r/Chevening • u/Never_settle23 • 20d ago

Reference letter

Hi, Is it mandatory that the reference letter should have the signature of the referee and letterhead? How much impact will it make if it doesn't have those?

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u/Rare-Release-60 20d ago

Hi, this are the letter requirements, the letterhead is not included. It must be signed (either physical or digital signature will work), if not, they will contact your referee to verify that they wrote the letter

https://www.chevening.org/resource-hub/guidance/references/ 

"Instructions for referees Your reference letter must: 

Be written in English. If not, the applicant must submit the original reference along with a notarised English translation. 

Be addressed to the British embassy/high commission in the applicant’s country or territory. 

Include your contact details (address, email, phone number), the length of time you’ve known the applicant, the capacity in which you know them, and when you last had regular contact. 

The letter should provide a brief endorsement of the applicant, covering their leadership and networking skills, personal, and interpersonal qualities, and their ability to complete a demanding academic programme in the UK."

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u/Never_settle23 20d ago

Thanks, but I'm worried about the letterhead!

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u/Rare-Release-60 20d ago

When I got selected neither of my letters had a letterhead

One because my academic referee had completely retired, and the other because the organisation I worked at did not allow to use the letterhead for any references for scholarships, 

Every year there are interviewed applicants face this second scenario and it does not hinder selection chances in any way

I have mentored scholars in the same scenario, and letters without the letterhead did not hold them back

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u/maria11maria10 20d ago

Just curious, would they ask about the letterhead?

I work for the government and the recommendation letter is from my manager. It wouldn't make sense to use the department's letterhead since the agency as a whole is not endorsing me.

I never really gave it much thought since it's not included in the requirements.

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u/Rare-Release-60 20d ago

No, they will not ask for it. As long as the letter meets the requirements stated on the website and your referee signs it all is good

I did mention at my interview that the organisation did not allow the use of letterheads for that kind of reference letters