How to Get Recommendation Letters for European Scholarships (Templates & Tips 2025)

Introduction

When applying for competitive European scholarships in 2025 — whether it’s Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, or the Swedish Institute — recommendation letters are a critical part of your application. A well-written reference can distinguish you from equally qualified candidates, highlighting your achievements, character, and potential in ways your CV or transcript cannot.

This guide will show you how to secure impactful recommendation letters, provide ready-to-use email templates, and explain what European universities and scholarship panels are looking for in 2025.

Why Recommendation Letters Matter

Scholarship committees don’t just look at grades — they want insight into your work ethic, leadership skills, adaptability, and motivation. A strong letter of recommendation:

• Adds credibility to your academic and personal claims

• Offers an outsider’s perspective on your abilities

• Demonstrates your preparedness for international study and research

• Can be a deciding factor between two closely matched candidates

Who Should Write Your Recommendation Letters?

Choose referees who:

• Know you well academically or professionally

• Can speak about your skills, achievements, and potential

• Hold respectable positions (professors, thesis advisors, department heads, supervisors)

• Are familiar with your scholarship goals or area of study

Avoid choosing family members or friends. Two letters are usually required — one academic and one professional, if possible.

How to Request a Recommendation Letter (Step-by-Step)

1. Start Early

Reach out 4–6 weeks before your deadline. Good letters take time.

2. Ask Politely & Professionally

Use a formal tone and give them the option to decline if they’re too busy.

3. Provide Context

Explain:

• What the scholarship is for

• Why you’re applying

• What the referee could highlight (skills, achievements, leadership, etc.)

4. Share Supporting Documents

Provide your:

• CV or résumé

• Statement of purpose or motivation letter

• Transcript or grades

• Scholarship description and deadline

Sample Email Template to Request a Letter

Subject: Request for Recommendation Letter for [Scholarship Name] – Due [Date]

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to kindly request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Name of Scholarship], which supports international students pursuing graduate studies in Europe.

Having had the opportunity to work with you in [class/project/research], I believe you could provide valuable insight into my academic strengths and commitment to [field/subject].

The deadline for submission is [insert deadline], and I’ve attached my CV and scholarship details for your reference. Please let me know if you would be comfortable writing this recommendation.

Thank you very much for considering my request.

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number, optional]

Key Tips for Recommenders

If you’re helping a referee write the letter, make sure they:

• Address the letter to “To Whom It May Concern” or the specific scholarship committee

• Use university or company letterhead and official email

• Include specific examples of your academic work, leadership, or integrity

• Emphasize your ability to succeed in an international, interdisciplinary environment

What Scholarship Committees Want in a Recommendation Letter

European scholarship programs in 2025 value letters that highlight:

Mistakes to Avoid

• Asking someone who barely knows you

• Using generic or vague language in the letter

• Forgetting to remind your referee about deadlines

• Submitting a letter without an official signature or contact details

• Reusing letters from old applications without updates