LOR stands for Letter of Recommendation. It is an official letter written by a professor, employer, or supervisor that highlights a student’s academic ability, skills, achievements, and character. LORs are mainly required for higher studies abroad, scholarships, and sometimes for jobs.
What is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)?
A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a document that supports your application by explaining why you are suitable for a particular course, university, or opportunity.
It adds credibility to your profile because it is written by someone who has directly worked with or taught you.
Why is LOR Important?
LOR plays a very important role in admissions, especially for studying abroad.
Why universities ask for LOR:
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To evaluate your academic strength
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To understand your personality and work ethic
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To verify your skills beyond marks
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To compare you with other applicants
A strong LOR can significantly improve your admission chances.
Who Can Write a LOR?
A LOR should always be written by an authorized and relevant person, such as:
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College professor or HOD
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School teacher (for undergraduate programs)
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Employer or manager
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Internship supervisor
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Research guide
👉 Friends or family members cannot write a valid LOR.
Types of LOR
1. Academic LOR
Written by professors or teachers for:
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Undergraduate admissions
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Master’s programs
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PhD applications
2. Professional LOR
Written by employers or managers for:
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MBA programs
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Work-study programs
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Job applications abroad
How Many LORs Are Required?
Most universities ask for:
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2 to 3 LORs for Master’s or MBA programs
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1 to 2 LORs for undergraduate courses
The exact number depends on the university and country.
What Should a Good LOR Include?
A strong LOR usually includes:
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Relationship between recommender and student
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Academic or professional performance
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Skills and strengths
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Achievements and examples
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Suitability for the chosen course
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Honest and positive recommendation
Difference Between SOP and LOR
| SOP | LOR |
|---|---|
| Written by the student | Written by professor/employer |
| Explains goals & motivation | Validates skills & character |
| Personal perspective | Third-party perspective |
Both are equally important for admissions.
Is LOR Mandatory for Studying Abroad?
Yes, LOR is mandatory for most:
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US universities
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UK universities
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Canada universities
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Australia & Europe universities
Without LOR, your application may be rejected or considered incomplete.
LOR for Study Abroad: Key Countries
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USA: Mandatory (2–3 LORs)
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Canada: Required for most master’s programs
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UK: Usually 1 academic LOR
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Australia: Academic or professional LOR accepted
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Europe: Depends on university
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I write my own LOR?
Some recommenders may ask you to draft it, but it must be reviewed, edited, and officially submitted by them.
Does LOR need to be on letterhead?
Yes, most universities prefer LORs on official letterhead with signature and stamp.
Is LOR required for visa?
No, LOR is mainly required for university admission, not for visa.
