Teacher reference for university admission: reference letter example
When to use it
A teacher's recommendation for a student applying to an undergraduate programme, at home or abroad.
The full letter
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
[Date]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I teach [subject] at [School name] and have known [Student's full name] for [X] years, teaching [him/her/them] [subject] in grades [grades]. I am delighted to support [his/her/their] application to the [programme] programme at [University name].
[Student's first name] has consistently been one of the strongest students in the class: [achievement — e.g. "a top grade average for the past two years"; "2nd place in the national olympiad"]. What sets [him/her/them] apart is not only the grades — [he/she/they] digs into the substance of a topic, asks questions well beyond the lesson, and [specific example — an independent project, research].
Outside class, [he/she/they] is active in [club, volunteering, sport], where [an example of leadership or teamwork]. Classmates respect [him/her/them], and [he/she/they] is always willing to help those who struggle.
I am confident [Student's first name] will thrive at university and contribute a great deal to student life. I recommend [him/her/them] in the highest terms.
Sincerely, [Your full name] [Subject] Teacher, [School name] [Phone] · [Email]
Replace the parts [in square brackets] with your own details. Cut generic phrases; add specific facts and numbers.
💡 Expert tips
- 1For universities abroad, submit the letter in English or with an official translation.
- 2The better the teacher knows the student, the stronger the letter — avoid generic praise.
- 3One concrete story (a project, a question, an act of help) makes the letter memorable.