Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for Study Abroad | AbroadEdx
Open Doors to Global Education with a Strong LOR
A compelling Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can be the key that unlocks your study abroad dream. Universities across the globe require LORs to evaluate your academic abilities, character, and potential for success in a rigorous international program. At AbroadEdx, we help you understand the importance of a well-written LOR, guide you through choosing the right recommender, and assist in drafting powerful, personalised recommendations that strengthen your application.
- What is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)?
- Types of LORs for Study Abroad
- Choosing the Right Recommender
- LOR Format and Structure
- LOR Writing Tips
- Sample LORs for Study Abroad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in a LOR
A Letter of Recommendation is a document written by someone who can vouch for your
academic or professional qualifications, character, and abilities. It is typically written by
professors, employers, project guides, or academic mentors and submitted as part of your
study abroad application.
Key Elements of a LOR:
● Relationship between recommender and applicant
● Duration of association
● Applicant’s academic or professional strengths
● Specific examples of achievements or traits
● Reason for recommending the applicant for the course
Depending on your background and the university's requirements, there are different types
of LORs:
1. Academic LOR
Required for students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate courses. Usually written
by professors, school teachers, or project guides.
2. Professional LOR
Essential for applicants with work experience, especially for MBA or MS programs. Written
by supervisors, managers, or colleagues who have worked closely with the candidate.
A great LOR comes from someone who:
● Has known you for at least 6 months
● Has closely observed your work or academics
● Can provide specific examples of your achievements
● Holds a credible position (e.g., professor, department head, team lead)
� Pro Tip: Avoid choosing someone with a fancy title who doesn’t know you well.
Here’s a recommended structure for writing an effective LOR:
1. Introduction: Who is the recommender and how do they know you?
2. Body Paragraphs: Highlight your key achievements, strengths, and examples of
work/academic excellence.
3. Conclusion: Strong endorsement with a statement of recommendation.
4. Signature: Recommender’s name, designation, contact details, and official stamp (if
applicable)
● Be specific and avoid vague praise
● Use a formal and professional tone
● Include real-life examples and achievements
● Do not copy-paste templates—customisation is key
● Align your LOR with your course and career goals
At AbroadEdx, we help you write personalised LORs that reflect your strengths and
aspirations clearly and professionally.
Here are a few examples of LORs for different scenarios:
✅ Academic LOR Sample for MSc in Computer Science:
"I have had the pleasure of teaching John during his undergraduate studies at XYZ
University. His analytical thinking, dedication, and problem-solving abilities were evident in
the advanced data structures class I taught..
✅ Professional LOR Sample for MBA:
During her tenure at ABC Corporation, Riya consistently delivered high-quality work,
demonstrated excellent leadership skills, and played a key role in launching our new
marketing strategy…"
For more customized LOR samples tailored to your field, get in touch with our experts.
● Generic and unoriginal content
● Grammatical and formatting errors
● Exaggerated or false claims
● Repetition of resume points
● Not aligning with the course applied for
Let AbroadEdx help you create powerful, error-free LORs that leave a lasting impression.
FAQs About Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
A Letter of Recommendation is a document written by a professor, employer, or mentor highlighting your skills, achievements, and character to support your university or visa application. It strengthens your profile by providing a third-party perspective on your capabilities.
Academic LORs should be written by your professors, project guides, or department heads. Professional LORs can be written by your reporting managers or supervisors if you have relevant work experience.
Most universities require 2-3 LORs, but the exact number can vary by course and country. Always check your specific university’s requirements before applying.
A good LOR includes:
The recommender’s relationship with you
Your key strengths and achievements.
Examples of your academic projects or professional contributions.
Soft skills like leadership, teamwork, or initiative
Recommender’s signature and contact details.
Yes, using your recommender’s official letterhead and obtaining their signature makes your LOR authentic and professional, which is highly preferred by universities.
Yes, if it is a general LOR addressed as “To Whom It May Concern.” However, for portal-based submissions, your recommender may need to tailor or directly submit it for each university.
Your LOR should ideally be issued within 6 months of your application. Some universities require sealed envelopes with signatures on the flap, while many accept scanned or direct online submissions.
Yes, AbroadEdx can guide you and your recommenders in drafting professional, impactful LORs that align with your course and university requirements, ensuring your profile stands out during admissions.
