Recommendation Letters With Templates for All China Scholarships Issued by Professors & Associate Professors
A recommendation letter for a Chinese scholarship is an academic endorsement written by a professor who evaluates your academic ability, research skills and readiness for postgraduate study in China. Applicants for Master’s and PhD programmes normally need two original recommendation letters from two different professors or associate professors in hardcopy as well as scanned versions for Chinese Scholarship application submissions.
Chinese CSC, Silk Road, High Level Postgrad Programme, ANSO, Chinese provincial government scholarships and Chinese Universities sponsored scholarships have this mandatory requirement for international applicants to provide 2 original letter of acceptances if applying for admissions on any of these Master & PhD scholarships.
But, if you are applying for a standard Chinese Government Scholarship for a Bachelor’s degree, recommendation letters are normally not required.
What Is a Recommendation Letter for a Chinese Scholarship?
Letter of Recommendation is a formal document in which a previous professor independently assesses whether you are academically and personally prepared for the proposed Master’s or PhD programme.
The letter is not the same as your study plan, personal statement or supervisor acceptance letter:
| Document | Who prepares it? | Its purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Recommendation letter | Your previous professor or research supervisor from last attended university/college | Evaluates your academic ability, research potential and character |
| Study plan or research proposal | You, the applicant | Explains what and why you want to study or research |
| Supervisor acceptance letter | A prospective supervisor at the Chinese university | Shows that a Chinese professor is willing to consider or supervise you |
If a university requests two recommendation letters and a supervisor acceptance letter, you may need all three documents. An acceptance letter does not automatically replace one of your recommendations.
Why Do Chinese Universities Require Recommendation Letters?
Chinese universities in 2027 use the recommendation letters to verify that your academic claims are supported by qualified academics who have personally observed your work.
Your transcript shows your marks, but it does not explain:
- How independently you completed your thesis;
- Whether you understand research methodology;
- How you respond when research produces unexpected results;
- whether you follow academic and research ethics;
- How you compare with other students;
- Whether you can complete postgraduate study; or
- whether you have the potential to become a researcher or specialist.
Official Chinese university instructions commonly ask referees to evaluate three central areas:
- Academic ability;
- Research ability; and
- Future development or cultivation potential.
Your two professors should therefore provide evidence rather than repeat words such as “excellent,” “intelligent” and “hardworking.”
Which Chinese Scholarships Require Recommendation Letters in 2027?
Recommendation letters are commonly required by Chinese scholarships that fund Master’s and PhD study.
| Chinese scholarship or admission route | Who generally needs recommendation letters? | Usual requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Government Scholarship Type A – Bilateral Program | Master’s, PhD and certain senior-scholar applicants | Two academic letters |
| Chinese Government Scholarship Type B – High-Level Postgraduate Program | Master’s and PhD applicants | Two academic letters |
| Chinese Government Scholarship – Silk Road Program | Master’s and PhD applicants where those levels are offered | Normally two academic letters |
| CAS-ANSO Scholarship through UCAS | Master’s and PhD applicants | Two academic references under UCAS admission rules |
| UCAS Scholarship for International Students | Master’s and PhD applicants | Two academic references |
| Chinese university scholarships | Usually Master’s and PhD applicants | Often two, but the university decides |
| Provincial and municipal government scholarships | Frequently Master’s and PhD applicants | Varies by province and university |
The latest available UCAS postgraduate admission instructions, for example, require two reference letters from professors or associate professors. The referees must be academic experts familiar with the applicant and cannot be the applicant’s prospective UCAS supervisor.
Similarly, official CSC postgraduate calls from Beihang University, Harbin Institute of Technology and Chongqing University require two academic recommendation letters.
For Which Degree Programmes You Need Recommendation Letters for in China?
The standard two-letter requirement applies mainly to postgraduate and certain senior-scholar applications.
| Programme level | Normal recommendation-letter position |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Not normally required under the standard CSC undergraduate document list |
| Master’s degree | Two letters normally mandatory |
| PhD degree | Two letters normally mandatory |
| General scholar | Depends on the scholarship and university |
| Senior scholar | Frequently required under CSC routes |
| Postdoctoral position | Determined by the university, fellowship or recruiting laboratory |
An exception can occur when a provincial or university scholarship creates its own undergraduate rule. For example, some provincial scholarship calls request references from a school principal or teacher for Bachelor’s applicants. This does not make recommendation letters a universal CSC undergraduate requirement.
Can You Copy Original Recommendation Letter and Multiple Scholarship Applications in CHina?
You normally need two signed recommendation letters from two different referees for each Master’s or PhD application.
This means:
- Letter 1: Written and signed by your first professor.
- Letter 2: Written and signed by your second professor.
You do not need two copies from the same professor. You need two separate academic evaluations.
Do the letter of Recommendation for China Scholarship have to be original?
“Original” does not always mean that a paper letter must be posted to China. The requirement depends on the university’s submission system.
| Application method | What you normally submit |
|---|---|
| Online CSC or university application | A clear PDF scan of each signed letter |
| Referee-submission system | Each professor submits the reference through the portal or emailed link |
| Physical or postal application | Two original signed letters, sometimes in sealed envelopes |
| Registration after admission | The university may ask to inspect original documents |
It is incorrect to claim that photocopies or scanned letters are rejected by every Chinese university. Beihang University, for example, states that hard-copy application documents are not required, whereas some universities use the term “original recommendation letters” in their instructions.
If you are applying to five Chinese universities and each requires physical originals, you may need your professors to sign five copies of each letter. If all five universities accept online PDFs, the same two signed letters may be reused where the wording, date and referee requirements remain suitable.
Who Should Write Your Recommendation Letters?
Your first letter should preferably come from your previous research supervisor, and the second should come from another professor who knows your academic work.
For a Master’s application
- First referee: Bachelor’s thesis or final-year project supervisor.
- Second referee: A professor or associate professor who taught you in a relevant subject.
For a PhD application
- First referee: Master’s thesis or research supervisor.
- Second referee: Another professor who supervised your research, publication, laboratory work or advanced coursework.
Required academic rank
Most Chinese scholarship calls accept a professor or associate professor. However, some universities impose stricter rules. Minzu University of China’s latest postgraduate guide, for example, accepts professors or associate professors for Master’s applicants but requires professors for PhD applicants.
For this reason, PhD applicants who intend to apply to several universities should preferably obtain both letters from full professors.
Who should not be used?
Avoid using the following unless the official call expressly permits them:
- a lecturer who does not hold the required academic rank;
- an employer or workplace manager;
- a politician or government official;
- a family friend;
- a community or religious leader; or
- a professor who does not remember your academic work.
A senior title cannot compensate for the absence of a genuine academic relationship.
What Must a Chinese Scholarship Recommendation Letter Contain?
A complete letter should identify the referee, explain the academic relationship and assess the applicant with specific evidence.
Ask your professor to include the following:
- Referee’s introduction: Name, title, department and university.
- Relationship with the applicant: How, when and for how long the professor has known you.
- Academic ability: Relevant grades, class position, subject knowledge or analytical strength.
- Research ability: Thesis, laboratory work, methodology, data analysis, publication or project experience.
- A specific example: A real incident showing independence, problem-solving or intellectual maturity.
- Personal qualities: Integrity, discipline, teamwork, communication and response to criticism.
- Readiness for the degree: Why you can succeed in the proposed Master’s or PhD programme.
- Future potential: Expected contribution to your field, country or society.
- Final endorsement: A clear statement recommending you for admission and scholarship consideration.
- Verification information: Signature, date, email, telephone number and academic title.
Avoid empty praise
Weak: “Sara is brilliant, hardworking and an excellent researcher.”
Stronger: “Sara ranked within the top 8% of 92 students in Environmental Chemistry. During her final project, she identified an error in the initial sampling method and redesigned the schedule, producing a more reliable dataset.”
The stronger version gives the selection committee something it can evaluate.
Do the Letters Need a Signature, Stamp and University Letterhead?
The letter of recommendations should be signed, dated and connected to a verifiable academic institution.
| Requirement | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| Signature | Required by most official calls; use a handwritten or accepted digital signature |
| Date | Mandatory; ensure it satisfies the university’s acceptable issue-date rule |
| University letterhead | Use it whenever possible; UCAS expressly requires official institutional letterhead |
| University stamp | Add it if available or if the university requires it |
| Official email | Use the professor’s university email rather than a personal address |
| Telephone number | Include a current contact number |
| Language | English or Chinese unless the university specifies otherwise |
| File format | Usually a clear PDF for online submission |
A stamp is useful because it strengthens institutional authenticity, but it is not stated as compulsory in every CSC call. The professor’s signature and contact details are more consistently required.
Also check the issue date. Some 2026 university calls required letters dated after September or October 2025. Applicants targeting 2027 should therefore avoid relying on letters issued several years earlier.
Editable Recommendation Letter Template for a Master’s Scholarship
[Official University Letterhead]
Date: [Day Month 2026]
To the Admissions and Scholarship Selection Committee
Subject: Recommendation of [Applicant’s Full Name] for Master’s Study in [Field]
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] for admission to the Master’s programme in [Field] and for scholarship consideration in China. I am [Referee’s Full Name], [Professor/Associate Professor] in the Department of [Department] at [University Name].
I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [period] as [his/her/their] [course instructor/final-year project supervisor/thesis supervisor]. I taught [him/her/them] in [Course Names] and supervised [Project or Thesis Title].
[Applicant’s Name] demonstrated strong ability in [relevant subject or skill]. In [Course or Project], [he/she/they] achieved [grade, position or result] and ranked [accurate comparison, if available].During the project, [Applicant’s Name] was responsible for [specific responsibility]. When [describe an actual difficulty], [he/she/they] [explain action taken]. This produced [result] and demonstrated analytical ability, independence and persistence.
[Applicant’s Name] also showed [relevant personal qualities]. [He/She/They] responded constructively to academic criticism, worked responsibly with colleagues and maintained appropriate academic and research ethics.The proposed Master’s study in [Field] is a logical continuation of [his/her/their] previous education in [Previous Field]. I believe [Applicant’s Name] possesses the academic preparation and research potential necessary to succeed in postgraduate study in China.
I recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] with confidence for admission and scholarship consideration. Please contact me if further information is required.
Sincerely,
[Referee’s Full Name]
[Professor/Associate Professor]
[Department and University]
Official email: [Email]
Telephone: [Number]
Signature: ____________________
Official stamp, if required: ____________________
Editable Recommendation Letter Template for a PhD Scholarships in China
[Official University Letterhead]
Date: [Day Month 2026]
To the Doctoral Admissions and Scholarship Selection Committee
Subject: Recommendation of [Applicant’s Full Name] for PhD Study in [Field]
I strongly recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] for admission to the PhD programme in [Field] and for scholarship consideration in China. I am [Referee’s Full Name], Professor of [Discipline] at [Institution]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [number] years as [his/her/their] [Master’s thesis supervisor/research supervisor/course instructor].
Under my supervision, [Applicant’s Name] completed a Master’s thesis entitled “[Thesis Title]”. The research examined [research problem] using [methods, instruments, datasets or software].
[Applicant’s Name] demonstrated particular strength in [research skill]. For example, when [describe a genuine research problem], [he/she/they] examined [relevant data or literature], proposed [revised method] and established that [result]. This demonstrated the independence and evidence-based judgment expected of a doctoral researcher.The research resulted in [thesis/publication/manuscript/conference paper/prototype], for which [Applicant’s Name] was responsible for [specific contribution]. Throughout the project, [he/she/they] maintained reliable research records, followed ethical requirements and responded constructively to critical feedback.
Among the postgraduate students I have supervised during the last [number] years, I would place [Applicant’s Name] within the top [X%] for [research independence, analytical ability or technical competence].
The proposed PhD research in [Topic] builds logically upon [his/her/their] previous academic preparation. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] can conduct advanced research, collaborate in an international academic environment and contribute meaningfully to [field or research problem].
I therefore recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] without reservation for PhD admission and scholarship support.
Sincerely,
[Referee’s Full Name]
Professor of [Field]
[Department and University]
Official email: [Email]
Telephone: [Number]
Signature: ____________________
Official stamp, if required: ____________________
Email Template for Requesting a Recommendation Letter from Professor of Your Last Attended University of College
Subject: Recommendation Letter Request – China Scholarship 2027
Dear Professor [Surname],
I am preparing an application for the [Master’s/PhD] programme in [Field] at [Chinese University] for the 2027 intake. The scholarship application requires two academic recommendation letters from [professors/professors or associate professors].
Because you [supervised my thesis/taught me in the named courses/worked with me on the named research project], I would be grateful if you could provide a recommendation assessing my academic ability, research experience and readiness for postgraduate study.
The deadline is [Date]. I have attached my CV, transcript, research proposal, thesis abstract and the university’s recommendation-letter requirements.
Please let me know if you feel able to provide a strong recommendation.
Kind regards,
[Full Name] [Previous Degree and Department] [Email and Telephone]
Mistakes That Can Weaken or Invalidate Your Letter of Recommendation for Scholarships in China
Your recommendation letter may be rejected or lose credibility if it does not meet the university’s referee, content, signature or submission requirements.
- Identical letters: Do not submit two letters containing the same wording. Each professor must provide an independent assessment.
- Ineligible referee: Do not use a lecturer if the university requires a professor or associate professor.
- Employer instead of professor: An employer’s reference cannot replace a mandatory academic recommendation unless the university permits professional referees.
- Missing signature: Each letter should include the professor’s handwritten or officially accepted digital signature.
- Missing referee details: Include the professor’s academic title, department, institution, official email address and contact number.
- Outdated letter: Check whether the university has specified an earliest acceptable issue date for recommendation letters.
- Generic praise: Statements such as “excellent” or “hardworking” should be supported by a genuine academic, research, thesis or project example.
- False information: Never invent a class ranking, publication, award or research achievement. False information can result in disqualification.
- Prohibited referee: Do not use your prospective Chinese supervisor if the university requires referees from your previous institution or expressly prohibits it.
- Wrong document: A recommendation letter from a previous professor and an acceptance letter from a prospective Chinese supervisor are different documents and cannot automatically replace each other.
- Poor scan quality: Upload a complete, clear and readable scan showing the letterhead, date, content, signature and referee’s contact details.
