Free Request for Reference (Academic) Template

Subject: Reference letter request — [Your Name], [Application Type], deadline [Date]

Dear Professor [Surname],

I hope you are well, and I am sorry to add to your inbox.

I am writing to ask whether you would be willing to write an academic reference letter for me to support my application for [specific opportunity — e.g. "the MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at [University]" / "the [Scholarship Name]"]. The deadline for submission is [Date], and references are submitted [via online portal / by email to [address]].

I asked you specifically because [genuine reason — e.g. "I learned more from your [Module] in [Year] than from any other course on my degree, and the dissertation feedback you gave shaped the research direction I now want to pursue at postgraduate level"].

To make this as easy as possible, I have attached:

• My up-to-date CV.
• My academic transcript.
• A short description of the programme / opportunity I am applying for.
• A draft of my personal statement.
• A few bullet points on themes I would be grateful if you could touch on (please feel free to ignore them).

I completely understand if your schedule does not allow this — please do not feel any pressure to say yes. If you would prefer to decline, a quick "no" by reply is absolutely fine, and I will arrange something else without any awkwardness.

Thank you so much for considering this, and for everything you taught me during my time on [Course].

With kind regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Student ID, if relevant]
[Phone] | [Email]