of strengths with no explanation or examples.
Want detailed instructions with examples?
Register on kastu.eu – it's free. You get detailed writing instructions with examples by e-mail, together with your registration confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is a letter of recommendation required?
It depends on the level of study. When applying for bachelor's studies in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, a letter of recommendation is optional. When applying for master's studies, it is required. You will always see the exact list of documents in your application form – the list depends on the country, university and study program you choose.
2. Who can write my recommendation?
Ideally, someone who knows you academically – a teacher or a lecturer. An employer or the leader of an organization you belong to is also fine. Friends or family members cannot write your recommendation, because the letter must reflect a neutral view based on a working or academic relationship.
3. How many letters of recommendation can I submit?
You can add up to three recommendations to your application.
4. What language must my letter of recommendation be in?
The recommendation must be written in English, and it should include the contact details of the person who wrote it.
5. What should I tell the person who will write my recommendation?
Explain why you need the letter of recommendation and name the exact program you plan to apply to, so the person knows what they are recommending you for. It also helps to show them a few example letters you like.
6. How do I get the detailed writing instructions with examples?
Register on kastu.eu. You get detailed writing instructions with examples by e-mail, together with your registration confirmation.
7. What other documents will I need to apply?
Besides the letter of recommendation, you may need other documents to apply. Your application form shows the exact list of documents for the country, university and study program you choose. Read more about all application documents on the required documents page.
Still have questions about the letter of recommendation?
If you want to know more about the letter of recommendation or other application documents – ask KastuGPT.
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