CSC Recommendation Letters 2027: Requirements and Samples

A strong recommendation letter helps a university understand how you study, solve problems and prepare for further research. This CSC recommendation letter guide explains the referee requirements for 2027 applications. You will also find three adaptable samples. Each letter should reflect the referee’s own experience of your academic work.

What is a recommendation letter?

It is an academic reference written by someone who can assess your ability. A useful letter explains how the referee knows you and gives specific examples. General praise adds little when it does not show what you actually did.

“Start with the CSC scholarship application process to confirm which documents your chosen route requires.”

Who can write CSC recommendation letters?

The official BLCU scholarship guide requires two recommendations from professors or associate professors for master’s, doctoral and senior scholar applications. Letters must be in Chinese or English. Other categories and universities can set different requirements.

For example, BLCU requests one recommendation from a course teacher for its undergraduate route. Read the checklist for your own level. Do not assume that two letters are required for every applicant.

Choose eligible referees who know your academic work well. A workplace manager or assistant lecturer is not automatically acceptable when the call specifies professors or associate professors. Ask the admissions office if the referee’s title is unclear.

What should the letter include?

• The applicant’s full name and intended degree or research field.
• Referee’s role, institution and relationship with the applicant.
• How long and in what setting the referee has known the applicant.
• Specific evidence from coursework, projects or research.
• An assessment of readiness for the proposed study.
• Genuine institutional contact details and required signature or certification.

How to ask a professor for a recommendation

1. Check the referee criteria and submission method first.
2. Ask the professor well before the application deadline.
3. Explain the degree, university and scholarship route.
4. Share your CV, transcript and study or research plan.
5. Mention work the professor has directly assessed.
6. Send the deadline and any official reference form.
7. Thank the referee and confirm that the letter was submitted.

Make the request easy to answer. A short email with the right documents is more useful than a long personal story. Ask whether the professor feels able to provide a supportive and accurate academic reference.

Some referees request a draft. Provide factual notes or a draft only if asked. Your referee should review the wording, make changes and approve the final letter. Never sign for a professor or use their letterhead without permission.

“Need to contact a potential research supervisor as well? Our professor email samples explain that separate request.”

The samples below are original writing aids. Replace every bracketed field with accurate information. Referees should adapt the wording rather than submit identical letters.

Sample 1: Academic recommendation letter

Best suited to an eligible course professor who has assessed your academic work. Include one clear example rather than a list of unsupported strengths.

Dear Members of the Selection Committee,

I recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] for [Degree and Program] at [University]. As [Referee’s Title] in [Department], I taught [Applicant] in [Course] during [Period]. This allowed me to assess their understanding of [Subject] and approach to academic work.

In [Assignment or Project], [Applicant] demonstrated [Specific Skill]. Their contribution involved [Brief Factual Example]. The work showed [Evidence of Analysis, Accuracy or Independent Thinking]. [Add a verified result or assessment if relevant.]

[Applicant] also responded constructively to feedback on [Example]. This helped them improve [Specific Aspect of the Work]. Based on these observations, I believe they are prepared for further study in [Field].

I support this application for the Chinese Government Scholarship. Please contact me at [Official Email] if further academic information is required.

Sincerely,

[Referee’s Name and Academic Title]

[Department and Institution]

[Official Contact Details]

[Date and Required Signature]

Sample 2: Research supervisor recommendation

A thesis or project supervisor can use this structure when they meet the official referee requirements. The strongest detail is a research contribution they directly observed.

Dear Selection Committee,

My recommendation supports [Applicant’s Full Name] for [Master’s or Doctoral Program]. We worked together on [Research Project or Thesis] at [Institution] from [Start] to [End]. My role was [Supervisor’s Role].

The project examined [Research Question]. [Applicant] was responsible for [Specific Tasks]. During [Concrete Challenge], they used [Method or Approach] to [Documented Outcome]. This demonstrated [Relevant Research Ability].

Their work on [Report, Analysis or Experiment] also showed [A Second Observed Strength]. [Describe how they used feedback, handled evidence or worked with the team.] These experiences provide a useful foundation for research in [Proposed Field].

Based on the work I supervised, I recommend [Applicant] for consideration. I can provide further information through [Official Email].

Yours sincerely,

[Name and Eligible Academic Title]

[Institution and Department]

[Contact Details, Date and Required Signature]

“Preparing the supporting academic records? Read our CSC document notarization guide before arranging certified copies or translations.”

Sample 3: Recommendation for a final-year student

This version can support an applicant who has not yet graduated. The referee should describe the student’s current status accurately. Expected graduation is not the same as an awarded degree.

Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,

[Applicant’s Full Name] is currently completing [Degree] in [Department] at [Institution]. As their [Eligible Referee’s Role], I have known them through [Course or Project] since [Date]. I am pleased to support their application for [Program].

Their performance in [Specific Academic Work] showed [Observed Ability]. For example, [Describe a Real Contribution and Its Outcome]. They also demonstrated [Relevant Strength] when [Brief Evidence].

According to [Verified Institutional Record], [Applicant] is expected to complete the degree in [Month and Year]. Their progress so far indicates readiness for the next stage of study, subject to completing the current qualification.

I recommend that their application receive consideration. Further information is available at [Official Email].

Sincerely,

[Academic Referee: Name and Title]

[Institution, Contact Details and Date]

[Required Signature]

Before uploading your letters

• Replace every placeholder and confirm all facts.
• Check the referee’s eligibility and the required language.
• Follow the official signature, letterhead and submission instructions.
• Keep the two references distinct and based on real observations.
• Upload clear files or let referees submit directly when required.