Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - May 31, 2024
Highlights
- Purpose and Content of LORs: Letters of Recommendation or LOR for Canada are written by professors, mentors, or supervisors to certify an applicant’s eligibility and characteristics, helping admission counsellors assess candidates.
- Elements of LOR for Canada: Key elements include character, work ethics, skills, mindset, academic records, talents, and certifications.
- Types of LORs: There are two main types of LORs namely Academic LORs and Professional LORs. Academic LORs, are written by faculty or mentors, whereas Professional LORs are written by employers, managers or HRs
- Guidelines of LOR for Canada: Writers should clearly state their relationship with the applicant, provide contact details, and include positive traits, achievements, and contributions of the applicant
- Submission Methods and Requirements: Canadian universities accept LORs via electronic references, paper letters on official letterhead, or paper reference forms. Each university and program may have specific requirements regarding the number and type of LORs
A letter of recommendation or LOR for Canada is a certification from a professor, mentor, or supervisor. It is a letter that certifies your eligibility and characteristics and works as an assessment criteria for the admission counselors of universities in Canada. Your LOR for Canada study visa should be brief, simple, and to the point. An LOR for MS in Canada should have the following your referee’s personal perspectives about
- Your character
- Work ethics
- Skill and mindset
- Overall potential
- Academic records
- Talents
- Certifications (if any)
The majority of Canadian Universities are very specific about application documents like LOR, resumes, SOPs and essays and LOR is one of the most crucial among them. There are mainly two types of LOR for Canada student visas and be classified below
Academic LOR and Professional LOR
A quick differentiation between an academic LOR and a professional LOR is given below
| Academic LOR | Professional LOR |
|---|---|
| Written by a faculty, mentor or the Principal of the student's last academic institution
May be required for undergraduate and post graduate programs like MA and MS in Canada It outlines the academic attainments of the student |
Written by an employer, manager or HR of the candidate's last employment
Often regarded as the LOR for MBA in Canada, and required for MS in Project Management or related programs It outlines candidates work experience, skill set, and achievements |
Guidelines for LOR for Canada
Before starting the letter of recommendation Canada, it is significant for a writer as well as the applicant to be familiar with general structural and content guidelines. For UG courses and graduate degrees like MS in Data Science, MS in Computer Science, you need to majorly provide academic letters of recommendation. Contrary to this, for professional degrees like MBA and MS Economics, you need to offer at least one academic and one professional letter of recommendation.
Recommender’s Guidelines for LOR Format for Canada
Some of the important pointers which a recommender need to incorporate in an LOR are:
- The referee must clarify the capacity in which he knows the applicant and must touch upon the areas that helped him make positive observations about the applicant.
- Referees while adding the official contact details like Email and phone numbers must also write their availability hours in case the selection committee would like to get in touch with the referee or any clarification or further details.
- An LOR from an employer or professor is generally to state the positive information about the applicant like his personality traits, achievements, contributions, and abilities that make him worthy of getting admission in the desired institution
Submission Guidelines for LOR for Canada
In terms of submission, Canadian universities offer students to submit their Recommendation letters in one of the following manners:
- Electronic References: A secured and unique link will be sent to each referee requiring them to log in and submit an online reference or upload a reference document as an attachment.
- Paper Letters of Reference: Paper LORs are written and sent on the referee's official letterhead. These letters are usually mailed directly to the admission team or the relevant program in a sealed and endorsed envelope.
- Paper Reference Forms: In some graduate programs, an academic reference form and a professional reference letter form are issued to the referees requiring them to fill it out and mail it directly to the relevant program in a sealed and endorsed envelope.
LOR Requirements for the Top Universities in Canada
Top Canadian universities have particular letter of recommendation requirements for specific degrees. LOR for Canada requirements at a few top universities is tabulated below
| Institutions | LOR for PG Diploma | LOR for MS | LOR for MBA |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 2 Academic LOR | 2 Academic LORs | 2 Academic LORs |
| University of British Columbia | 3 Academic & Professional LOR | 3 Academic & Professional LOR | 3 Academic & Professional LOR |
| McGill University | 2 Academic LORs | 2 Academic LORs | 2 Academic LORs |
| University of Montreal | 1 Academic LOR | 1 Academic LOR | 1 Academic LOR |
| McMaster University | 2 Academic LORs | 2 Academic LORs | 2 Academic LORs |
| University of Alberta | 2 Academic LORs | 2 Academic LORs | 2 Academic LORs |
| University of Waterloo | 2 Academic LORs | 2 Academic LOR | 2 Academic LORs |
| Western University | 2 Academic LORs | 2 Academic LOR | 2 Academic LORs |
LOR Format for Canada
Crafting a well-structured LOR for Canada is crucial for a smoother admissions process. Following these simple steps will help you write a strong LOR that supports application in Canada.
- Paragraph 1: Start by explaining your relationship with the student, like how you know them and for how long. Explain why you think they are a good fit for the college. Highlight their unique qualities and potential for success.
- Paragraph 2: Mention any additional strengths beyond academics that make them stand out, but be honest to avoid future issues. Always be truthful in your letter. Exaggeration or lies can harm both you and the student.
- Paragraph 3: Here you can shed some light on the research projects, inter-college competitions and seminars that the student has participated in. Shed some light on their internship and work experiences (in case of Professional LOR)
- Paragraph 4: Offer to provide further information if needed and include your contact details. End the letter professionally with a suitable closing and your name.
LOR for Canada Sample: Undergraduate
LOR samples for Canada for undergraduate programs look like this.
| Date
The Recipient’s Address Dear Admissions Team I am writing in respect of the above candidate who is applying for admission and scholarship into the postgraduate program at your institution. I have known him for about 9 years as his teacher and as his supervisor during his undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the [Name of department], at the [Name and Location of school]. During my interactions with [Name of Applicant], I noticed that what earned him an excellent academic record was not his natural brilliance, but his great zeal and apt tenacity to understand new and intricate concepts. [Name of Applicant] is hardworking and diligent. He uses his initiative very well while also working well with peers. He has a good thirst for knowledge and is very capable of designing solution schemes for problem mediation. He is very much able to meet goals given the freedom of self-supervision and peering. I put him in the top 1% of students taught in the last 10 years. He graduated at the top of his class both in his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. He is honest and emotionally balanced. He has no physical challenges to delimit his productivity. The admission would aid in achieving his career goals while attaining a potent contribution to global and national development. He has excellent skills and works well with peers. He has all the hallmarks of a good teacher and should do well if given the opportunity. As [name of applicant's supervisor] during his bachelor's and master's program, I was impressed by his creativity in solving problems that can boost the productivity of industries while minimizing operating costs. Currently, one of the research works we did, titled “[Title of research],” has been published by a highly ranked journal. Also, [Name of Applicant]’s vast array of voluntary works shows his willingness to accept responsibility and has also helped him to develop critical interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication among others. Another skill of [Name of Applicant] that I have come across is that he is an excellent team player. He was an active part of the placement cell in College during his final year. He was in charge of major jobs and liaised with the students and faculty for easier and smooth communication. He was given most of the vital jobs where he had to be supportive of and work with other students. He was also a member of the Parliament, and a part of the student cabinet when he involved himself completely and gave his best. He worked with fellow members and brought out the best events and cultures. He received a lot of praise from the placement cell for doing an exceptional job. Although [Name of Applicant] is a versatile and dedicated individual, his perfectionist mindset sometimes hampered his decision-making and caused delays. He frequently spent time dwelling on trivial matters of a project and tried to perfect them while he didn't have time on the more important parts. This came to my notice when I found that despite being dedicated and working hard towards the assignment, he could not submit it on time. I confronted him on the same and advised him to not drag away tasks and remember deadlines. He made conscious efforts after that and made sure that he was looking at the big picture to submit projects before the deadline. Given his educational, leadership, and corporate background, I herein recommend him highly for admission without any reservations. Sincerely, Signature and/or stamp of Referee Name of Referee Position of Referee |
LOR Samples for Masters in Canada
A sample LOR for masters in Canada is given below
| Date
The Recipient’s Address Dear Admissions Team It is my pleasure to recommend [Name of Applicant] for admission to MS in Computer Science at McGill University. I have been a professor at Christ University for the last 25 years and during these years, I met only a handful of students who left an everlasting mark on my memory. These are the students, the epitome of perfection or ideology that we constantly teach. I am happy to categorize [Name of Applicant] in this highest league of students due to his determination, diligence, and self-motivated positive attitude. For the last three years, I taught [Name of Applicant] Data Analysis and Information Sciences, both subjects requiring undivided attention and experiential learning. The DIY content of these subjects makes it imperative for the student to take extra interest in these to emerge as a successful candidate. Sometimes there is a lack of motivation in the subject matter that makes it difficult and dry to learn but with students like XXXX we never experienced a single dull and unproductive moment in our classes. He comes across as a very lively, imaginative, and sensitive child, who understands the gravity of the situation quickly and has the ability to handle the same with similar speed and efficacy. He did two projects during these three years and both of them won the first position in the National Computer Science fairs organized by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Small and Medium Scale industries respectively. He is an avid learner, an extraordinary problem solver, and a creative thinker who has solutions to all the problems thus motivating the peers as well as the teachers in day-to-day tasks. He has an ability to work with given instructions and is able to analyze the data and statistics with tremendous ease making him the most suitable candidate to study Computer Science at a higher level. [Name of Applicant] being the captain of the football sports club showcased exceptional leadership qualities on-field and otherwise. He ensured that his team's spirit is high at all times during training and practice sessions. To understand the strengths and weaknesses of his team, he also conducted one-to-one sessions and crafted a strategy to win inter-college matches. He also gave substantive feedback to others for improvement without being too harsh. As a result of his efforts, the college was able to win several matches and was recognized by all. He is intelligent and with his quick grasping power, he is able to pick up things faster than his peers. In spite of being a winner, he never takes his success for granted and works on everything from the ground level. This makes him unique and the best student amongst the lot. I am sure that he deserves to get admission in the opted course and receive world-class practical knowledge in this subject area that will not only be fruitful for him but will also turn out to be beneficial for the community and industries. I am available from Monday to Friday between 8 to 5 pm in case you have any queries related to his candidature. I shall be happy to answer them and see him through. Thanking you Sincerely Aryaman Singh Christ University Tel.: +XXXX E-mail: XXXXX@mail.com |
LOR for MBA in Canada: Check PDF
An LOR for Canada vividly describes the applicant's professional expertise, educational prowess, aptitude, academic performance, and skills. A LOR is one of the determining factors used by the admission panel to access the applicant's suitability for the concerned program.
Since it is usually written by an individual with credibility (usually an employer for professional reference and lecturer/supervisor for academic references), an LOR for Canada is considered to serve as a check or counterbalance for claims made in the personal statement by the applicants
FAQs
Ques: What is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and why is it important for Canadian universities?
Ans: A Letter of Recommendation is a document written by someone who can vouch for your qualifications and character, typically a professor or employer. For Canadian universities, LORs provide insights into your academic abilities, work ethic, and personal qualities from a third-party perspective, which helps admissions committees assess your fit for the program.
Ques: How many LORs are generally required for Canadian university applications?
Ans: Most Canadian universities require two to three LORs for graduate programs. However, it's important to check the specific requirements of each university and program as they can vary.
Ques: Who should I ask to write my LOR?
Ans: You should ask professors, research supervisors, or employers who know you well and can speak to your academic performance, research abilities, or professional accomplishments. Choose recommenders who can provide detailed and positive insights into your qualifications.
Ques: What information should I provide to my recommender?
Ans: Provide your recommender with your resume, a summary of your achievements, details about the program you're applying to, and any specific points you want them to highlight. This helps them write a more focused and effective letter.
Ques: What should a strong LOR include?
Ans: A strong LOR should include an introduction of the recommender, their relationship with you, specific examples of your skills and accomplishments, an assessment of your suitability for the program, and a strong endorsement. It should be personalized and tailored to the program you are applying to.
Ques: How can I ensure my LORs are submitted on time?
Ans: Start early and give your recommenders plenty of notice—at least a month before the deadline. Follow up with gentle reminders as the deadline approaches. Provide clear instructions on how and where to submit the LORs.
Ques: Can I submit additional LORs even if the university specifies a certain number?
Ans: Generally, you should stick to the specified number of LORs. If you feel an additional LOR will significantly strengthen your application, contact the admissions office for advice. Unsolicited additional documents might not be considered.
Ques: Do Canadian universities prefer academic or professional LORs?
Ans: For academic programs, universities typically prefer academic LORs from professors or research supervisors. For professional programs (like MBA or other professional degrees), professional LORs from employers may be more appropriate. Check the specific program requirements.
Ques: What if I cannot get an LOR from a professor due to large class sizes or limited interaction?
Ans: If you can't get an academic LOR, try to get one from a research supervisor, a project leader, or a mentor who can speak to your academic abilities. If this is not possible, a professional LOR from an employer can be used, but explain the situation in your application.
Ques: Is it acceptable to write my own LOR and have my recommender sign it?
Ans: Writing your own LOR and having someone else sign it is generally not acceptable and can be considered unethical. It's important that the letter is written and signed by the recommender to maintain authenticity and credibility. Instead, provide your recommenders with detailed information and guidance to help them write the letter.
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