How to Write a Strong LOR for Master’s Abroad (with Tips)

A great Letter of Recommendation can lift your application. Here’s who should write it, what it should say, and the mistakes to avoid.

What an LOR is for

A Letter of Recommendation is a third party — usually a professor or manager — vouching for your abilities. Universities use it to verify your academic and professional strengths from someone other than you.

Who should write it

Choose recommenders who know you well and can give specific examples: a professor who taught you closely, a project guide, or a manager. A detailed letter from someone who knows you beats a generic one from a famous name.

What a strong LOR includes

Concrete examples of your skills, your role in specific projects, measurable achievements, and how you compare to peers. Specifics — a result, a problem you solved — are far more persuasive than adjectives.

How many and what format

Most master’s ask for two or three LORs, often a mix of academic and professional. Follow each university’s format and submission method (many are uploaded directly by the recommender).

Common mistakes

Vague praise, identical letters from different recommenders, and letters that just repeat your resume. Each LOR should add a new angle. Pair it with a strong SOP — see our SOP writing tips.

Get expert help — free

Vibedu helps you choose recommenders and shape strong, specific LORs. Book a free session to strengthen your whole application.