Most master’s and doctoral applications to China ask for two or three recommendation letters. For research degrees they carry real weight, and a specific, detailed letter beats a famous but vague one.
Who to ask
- Professors who taught or supervised you and know your work.
- A project or thesis supervisor — often the strongest letter.
- A work supervisor, if you have relevant professional experience.
Prioritise people who can give concrete examples over titles. A senior professor who barely knows you writes a weaker letter than a lecturer who graded your best project.
What a good letter contains
- How long and in what capacity they know you.
- Specific evidence: a project, a grade curve, a thesis, a presentation.
- Your strengths relative to other students (“top 5% of students I have taught”).
- Your readiness for the program and, for research, your research potential.
- A clear recommendation at the end.
How many, and in what language?
- Typically 2 for master’s, 2–3 for PhD.
- Usually English (or Chinese for Chinese-taught programs); some universities accept either.
- Letters are often uploaded by the referee or sealed and signed — follow the university’s rule.
Make it easy for your referee
- Ask early (4–8 weeks ahead) and ask politely whether they can write a strong letter.
- Send a packet: your CV, transcript, the program details, deadlines, your study plan, and a note on what you want highlighted.
- Give the submission link or address and the exact deadline.
- Send a reminder a week before, and thank them afterwards.
Common mistakes
- Asking someone who does not know you well.
- Requesting a letter too late (referees are busy and deadlines are firm).
- Not telling your referee what the program is — they cannot tailor the letter.
- Forging or writing the letter yourself: universities verify, and it can end your application.
Requirements differ by university and program. Confirm how many letters, in which language, and how they must be submitted.