How To Prepare 2 Recommendation Letters For Study In China

How to Prepare 2 Recommendation Letters for Study in ChinaWhen applying to study in China, especially for graduate programs, recommendation letters are a critical part of your application. These letters reflect your academic strengths, character, and potential.

How to Prepare 2 Recommendation Letters for Study in China

When applying to study in China, especially for graduate programs, recommendation letters are a critical part of your application. These letters reflect your academic strengths, character, and potential.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly prepare 2 strong and valid recommendation letters.

1. Who Should Write the Letters?

If you are applying for a Bachelor’s program:
The letters can be written by any teacher or school official who knows you well. There is no academic title requirement.
If you are applying for a Master’s or PhD program:
The letters must be from associate professors or higher (or professionals with equivalent academic titles).
Universities in China take this requirement very seriously.

2. Signature Requirement

Each recommendation letter must be personally signed by the recommender.
Typed names or scanned stamps are not acceptable.
The original handwritten signature shows authenticity and credibility.

3. Number of Letters Required

You must submit at least 2 recommendation letters.
The content of the 2 letters must be different.
Do NOT copy-paste the same content and just change the name and title of the recommender — this has caused rejections in previous applications.

4. What Should the Letters Include?

Each recommendation letter should:

Be written on official letterhead (if available)
Include the recommender’s full name, title, institution, and contact information
Highlight your academic achievements, work ethic, research ability (if applicable), and personal character
Be dated and signed by the recommender

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can my recommender send the letter directly to the school?
A: Some universities accept letters directly from recommenders via email, but usually you upload them yourself. Check each school’s requirements.

Q2: What if my recommender is retired?
A: Retired professors are acceptable, especially if they held an appropriate title (e.g., associate professor or professor). They should still mention their former position and institution.

Q3: Can the letter be in my native language?
A: No. The letter must be in English or Chinese. If written in another language, it must be officially translated and include both original and translation.

Q4: Can I use a letter from an internship supervisor?
A: For graduate programs, at least one letter should be academic. An internship supervisor’s letter can be a second letter if relevant to your field of study.

Important Notes & Tips

Inform your recommenders about the exact program and school you’re applying to
Give them enough time — last-minute requests result in weak letters
Don’t write the letter yourself — Chinese universities often spot and reject templated or fake recommendation letters
If you are not sure the destination university — you can start with: To whom it may concern about
Don’t reuse old letters — letters should be recent and tailored to your current application

Summary

Recommendation letters are not just formalities — they’re a reflection of your academic credibility and future potential. For a successful application to study in China: