• Study in Canada

Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for Canada: University Requirements, Sample and Writing Tips

10985 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Sep 26,2024 05:26 PM IST

A Letter of Recommendation plays a crucial role in highlighting candidate’s profile where admission committee is concerned. It should be a brief document that should provide information about their skills, talents, academic records and certifications. Majority of Canadian Universities are very specific about application documents like LOR, resumes, SOPs and essays.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for Canada .webp

In terms of Canadian Universities, they are very particular about application documents, and it is observed that references are required majorly for other degrees and in rare scenarios for undergraduate degrees. Academic letters of recommendations are needed for UG courses as well as graduate degrees. For professional degrees though, both academic and professional recommendation letters are required to be offered.

So according to the program and the course, candidates need to submit either academic or professional LORs or both. Academic LORs are written by school teacher, counsellor, principal or college professor, whereas a professional LOR is given by the manager, team leader or supervisor. This document is mostly and should be provided by someone who is well known to the candidate. Teachers and professors are also called the referees who write recommendation for their students.

Types of Letter of Recommendation

Academic LOR

It is a letter of recommendation specifically provided by either faculty members, teacher, principal or counsellor of previously attended institution. This letter is utilized for applying to undergraduate programs abroad.

Professional Letter of Recommendation

At times, when applying for academic degrees abroad, universities ask for professional LOR as well along with updated CV or a resume. When specifically applying for professional courses like MBA programs.

University requirements for Canada: Letter of Recommendation

Canadian Universities allow students to submit their recommendation letters in one of the following way:

• Paper Reference Forms

For some graduate programs, an academic as well as professional reference or recommendation letter forms are issued to be filled and submitted through mail in a sealed and endorsed envelope.

• Electronic References

A unique and secured link is provided to be logged in and submitted. Also an online reference document is sent as attachment.

Universities	Letter of recommendations
University of Toronto	2 Academic LORs
University of British Columbia	3 Academic & professional LORs
Mcgill University	2 Academic LORs
University of Montreal	1 Academic LOR
Mcmaster University	2 Academic LORs
University of Alberta	2 Academic LORs
University of Waterloo	2 Academic LORs

Writing tips and guidelines for writing an ideal letter of recommendation:

• LORs should be written on the official letterhead of the last institution attended.

• The writer or referee’s relationship should be briefed with the applicant, like for how long do they know each other and in what capacity had they interacted with the applicant.

• The honest reasons for recommending the concerned candidate should be explained in a descriptive manner. Here the unique talent of the student should be highlighted and their future success could be predicted based on the hard work and persistence observed by them.

• All the information provided about the student should be authentic as students are often assessed accordingly.

• The referee or the writer should put down their complete contact information in the letter in case of further concerns about the applicant.

• One should not get confused between Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of recommendation (LOR) as these are two entirely different documents.

Letter of Recommendation: The Recommender

• Letter of Recommendation is generally written to state positive information about a candidate’s personality traits, contributions, abilities, achievements that prove his/her worth and gets approved for admission in the institution of choice.

• Both academic and character description should be referred to in the letter. Admission committee looks at LOR as a big picture describing candidate’s personality and contributions.

• LOR should be written or printed on school’s or college’s letterhead sealed with the respective official stamp along with the recommender’s stamp and signature.

• The information provided by the recommender should be authentic and accurate.

• Letter of recommendation should never be handwritten, as it is typed in black with the usual formal font type of 11.

• It’s very important to avoid or recheck for any grammatical or spelling errors as it leaves a very unprofessional impression on recruiters. There’s also no need to exaggerate any such points which are not relevant to candidate’s performance.

Sample Letter of Recommendation for Canada

Academic letter of recommendation written by high school teacher for her student:

Date

The Recipient’s Address

Dear Sir/Madam

I wrote this letter to recommend (name) a student of (School), city. He started his schooling from here and continued till class 12. It was a pleasure having him for these long years in our organization as a best student. I was working as a school principal for 22 years in this organization and was his physics teacher in the high school.

(Name) was one of the brightest students of our school. He was always appreciated and awarded for his academic expertise, sincerity and dedication towards his studies. He always has zeal for learning and experimenting new things with the existing knowledge to discover something advanced. His willingness to learn latest technical advancements which made him an exceptional student in the whole class.

Apart from studies he was also good at martial arts and had participated in the national level karate championship and had won the silver medal in technical fight. I wholeheartedly recommend (name) for admission in an esteemed graduate school. I wish him success in all his future endeavors. In case of any query please feel free to contact.

Regards

Sincerely

Conclusion

An LOR is certainly one of the determining factors considered by admission panel to access candidate’s eligibility and suitability for the concerned program. The letter of Recommendation is always written by the person of credibility, so it really needs to be helpful in raising candidate’s value in all aspects.

Also read: Letter of recommendation for Masters (MS)

FAQ

How long is the letter of recommendation?

The letter of recommendation should be around one page lengthy carrying few separate points discussed in it. The writer or referee should first clearly explain their and candidate’s connection, its nature, duration, and quality. Also in what manner writer observed candidate’s qualities and achievements along with assisting incidents.

Who should not write a letter of recommendation?

Family members, close friends and anyone who is not from the professional acquaintance of the candidate should not write their letter of recommendation. The guidelines concerning the choice of the writer should be followed strictly as provided by the universities.

What makes the Letter of Recommendation strong?

The Letter of recommendation could be made stronger by adding specific examples and anecdotes which clearly demonstrate the applicant’s skills and qualifications. Along with qualities, when authentic instances are included, it shows the application of these qualities as well in real-life situations.

How many times a recommendation letter could be reused?

A letter of Recommendation can certainly be reused for multiple colleges, that can save time and is a smart way to utilize the letter in this process.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Eastern Institute of Technology - Auckland Campus

Auckland, New Zealand • 14 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 0-0 / year

Northumbria University - London Campus

England, UK • 13 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 16000-17000 / year

Shorelight Group - Wilson College

Pennsylvania, USA • 24 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 25000-26000 / year

University of Reading - Whiteknights campus

England, UK • 258 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 19000-24000 / year

Purdue University Northwest - Hammond Campus

Indiana, USA • 5 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 17000-18000 / year

Dalhousie University

Nova Scotia, Canada • 56 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 18000-41000 / year

Camosun College - Lansdowne Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 30 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 12500-22000 / year

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences - Duesseldorf Campus

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany • 2 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 12240-12240 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop

Study in Canada

Amritsar • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Bay Atlantic University

Study in USA • University Visit

Hyderabad-Kukatpally • 02:00PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Saskatchewan Colleges (MSM)

Study in Canada • University Visit

Barnala • 12:00PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

Looking for the best countries to study abroad in 2025? Studying abroad can be an endeavour for Indian students to upgrade their skill set towards bet...

Updated on • Mar 08,2025 01:24 PM IST • Study Abroad

Nursing Courses in UK

Do you want to pursue a nursing course in the United Kingdom? The UK has been at the forefront of professional nursing ever since it has been consider...

Updated on • Mar 05,2025 12:19 PM IST • UK

Fastest Growing Job Sectors in Germany in 2025

Thousands of job opportunities in Germany are waiting for Indians. Fill them before someone else grabs these. But how? Do you know which sector these ...

Updated on • Feb 28,2025 04:04 PM IST • Germany

What if Your Visa Gets Rejected?

A student visa is a must to study abroad especially in top countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany. After gaining admission to your des...

Updated on • Feb 27,2025 03:32 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

Masters in Project Management in Australia

If you are looking to explore opportunities in the field of project management abroad then Australia is the best choice for you. Australian universiti...

Updated on • Feb 25,2025 04:02 PM IST • Australia

Study in Germany After 12th

In this step, the admission authority of the university will check your profile and when everything is right, send you the offer letter.Are you someon...

Updated on • Feb 21,2025 11:53 AM IST • Germany

Best Medical Colleges in USA

You looking for medical colleges in the USA is clear evidence that it is the best country to pursue medical courses. One of the most sought-after medi...

Updated on • Feb 19,2025 12:31 PM IST • USA

MS in Data Science in Ireland

Are you aspiring to pursue an MS in Data Science without breaking the bank? Then look no further! Ireland is home to some of the most prestigious univ...

Updated on • Feb 18,2025 10:58 AM IST • Ireland

Accommodation in France for Indian and International Students

France is a dreamy country that's always in the news for its aesthetic cafes in Lyon, Seine in Paris and skiing in the French Alps. But beyond its all...

Updated on • Feb 14,2025 11:33 AM IST • France

Public Relations (PR) Courses in Australia

Recently, Australia has become a widely popular choice for international students. There is not a single reason for this popularity, but Australia off...

Updated on • Feb 07,2025 11:03 AM IST • Australia

Job Opportunities in France for International Students

Imagine yourself strolling down the Champs-Elysees with a steaming croissant in one hand and a freshly minted job offer in the other. It must sound li...

Updated on • Feb 06,2025 12:47 PM IST • France

Pros & Cons of Studying in France

Every country has a bright side and a dark side, and if you think that studying in France is going to be all rainbows and sunshine, it’s not. Like e...

Updated on • Feb 04,2025 05:49 PM IST • France

MS in Data Science in Germany

Deutschland is an emerging study-abroad destination attracting students from every part of the world. The reasons for this are affordable education, l...

Updated on • Feb 04,2025 12:29 PM IST • Germany

February Intake in Australia: Timeline, Courses, Universities, Deadlines & More

Students who desire to study in Australia should consider the February 2025 intake, which is known as the primary intake in Australia for admission, t...

Updated on • Feb 01,2025 04:57 PM IST • Australia

What is the difference between CV and Resume?

What is the difference between a CV and a resume? The question might sound simple, but it is important to answer. Both documents consist of informatio...

Updated on • Jan 31,2025 05:27 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

Cookery Courses in New Zealand for International Students

Is food something that interests you? Can you not resist the aroma of delicious delicacies? Are you passionate about food? If the answer to all the qu...

Updated on • Jan 29,2025 12:27 PM IST • New Zealand

High Paying Jobs in Germany

Germany, a powerhouse of innovation and industry, offers a fantastic job market with excellent salaries and a strong work-life balance. Whether you're...

Updated on • Jan 25,2025 05:52 PM IST • Study in Canada

WES in Canada

World Education Services (WES), is an organization designed to help individuals get their educational credentials evaluated to let them study in Canad...

Updated on • Jan 24,2025 10:50 AM IST • Study in Canada

Canada Student Visa Interview Questions

The perfect ending to any day, race, task, or project is to FINISH STRONG. The same is true for studying in Canada. To finish strong, one needs to cra...

Updated on • Jan 23,2025 12:16 PM IST • Study in Canada

Masters in Management in USA

Looking for a transformative experience that hones your managerial skills and unlocks a treasure of global job opportunities? BINGO! Here's a golden g...

Updated on • Jan 21,2025 05:46 PM IST • USA

Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for Canada: University Requirements, Sample and Writing Tips

Table of Contents

Academic LOR

Professional Letter of Recommendation

University requirements for Canada: Letter of Recommendation

• Paper Reference Forms

• Electronic References

Writing tips and guidelines for writing an ideal letter of recommendation:

Letter of Recommendation: The Recommender

Sample Letter of Recommendation for Canada

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams