Plan your recommendation letters
Who to ask, what each system expects, and how to make it easy for a busy teacher or manager to write a useful reference.
Get feedback on my planLast updated 29 September 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
What different applications ask for
| Application | What is asked for |
|---|---|
| UCAS (UK bachelor’s) | One reference. Through a registered school it has three parts: a general statement about the school (required), extenuating circumstances (optional, with your consent) and other circumstances (optional). Up to 4,000 characters or 47 lines. |
| Master’s applications | Set by each university, commonly academic referees; some courses accept a work referee |
| Chevening | Contact details of 2 referees at application (professional, academic or one of each, not friends or relatives). If invited to interview, both letters must be uploaded at least 7 working days before it. |
| PhD and research routes | Usually academic referees who can speak to research ability |
Who to ask in Bangladesh
- After HSC: a subject teacher who taught you in class XI or XII, or your college principal if your college is used to writing references.
- After a degree: a thesis or project supervisor, or a teacher of an advanced course where you did well.
- With work experience: a direct line manager who can describe your responsibilities.
- Avoid: relatives, family friends, or a senior person who has never taught or supervised you.
Give your referee a short brief
Teachers in Bangladesh often write many references each season. Send a one-page brief:
- The courses and countries you are applying to, with deadlines.
- Which of your work they saw: course, grade, project title, dates.
- What the portal will ask them, and the email the link will go to. An official university or company email is safer than a personal one.
- Any required language: letters must be in English for Chevening, or come with a notarised translation.
Keep references genuine
Do not write your own letter for a referee to sign, and never submit a letter a referee has not approved. Universities and scholarship bodies contact referees, and a fabricated reference can cancel an application or an offer. If a referee’s English is weak, they may write in Bengali and have it translated as the scheme allows.
Official sources
- UCAS: undergraduate references ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- UCAS: references for independent applicants ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- Chevening: references ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources listed above and last checked on 29 September 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.