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Reference request email

Ask at least three weeks before the deadline and give your referee what they need to write it. Change the wording below to suit your relationship with the person, and fill the brackets with your details.

Email you can adapt

Subject: Reference request for [award name], deadline [date]

Dear [Professor / Dr / Name],

I hope you are well. I am applying for the [award name], which funds [one line on what it is], and I would be grateful if you would act as a referee. You supervised me in [course / project / role], and I think you can speak to [the specific thing: my research ability, my work in your lab, etc.].

The deadline is [date]. The reference is submitted [by me as an upload / directly through a link the organisation sends you]. To make it easy, I have attached:

- My CV
- My draft personal statement
- A short note on what the award looks for

If you are able to help, thank you very much. If not, I completely understand, and would appreciate knowing soon so I can ask someone else in good time.

With thanks,
[Your full name]
[Your programme / role]

Send these with it

  • Your CV
  • Your draft statement or a summary of what you are applying for
  • The exact deadline and how the reference is submitted
  • A reminder of how they know you and what to emphasise

If you have not heard back a week before the deadline, send a short, friendly reminder.