35 Scholarship Recommendation Letter Examples

While the internet has a multitude of scholarship opportunities, they often require a recommendation letter to help set applicants apart and highlight their personal traits. However, knowing where to start and how to approach this somewhat daunting process, can be a little tricky. We’re here to help! This step-by-step guide helps to break down the process into several easy steps and provides recommendation sample letters for just about everything you can think of! Get reading for inspiration on what to include! 

1. Community Recommendation Letter

This recommendation letter is perfect for an applicant who is relying on a member of their community to write their recommendation. Suitable community members may be youth pastors, NGO managers, or even community helpers. Along with laying out the applicant’s capabilities and achievements, the writer should also highlight any positive community contributions. 

Learn More: Template

2. Recommendation Focused On Extra-curricular Activities 

Depending on the type of scholarship you are applying for, certain information should be included. This letter, for instance, is perfect for a sportsperson wanting to continue their sporting career throughout their studies. PE teachers or private coaches are the perfect candidates for write-ups as they’re able to highlight athletic performance and character traits! 

Learn More: All Business Templates

3. Highlighting Artistic Talents and Pursuits

Maybe you’re a talented artist or dancer looking to enroll in a prestigious course; if so, this example is for you! To highlight why you’re a suitable candidate, teachers and instructors can piece together a recommendation based on your; achievements, characteristics, collaborative endeavors, community involvement, and more!

Learn More: Slide Share

4. Recommendation By A Close Friend or Family Member 

As students prepare to submit their scholarship application, their sense of self-belief may take a tip. However, those closest to them, are often unwavering in support, and make the perfect recommendation letter writers! Friends and family have a keen sense of who the candidate is and will be able to highlight, in detail; admirable qualities, academic achievements, and the candidate’s commitment to helping others. 

Learn More: Going Merry

5. Recommendation Letter For Agricultural Interests

Found yourself wanting to get involved in the agricultural sector, but need some assistance to get started? If you’ve worked with farmers, their farm managers, or agricultural co-op owners, they can speak to your strengths. In their recommendation, they can highlight your work ethic, dedication, attitude, duties, and admirable personal qualities. 

Learn More: Live Career

6. Physics Scholarship Letter

Letter from your professor.

This resource provides readers with an excellent example of a recommendation letter perfect for a physics or science scholarship. Professors or school teachers make the perfect recommendation letter writers as they can shed light on; the academic performance, positive traits, and educational goals of the deserving student.

Learn More: Sample Templates

7. Letter From Your Principal

This recommendation letter has been drawn up by the principal of a school. Principals can spotlight all academic achievements, leadership qualities, positive attributes, and future goals; thus highlighting why the applicant is an ideal candidate. 

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8. Letter For Law School

Supervisors, teachers, or volunteer coordinators are excellent people to call on if you’re in need of a recommendation letter for law school. Along with highlighting your ambitious personal leadership abilities, they’ll be able to attest to your business leadership skills, work ethic, and other applicable traits. 

Learn More: The Balance Money

9. Leadership-focused Recommendation Letter

Letters of recommendation usually highlight at least one successful leadership feat. However, this scholarship program places leadership skills and qualities at the very fore of its focus. Recommenders should be able to detail all leadership roles and achievements of the deserving candidate and highlight their accomplishments in other areas. 

Learn More: Template Archive

10. The Truman Scholarship For

The Truman Scholarship is for US undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and academic achievements, as well as an unwavering commitment to public service. Writers should therefore highlight these qualities in their reference letters. 

Learn More: E-education

11. Personal Recommendation Based On A Prompt

At times, scholarship committees may ask applicants to write their own recommendation letter based on a prompt. This particular prompt invites applicants to describe a book that made a lasting impression on them and their life. This letter is perfect for students applying for a course in journalism or literary studies. 

Learn More: International Student

12. Recommendation By A Family Friend

This letter of recommendation can be written by a family friend that the applicant holds in high regard. Letters from a family friend can often come across as too informal, so writers should take care to maintain a professional tone as they testify to the applicant’s strengths, personal and academic goals, as well as their deservingness of the scholarship. 

Learn More: Template Archive

13. Self-drafted Letter

No one knows you better than yourself! So, if given the opportunity, why not draft your own recommendation letter? You can make fitting personal statements, highlight admirable qualities and achievements, as well as note your work ethic and commitment to the position or course. 

Learn More: Tate Publishing News

14. Recommendation Letter From A Beloved Teacher

Make sure your letter stands out by asking a beloved teacher to shine a spotlight on all your attributes and achievements. They can speak to your qualities on a personal level and then note your involvement in extracurricular activities and the school community. 

Learn More: Resume Genius

15. Employer Recommendation Letter

Employers are often able to craft strong recommendation letters! They can provide a pretty accurate analysis of your work ethic, career goals, level of commitment, and leadership qualities. 

Learn More: Template

16. Tech Enthusiast’s Dream: Recommendation by a Software Engineer

If you’ve got your eye on a tech-related scholarship, having a recommendation from a seasoned software engineer can make all the difference! This letter should discuss your proficiency in coding, your problem-solving abilities, and passion for technological innovation. It’ll also need to cover your involvement in tech-related extracurricular activities.

Learn More: Writolay

17. For Aspiring Doctors: A Recommendation from a Hospital Internship

Are you a pre-med student on the hunt for a scholarship? Be sure to ask for a letter from a doctor during your hospital internship. The letter should detail your hands-on experience, dedication, and positive attitude, as well as your ability to maintain control during stressful situations. It would also be beneficial to have your letter highlight any contributions that you’ve made to the team whilst working together.

Learn More: Template

18. Mastering Languages: Letter by a Linguist

For those looking into scholarships in foreign languages, you’ll be well-served by a recommendation from an experienced linguist. This letter should give a scholarly perspective on your skills in multiple languages, your understanding of different cultures, and your ability to communicate effectively. 

Learn More: Scribd

19. Stepping into the Spotlight: Theater Director’s Take

There are loads of opportunities for actors or dramatists to obtain scholarships in the field of performing arts. In this case, a letter from a theater director holds great value. To demonstrate your personal flair, this letter should be an exciting read- one that’s filled with vivid descriptions of your performances and quotes from iconic plays that reflect your talents.

Learn More: Zackary Nichols

20. Social Worker’s Advocacy: Letter from a Nonprofit Leader

Interested in a scholarship to pursue the fields of community service or social work? If so, a recommendation letter from the leader of a non-profit organization or community outreach program is extremely valuable. This touching letter should contain emotional anecdotes depicting your compassion and empathy and provide proof of instances where you made a real impact in the community.

Learn More: Visme

21. Future Engineer’s Blueprint: Letter from a Project Manager

Engineering students looking for scholarships, this one’s for you! A letter from the Project Manager of a role you’ve taken on will put the spotlight on your practical skills. Expect the letter to incorporate technical language and specific examples that demonstrate your application of engineering principles to solve real-world problems.

Learn More: Visme

22. The Scribe’s Reference: Journalism Professor’s Endorsement

For Journalism students, a scholarship application can shine with a letter from your Journalism Professor. It’s likely to be an eloquent composition featuring your investigative skills, journalism ethics, and your ability to meet tight deadlines whilst working under pressure. The professor might even reference famous journalists as a comparison to your budding talents!

Learn More: Tyler Ash’s Professional Web Resume

23. Green Thumbs Up: Environmentalist’s Approval

If you’re a student studying to be an environmental science major, it may be beneficial to request a letter from a reputable environmentalist. This letter should detail your sustainability endeavors and showcase your commitment to protecting the planet. Furthermore, it should contain considerable statistics and facts that highlight even the smallest effect you’ve had on encouraging sustainability.

Learn More: Sample Templates

24. Musical Maestro’s Melodies: From a Music Teacher

To secure a music scholarship, having an experienced music teacher provide a recommendation is essential. Their letter should be written like a musical composition, highlighting your outstanding performances with crescendos and demonstrating your commitment to mastering your craft.

Learn More: Dennis Frayne Arts, Music, & Education

25. The Lab Genius: Recommendation by a Research Supervisor

If you have a passion for research, getting a recommendation letter from your research supervisor can improve your application. This letter will deliver a plethora of information about your project- including its potential contributions to the educational community. You can expect the use of scientific terminology and a tone of enthusiasm throughout.

Learn More: Research Gate

26. Athlete’s Gold: From a Professional Sports Coach

Obtaining an athletic scholarship can be tough! That’s why we’d recommend trying to get a recommendation letter from a professional sports coach to give you that extra advantage. This letter should have an inspiring tone, including motivational quotes, and showcase your determination, persistence, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. 

Learn More: Scribd

27. The Novelist’s Quill: A Letter from a Published Author

If you’re an aspiring writer looking for scholarships in the literary field, receiving a recommendation from a published author can be incredibly helpful! l This letter might read like a narrative- painting a vivid picture of your talents whilst detailing your aspirations, and may even include excerpts of your writing as evidence of your talents.

Learn More: Writolay

28. The Culinary Artist’s Taste: From a Renowned Chef

 Are you interested in pursuing a career in culinary arts? A letter of recommendation from a respected chef can be just as appealing as a delicious recipe. The letter should include technical culinary language and highlight your knowledge of flavor combinations, inventiveness, and commitment to the profession.

Learn More: Slide Share

29. Future Economist’s Value: From a Finance Professor

Having a letter of recommendation from a Finance Professor is highly valuable when applying for scholarships in the fields of Economics or Finance. This recommendation should provide details about your understanding of complicated economic theories, mathematical prowess, and interest in solving real-world economic problems.

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30. The Leader of Tomorrow: From a Political Science Instructor

Aspiring politicians or policymakers looking for scholarships should try to get a stellar recommendation from a Political Science Instructor. This letter should analyze your political acumen, your grasp on policy matters, and your leadership qualities. It could even hint at your future potential in changing the political landscape.

Learn More: Type Calendar

31. The Mathematician’s Formula: From a Math Department Chair

For those seeking scholarships in mathematics, a good recommendation letter is critical. Make sure that it’s been written by the chair of the mathematics department and explores your talents and analytical abilities. It should also highlight your problem-solving skills and any exceptional accomplishments in mathematics competitions.

Learn More: Reddit

32. Space Explorer’s Log: From an Astronomy Professor

If you are passionate about applying for and receiving a scholarship in astrophysics and space exploration, it’s recommended that you request a letter from a physics professor. This letter should highlight your interest in the field, your related academic achievements, and your plans for contributing to the future of space research.

Learn More: Template

33. Future Architect’s Sketch: From a Design Professor

If you’re an architecture student seeking scholarships, consider asking a design professor to write you a recommendation letter. They can create a visually descriptive letter that showcases your unique architectural style and ability to create and execute complex design projects.

Learn More: Issuu

34. Humanitarian’s Hope: From a Refugee Camp Coordinator

Are you a humanitarian searching for scholarship opportunities? If you’ve been involved in humanitarian activities, you can obtain a letter from a refugee camp coordinator that will showcase your empathy, ability to work under difficult circumstances, and the positive impact you have had on the lives of those less fortunate. 

Learn More: Scribd

35. Trendsetter’s Spotlight: From a Fashion Design Instructor

Fashion enthusiasts, there are loads of scholarships that you can apply for. If you’re keen on pursuing studies in this field, you can’t go wrong with a recommendation letter from a seasoned fashion design instructor. This letter should describe your unique style and understanding of trends whilst also detailing how you’ve contributed to fashion shows or other related platforms.

Learn More: Bcarsana