Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship — Free Template
Scholarship committees often choose between many qualified applicants, and a specific, heartfelt recommendation can tip the balance. This version helps a teacher, counselor, coach or employer show what makes the student stand out and why they deserve the award.
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[Your email and phone number]
October 15, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for [Name of the person you're recommending]
Dear Scholarship Selection Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] for a scholarship. [How you know them, and for how long]
[Their key strengths]
One example shows the kind of person [Name of the person you're recommending] is. [A specific example or story]
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] [How strongly you recommend them]. I am confident [Name of the person you're recommending] will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at [Your email and phone number] if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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Match the letter to the scholarship
Read the scholarship's description before you write. Some awards focus on academic achievement, others on leadership, community service, financial need, a field of study or overcoming obstacles. Choose strengths and an example that line up with what the committee is looking for.
If the scholarship gives specific prompts for recommenders, answer each one directly, even if you also use the letter format.
Show character, not just grades
The committee already has the student's transcript. What it doesn't have is your view of how the student works, treats others and handles challenges. A short story about the student taking initiative or persevering is usually the most memorable part of the letter.
Be careful with personal details about the student's family or finances. Mention them only if the student is comfortable with it and it helps explain their achievements.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid repeating the student's résumé or listing every activity; the committee already has that information. Don't use the same generic letter for every student who asks, and don't share sensitive family or financial details without permission. Proofread the student's name and the scholarship's name carefully, because an error there suggests the letter was written in a hurry.
What to do, step by step
Agree to write it only if you can be positive
A lukewarm recommendation can hurt more than no letter at all. If you don't know the person well enough to be specific and enthusiastic, say so and suggest someone who does.
Ask for the details you need
Get the deadline, where the letter goes, who it should be addressed to and what the opportunity is. A résumé, job posting or program description helps you choose the right strengths to highlight.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Lead with how you know the person, pick two or three strengths that fit the opportunity, and back them up with one concrete example.
Keep it to one page and proofread it
Most readers skim. Three or four short paragraphs, the person's name spelled correctly and no generic filler will do more than a long letter.
Send it the way the recipient asks
Upload it to the application portal, email it as a PDF or hand a signed copy to the candidate. Keep a copy in case you're asked to write another one later.
What if you don't know the person well enough to write a strong letter?
It's fine to say no. A short, honest reply such as "I don't think I know your work well enough to write the strong letter you deserve" is kinder than a vague recommendation that admissions officers or hiring managers will read as a warning sign.
If you're willing but unsure what to say, ask the person for a quick list of things you worked on together, the qualities they'd like you to speak to and any accomplishments you may not know about. Many strong letters start from a conversation like this.
If you can only speak to part of their experience, write about that part honestly and specifically. A narrow letter with a real example is usually more useful than a broad one full of general praise.
Example letter of recommendation for scholarship
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Mr. Thomas Reed
School Counselor, Lincoln High School
treed@lincolnhs.org, (555) 270-4419
October 5, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for Aaliyah Johnson
Dear Scholarship Selection Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend Aaliyah Johnson for a scholarship. I have been Aaliyah's school counselor for all four years of high school and have also supervised her work as a peer tutor in our learning center.
Aaliyah has earned excellent grades in our most challenging courses while working twenty hours a week at a local grocery store to help support her family. She is disciplined, curious and deeply committed to helping other students, especially those who are the first in their families to plan for college.
One example shows the kind of person Aaliyah Johnson is. As a junior, Aaliyah noticed that many younger students did not know how to find tutoring help. She created a peer tutoring sign-up system, recruited fifteen volunteer tutors and kept it running for two years. Teachers tell me several students passed classes they were in danger of failing because of her program.
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend Aaliyah Johnson without reservation. I am confident Aaliyah Johnson will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at treed@lincolnhs.org, (555) 270-4419 if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
Mr. Thomas Reed
School Counselor, Lincoln High School
Frequently asked questions
Who should write a scholarship recommendation?
A teacher, counselor, coach, employer or community leader who knows the student well and can speak to the qualities the scholarship rewards. A detailed letter from someone who knows the student closely is better than a vague one from someone with a bigger title.
How long should a scholarship recommendation letter be?
One page is standard. Some scholarships set a word limit or provide a form instead of a letter, so check the instructions and follow them exactly.
Can I reuse the same letter for several scholarships?
Yes, but tailor the purpose and the strengths to each award when you can. A letter addressed to the right committee that mentions the scholarship's focus feels much stronger than a generic one.
When should I send it?
Before the deadline, ideally a few days early in case of technical problems. Ask the student to tell you the exact deadline and how to submit, since many scholarships use online portals.
What should a letter of recommendation include?
Explain who you are and how you know the candidate, including how long. Then describe two or three specific strengths relevant to the opportunity, support them with a concrete example, and close with a clear statement of your recommendation and your contact details so the reader can follow up.
How long should a letter of recommendation be?
Usually one page, or roughly 300 to 500 words. Admissions committees and hiring managers read many letters, so a focused letter with one strong example is more effective than a long one. Some graduate programs expect a little more detail, so check any instructions you've been given.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.