LOR Samples for Students & Professionals (2025–26): Templates, Examples & Tips

When applying to top universities or competitive programs, your Letters of Recommendation (LORs) play a crucial role in showcasing your abilities beyond grades and test scores. Institutions like Harvard, University of Toronto, and ETH Zurich typically require at least two strong LORs to evaluate your academic or professional potential. 

An academic LOR is usually written by a professor or teacher who has closely observed your work. Admissions committees at schools like Oxford and MIT value letters that highlight research, projects, or leadership experiences rather than just grades. Meanwhile, a professional LOR is essential for MBA or master’s programs in business, engineering, or management.  

This guide provides LOR samples, templates, and tips for 2025–26, helping students and professionals craft letters that are authentic, structured, and compelling. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or research internship, these examples will show you how to write a recommendation letter that makes an impact. 

What Is An LOR and Why Do You Need It? 

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a formal document written by a teacher, professor, employer, or mentor that highlights your skills, achievements, and character. Unlike transcripts or test scores, an LOR provides insight into your personal qualities, work ethic, and potential, helping decision-makers understand who you are as a candidate. 

In university admissions, LORs are used to evaluate your suitability for a program, research capabilities, and academic potential. For jobs or internships, they showcase your professional skills, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Essentially, a strong LOR can set you apart from other applicants by giving credibility to your achievements. 

It’s important to note the difference between an SOP (Statement of Purpose) and an LOR. While an SOP is written by you to explain your goals, motivations, and experiences, an LOR is written by someone else to vouch for your abilities and character. Both work together to strengthen your application but serve distinct purposes. 

Which Type of LOR Do You Need for 2025 Applications? 

Choosing the right type of Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is crucial for maximizing the impact of your application. Depending on the program or purpose: academic, professional, or scholarship, you’ll need specific LORs that highlight relevant skills and achievements. 

Academic LOR 

An academic LOR is written by professors, teachers, or research mentors who have closely observed your academic performance, research work, or projects. It is typically required for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, emphasizing your intellectual capabilities, analytical skills, and classroom or lab performance. 

Professional LOR 

A professional LOR comes from your employer, supervisor, or manager and highlights your workplace achievements, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This type is often necessary for MBA programs, executive education, or job applications, especially where work experience is a key selection criterion. 

Scholarship-Specific LOR 

A scholarship-specific LOR is tailored to demonstrate not only your academic or professional achievements but also your leadership, community involvement, and overall potential. Selection committees use these letters to assess whether you deserve merit-based or need-based financial support. 

Types of LORs and Their Use Cases 

Type of LOR	Who Writes It	When It’s Needed	Key Highlights
Academic LOR	Professor/Teacher/Mentor	UG, MS, PhD applications	Research, projects, academic achievements
Professional LOR	Employer/Supervisor/Manager	MBA, executive programs, jobs	Leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, professional achievements
Scholarship-Specific LOR	Professor/Employer/Mentor	Scholarship applications	Leadership, community service, academic/professional excellence

What are the LOR Samples for Different Applications? 

Letters of Recommendation (LORs) vary depending on the program or purpose. Below are detailed, well-structured LOR examples for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, professional, and scholarship applications. Each sample highlights the format, content, and tone universities or employers prefer. 

Academic LOR Samples for Study Abroad  

A Letter of Recommendation from a professor or teacher helps universities understand your academic strengths beyond grades. It gives them a real picture of how you perform in class, handle projects, and contribute outside academics. 

Who Should Write an Academic LOR? 

Who Can Write It?	Best For
Professor	Master’s and PhD applications, research-based programs
School Principal	Undergraduate applications, especially for competitive universities
Subject Teacher	Bachelor’s and non-research-based master’s programs

What Should Be Included? 

Your academic strengths – Subjects where you performed well, top scores, class rank. 
Research & Projects – Any work related to your chosen field of study. 
Extracurricular Activities – Leadership in clubs, competitions, volunteer work. 

Example: If you're applying for a Master’s in Data Science at Carnegie Mellon, a letter from your Computer Science professor discussing your AI research project will be more valuable than a generic recommendation. 

H4: Academic LOR Sample for a Master’s Program 

“To, 
The Admissions Committee, 
[University Name] 
[Date] 

I am pleased to recommend [Student Name] for admission to the Master’s in Computer Science program at your university. As a Professor at [University Name], I have taught [Student Name] for two years in [Course Name]. 

[Student Name] consistently ranked among the top 5% of the class, showing strong analytical skills in data structures and machine learning. His/her undergraduate thesis on “Optimizing Neural Networks for Image Recognition” demonstrated an ability to apply concepts to real-world problems. 

Beyond academics, [Student Name] actively contributed to college hackathons and helped tutor juniors, showing leadership and teamwork. I strongly recommend him/her for your program. 

Sincerely, 
[Professor’s Name] 
[Designation] 
[University Name]” 

Best Advice: Keep it specific. If a professor can highlight a particular project or skill, the letter will feel more genuine. 

If you're preparing for MS in Data Science, refer to this LOR sample for MS in Data Science. 

Professional LOR Sample for Study Abroad  

A Professional LOR is important for MBA and skill-based programs where work experience matters. Universities like Harvard, INSEAD, and London Business School look for recommendations that describe your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills at work. 

Who Should Write a Professional LOR? 

Who Can Write It?	Best For
Direct Manager	MBA programs, skill-based master’s degrees
Employer/CEO	Executive MBA, leadership roles
Project Supervisor	Technical master’s programs (Engineering, IT, Finance)

What Should Be Included? 

Work contributions – Projects you led, major achievements, problem-solving skills. 
Leadership & teamwork – Managing teams, mentoring colleagues. 
Industry skills – Specific expertise related to your field. 

Example: If applying for an MBA at Harvard Business School, a letter from your manager at Deloitte discussing your role in a high-stakes consulting project will be valuable. 

H4: Professional LOR Sample for an MBA Program 

“To, 
The Admissions Committee, 
[University Name] 
[Date] 

I am pleased to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the MBA program at [University Name]. As a Senior Manager at [Company Name], I have worked with [Applicant] for the past three years and have seen exceptional growth. 

[Applicant] led a $10 million digital transformation project, improving operational efficiency by 20%. His/her ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver results under tight deadlines makes him/her a strong MBA candidate. 

Beyond project execution, [Applicant] took initiative in mentoring junior associates, showing leadership potential. I believe [he/she] will contribute significantly to your program. 

Sincerely, 
[Manager’s Name] 
[Designation] 
[Company Name]” 

Best Advice: A strong professional LOR should focus on impact, not just responsibilities. Numbers and specific achievements help. 

If you’re applying for an MBA program, check out this LOR guide for MBA students. 

H3: LOR Sample for PhD Applications 

A Letter of Recommendation for a PhD application is different from those for undergraduate or master’s programs. Universities like Stanford, ETH Zurich, and Cambridge focus on research potential, publications, and independent thinking when evaluating PhD applicants. 

What Makes a PhD LOR Different? 

Aspect	What Universities Look For
Research Abilities	Publications, lab work, analytical thinking
Independent Thinking	Ability to design and execute research projects
Academic Rigor	Performance in specialized courses, thesis work
Collaboration & Leadership	Teamwork in research, conference presentations

Who Should Write a PhD LOR? 

Research Supervisor – Ideal if you worked on a research project or published a paper. 
Professor (PhD Guide) – Best for applicants who completed a thesis under their supervision. 
Project Mentor – If you worked on funded research or industry-academic collaborations. 

Example: If applying for a PhD in Artificial Intelligence at MIT, a letter from your research advisor discussing your work on deep learning models will add credibility. 

 

PhD LOR Sample for University Admission 

“To, 
The Admissions Committee, 
[University Name] 
[Date] 

I am pleased to recommend [Student Name] for admission to the PhD program in [Field] at [University Name]. As a Professor at [University Name], I have worked with [Student Name] for over three years during [his/her] research on [Research Topic]. 

[Student Name] demonstrated strong analytical skills and independent thinking, particularly during [his/her] work on [specific project or publication], which was later published in [Journal Name]. [He/She] is skilled at formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and interpreting complex data. 

Beyond research, [Student Name] actively contributed to academic conferences, peer mentorship, and lab discussions, showing leadership and collaboration. I strongly recommend [him/her] for your program. 

Sincerely, 
[Professor’s Name] 
[Designation] 
[University Name]” 

Best Advice: Highlight publications, research work, and the applicant’s potential for academic contributions. 

If you’re applying for a research-based position or internship, refer to this LOR guide for research internships. 

LOR Sample for Scholarships  

Scholarship committees focus on academic merit, leadership, community work, and financial need. A scholarship LOR should clearly explain why the applicant deserves funding. 

How is a Scholarship LOR Different? 

Focus Area	What Scholarship Committees Look For
Academic Excellence	Consistent performance, achievements, awards
Leadership & Impact	Social initiatives, student clubs, mentoring
Financial Need	Justification of need (if applicable)
Commitment to Field	Long-term vision, dedication to chosen career

Who Should Write a Scholarship LOR? 

Professor– Best for merit-based academic scholarships. 
Mentor or Community Leader – Strong for leadership-based or social impact scholarships. 
Employer (for career-based scholarships) – If applying for a work-related scholarship, a letter from an employer helps. 

Example: If applying for the Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford, a professor’s letter discussing your academic performance and leadership in student-led initiatives will strengthen your case. 

LOR Sample for a Scholarship Application 

“To, 
The Scholarship Committee, 
[Scholarship Name], 
[Institution Name] 
[Date] 

I am honored to recommend [Student Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. As [his/her] professor at [University Name], I have witnessed [his/her] dedication to both academic excellence and social impact. 

[Student Name] has maintained a top 5% ranking in [Degree Program] while actively leading student mentoring programs. [His/Her] research on [Topic] was presented at [Conference Name], reflecting deep commitment to the field. 

Beyond academics, [Student Name] played a crucial role in [Community Project/Leadership Initiative], helping improve education for underprivileged students. Given [his/her] academic strength, leadership qualities, and financial background, I strongly support [his/her] application for this scholarship. 

Sincerely, 
[Professor’s Name] 
[Designation] 
[University Name]” 

Best Advice: Make sure the LOR aligns with the scholarship’s goals—whether it’s merit-based, leadership-focused, or need-based. 

 If you're applying for scholarship-based LORs, read LOR samples for BBA. 

LOR Sample for Undergraduate Admissions  

A Letter of Recommendation for undergraduate admissions gives universities a better understanding of your academic strengths, leadership, and overall personality beyond just grades. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Toronto often require at least one academic LOR, especially for competitive programs. 

Who Should Write an Undergraduate LOR? 

Who Can Write It?	Best For
High School Teacher	Academic LOR for subject-specific strengths (e.g., Math teacher for Engineering applications)
School Counselor	Well-rounded view of the student’s academic, extracurricular, and personal growth
Principal	Strong choice for top universities or leadership-focused programs

What Should Be Included in an Undergraduate LOR? 

Academic Performance – Subject strengths, class ranking, improvement over time. 
Extracurricular Activities – Clubs, sports, competitions, leadership roles. 
Personal Qualities – Work ethic, teamwork, contributions to the school community. 

Example: If you are applying to the University of British Columbia, a teacher can highlight how you led a robotics club or won a national coding competition. 

Undergraduate LOR Sample for University Admission 

“To, 
The Admissions Committee, 
[University Name] 
[Date] 

I am honored to recommend [Student Name] for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. As [his/her] [Subject] teacher at [School Name], I have taught [Student Name] for the past two years and have seen remarkable academic and personal growth. 

Academically, [Student Name] consistently performed among the top 5% in class, excelling in [mention subject], where [he/she] demonstrated an exceptional ability to grasp complex concepts. Beyond academics, [Student Name] served as the president of the Science Club, organizing school-wide workshops and securing first place in the National Science Olympiad 2025. 

[His/Her] curiosity, leadership, and teamwork make [him/her] an ideal candidate for your program. I strongly believe [he/she] will contribute meaningfully to your university’s academic and extracurricular environment. 

Sincerely, 
[Teacher’s Name] 
[Designation] 
[School Name]” 

LOR Sample for MBA Applications 

A Letter of Recommendation for MBA admissions highlights your professional achievements, leadership potential, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Top business schools like Harvard, INSEAD, and London Business School often require two or three professional LORs from managers, supervisors, or project leads to assess your impact in the workplace. 

H4: Who Should Write an MBA LOR? 

Who Can Write It?	Best For
Direct Manager	MBA programs, skill-based master’s degrees
Employer/CEO	Executive MBA, leadership roles
Project Supervisor	Technical master’s programs (Engineering, IT, Finance)

What Should Be Included in an MBA LOR? 

• Leadership & Teamwork – Managing teams, mentoring colleagues, strategic contributions. 
• Work Contributions – Major achievements, projects led, measurable impact. 
• Professional Skills – Industry expertise, problem-solving, decision-making abilities. 

Example: If applying for an MBA at Harvard Business School, a letter from your manager at Deloitte detailing your leadership in a high-impact consulting project will strengthen your application. 

MBA LOR Sample 

“To, 

The Admissions Committee, 

[University Name] 

[Date] 

I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for the MBA program at [University Name]. As a Senior Manager at [Company Name], I have worked with [Applicant Name] for the past three years and have witnessed exceptional growth. 

[Applicant Name] led a $10 million digital transformation project, improving operational efficiency by 20%. Their ability to manage cross-functional teams, mentor junior colleagues, and deliver results under tight deadlines demonstrates strong leadership potential. 

Beyond technical skills, [Applicant Name] fosters a collaborative work environment and contributes to strategic decision-making. I am confident they will excel in your program and bring valuable insights to classroom discussions. 

Sincerely, 

[Manager’s Name] 

[Designation] 

[Company Name]” 

Best Advice: Focus on quantifiable achievements, leadership examples, and strategic impact rather than only job responsibilities. 

LOR Sample for MS Applications 

A Letter of Recommendation for MS or technical/research programs emphasizes your academic and research abilities. Universities like Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, and ETH Zurich value LORs that showcase your technical skills, analytical thinking, and contributions to research projects. 

H4: Who Should Write an MS LOR? 

Who Can Write It?	Best For
Professor/Research Supervisor	Academic guidance, thesis/project-based research
Project Mentor	Applied technical experience or research internships
Industry Guide (if hybrid program)	Professional research experience relevant to MS

What Should Be Included in an MS LOR? 

• Academic Strengths – Performance in key subjects, intellectual curiosity. 
• Research & Projects – Work on projects, publications, or lab research. 
• Technical Skills – Proficiency in tools, programming languages, experimental techniques. 

Example: If applying for an MS in Data Science at Carnegie Mellon, a letter from your Computer Science professor discussing your AI research project will carry more weight than a general recommendation. 

MS LOR Sample 

“To, 

The Admissions Committee, 

[University Name] 

[Date] 

I am pleased to recommend [Student Name] for admission to the Master’s in Computer Science program at [University Name]. As a Professor at [University Name], I have taught [Student Name] for two years in [Course Name] and supervised their research project on [Research Topic]. 

[Student Name] consistently ranked among the top 5% of the class, demonstrating strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Their undergraduate thesis on ‘Optimizing Neural Networks for Image Recognition’ showcased the ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges. 

Beyond academics, [Student Name] actively contributed to college hackathons and mentored juniors, reflecting leadership and teamwork. I strongly recommend them for your program. 

Sincerely, 

[Professor’s Name] 

[Designation] 

[University Name]” 

Best Advice: Highlight specific projects, research outcomes, and technical contributions to make the LOR compelling. 

What is the Format & Structure of a Letter of Recommendation? 

A well-written Letter of Recommendation (LOR) format should follow a clear structure to effectively highlight the candidate’s strengths. Whether academic or professional, admissions committees and employers prefer letters that are concise, specific, and easy to read. 

Structure of a LOR 

1. Introduction: Introduce the recommender, their relationship with the applicant, and the purpose of the letter. 
2. Academic/Professional Achievements: Highlight the applicant’s key accomplishments, skills, and contributions relevant to the program or role. 
3. Personal Traits: Emphasize qualities like leadership, teamwork, integrity, problem-solving, or creativity. 
4. Conclusion: Summarize the recommendation, explicitly endorse the applicant, and provide contact information for follow-up. 

Formatting Guidelines 

• Font & Size: Use professional fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, 11–12 pt. 
• Word Count: Keep it between 300–500 words for clarity and impact. 
• Tone: Maintain a formal, positive, and supportive tone while being honest. Avoid exaggeration; specificity adds credibility. 
• Additional Tips: Use bullet points only if necessary for clarity, and ensure proper spacing between paragraphs for readability. 

How Many LORs Do You Need for University Applications Abroad? 

The number of Letters of Recommendation (LORs) required varies by program and country. Providing the right number ensures your application is complete and competitive. 

Program	Typical Requirement	Example Countries & Notes
UG	1–3 academic LORs	USA & Canada: Usually 2 LORs from teachers or school counselors  UK: 1–2 LORs focusing on academic suitability for the chosen course
MS	2–3 LORs	USA: 2–3 academic/research LORs from professors or research supervisors  Canada & Germany: 2 academic LORs; one may be optional depending on the university
MBA	2 professional or mixed LORs	USA & UK: 2 professional LORs; sometimes 1 academic LOR may be accepted  Canada & Europe: 2 professional letters recommended
PhD	3 academic/research-focused LORs	USA & UK: 3 academic LORs, preferably from professors or research supervisors  Canada & Europe: 2–3 academic LORs, depending on the program

What are some Tips to Get a Winning LOR? 

A strong LOR can make a significant difference in your application. Follow these tips to ensure your letters stand out: 

1. Build Strong Recommender Relationships 

• Interact regularly with professors, mentors, or managers. 
• Engage in projects, discussions, and research that allow them to know your abilities firsthand. 

2. Provide Inputs to Your Recommender 

• Share your CV, transcripts, personal statement, and achievements. 
• Highlight the skills, projects, or qualities you want them to emphasize. 

3. Tailor LORs for Scholarships or Jobs 

• Align the content with the program or organization’s goals. 
• For scholarships, emphasize leadership, community impact, or financial need. 
• For jobs, focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and project contributions. 

4. Use Specific Examples Over Generic Praise 

• Mention measurable achievements (e.g., “Increased efficiency by 15%”) 
• Cite concrete instances of leadership, innovation, or research contribution. 
• Avoid vague statements like “hardworking” or “good student” without context. 

Conclusion 

A strong Letter of Recommendation can significantly enhance your university or job application by showcasing your academic achievements, professional skills, and personal qualities. Whether it’s for undergraduate, master’s, MBA, PhD, or scholarship applications, tailoring your LOR to highlight specific strengths and experiences is key to standing out. 

Beyond LORs, upGrad Abroad offers support for exam preparation, including IELTS, GMAT, and GRE, along with free courses to help you strengthen your profile.  

Want feedback on your LOR draft or not sure which version suits your application? Book a free counseling session and get expert advice tailored to your profile. Start your study abroad journey with a strong application and make a lasting impression.