A letter of recommendation (LOR) is one of the major documents that is required by students while enrolling in Australian universities. LOR is a document written by someone who knows you well, such as a professor or employer. This reference letter highlights your strengths, skills, and potential. Therefore, you must have a reliable source for recommendation letters. Otherwise, it can result in admission being cancelled.
Australian universities often require LOR to verify one’s academic abilities, performance, and potential. It is one of the most important parameters on which the education board decides your suitability for a specific program. For more details, read below.
Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for Australia: An Overview
| Education Levels | Primary, Secondary & Tertiary |
| Types of LORs | ● Academic LORs
● Professional LORs |
| No. of LORs required | 2 to 3 depending on the guidelines of universities |
| Undergraduate Admission Eligibility
|
(12th scores) + Entrance Test scores + ELP scores |
| Postgraduate (Taught & Research) Admission Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree + Entrance Test scores + ELP scores |
Why is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Required to Study in Australia?
The following are the reasons why Australian universities ask a Letter of Recommendation (LOR):
- Support academic record: They confirm the applicant’s academic abilities and potential.
- Highlight personality: They showcase the candidate’s strengths, skills, and work ethic.
- Add credibility to the application: They provide an outside perspective on one’s qualifications.
Types of LOR
The exact number of LORs you need depends on the university and course you apply to. However, most programs require 2-3 LORs. The applicant typically needs a mix of academic and professional LORs:
- Academic LORs: These come from professors or teachers who know your academic abilities well.
- Professional LORs: These are assigned by the employers or supervisors who can comment on your work experience and performance.
LOR Tips for Undergraduate Applicants
- One LOR from a subject teacher: This should be from a teacher who taught you a subject related to the chosen course or program.
- One LOR from a school official: This could be from your counselor, principal, or another teacher.
Important Tips for Writing LOR for Australian Universities
Key points to remember when preparing LORs for Australian universities:
- Choose recommenders carefully: You must select professors or supervisors who know you well and can speak positively about your abilities.
- Give your recommenders enough time to write: Contact them well in advance to give them time to write a strong LOR. The LORs should also be printed on official letterhead.
- Seal and Signature: They must include the institution’s seal and the recommender’s original signature.
- Submission guidelines: Some universities may require hard copies of LORs, while others may accept electronic submissions.
- Formal language: LORs should be written in clear, concise, and formal English.
- Provide contact information: The applicant must include the recommender’s official contact details, such as their email address and phone number.
- Relevant to the Institute: The applicant must ensure that the recommender is affiliated with the institution they claim to be from.
Sample LOR for Australian Universities
Given below is a sample LOR for Australian Universities.
Recommender’s Details (Name, Title, Institution, Contact Details)
Date
Salutation
I’m writing to recommend (Applicant Name) for the (Program Name) at (University Name). His/her commitment, curiosity, and character have continuously amazed me since I taught him/her in my class this year.
(Applicant Name) is an exceptional student who does well academically and participates actively in class discussions. His/her strong work ethic shows in consistently high scores and ability to balance deadlines with care and precision.
Beyond academics, he/she is deeply involved in the community. He/she actively participates in (Club Name) and (Volunteer Organization) and makes a difference as a volunteer at a local shelter. His/her drive to contribute extends well beyond the classroom.
I wholeheartedly recommend [(Applicant Name) for the (Program Name) at your esteemed institute. (Applicant Name) academic talents, commitment to service, and genuine passion for learning would make him/her an excellent addition to your program.
Closing
Signature
LORs Requirement by Top Australian Universities
| University | No. of LORs | LORs |
| University of Sydney | 2 | ● Academic LOR
● Professional LOR |
| University of Melbourne | 2 | ● Academic LOR
● Professional LOR |
| University of Queensland | 1 | ● Academic LOR
● Professional LOR |
| University of Adelaide | 1 or 2 | ● Academic LOR
● Professional LOR |
| University of New South Wales | 2 | ● Academic LOR
● Professional LOR |
| University of Western Australia | 2 | ● Academic LOR
● Professional LOR |
| Monash University | 2 | ● Academic LOR
● Professional LOR |
| Australian National University: | 2 | ● Academic LOR
● Professional LOR |
| RMIT University: | 1 | ● Academic LOR
● Professional LOR |
Format for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for Australian Universities
You can request LORs from your professors that follow the below format and cover the following aspects:
| Section | Content to be written in LOR |
| Letterhead | ● Institution Name
● Recommender’s Name ● Recommender’s Title ● Recommender’s Contact Information |
| Date | Date of writing the letter |
| Salutation | ● To Whom It May Concern
● Dear Admissions Committee |
| Introduction | ● Recommender’s Relationship: State the recommender’s relationship to the applicant (professor, supervisor, or employer).
● Duration of Relationship: How long the recommender has known the applicant. ● Context of Knowledge: In what capacity does the recommender know the applicant, including academic performance, professional skills, and personal qualities. |
| Body Paragraphs
|
● Academic Abilities: Applicant’s academic strengths, such as intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and research abilities.
● Specific Examples: Provide concrete examples of the applicant’s achievements, such as grades, projects, or research papers. ● Personal Qualities: Discuss the applicant’s soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, communication and time management. ● Suitability for the Program: Explain why the applicant is a good fit for the specific program they are applying to. |
| Conclusion | ● Overall assessment of the applicant
● Strong recommendation for admission ● Contact information for further inquiries |
| Closing | ● Sincerely
● Yours sincerely |
| Signature | Recommender’s Handwritten Signature |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who should we ask to write our letter of recommendation?
Student must ask their professor or lecturer who has taught them in a relevant course or subject.
How many LORs are typically required for admission?
Most universities in Australia ask for a maximum of 2 to 3 LORs depending on the institution and program.
Do I need professional LORs for postgraduate courses?
Yes, most postgraduate courses, especially MBA courses, ask for the student’s professional and academic LORs.
What is the study in Australia cost?
Tuition fees, which will be your main expenditure when studying in Australia, range between $7,800 and $30,000 (INR 6,58,550 to INR 25,32,885).
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