References

Everything you need to know about references before you submit your Chevening application.

As part of your Chevening application, you will be required to submit the names and contact details of two referees.

If you are invited to interview, you will need to upload your reference letters to the application system or submit them directly to your local Chevening team before your interview.

Click on the expanding arrows below to reveal our answers to common questions about references.

Who can be a referee?

A referee should be someone who knows you in a professional or personal capacity, but not a friend or relative. Ask them early to ensure they have enough time to write a strong reference letter.

How many referees should I choose?

You must provide the names of two referees in your application. They can be two professional referees, two academic referees, or one of each.

When do I submit my reference letters?

You must provide the names and contact details of two referees in your application.

If you advance to the next stage of the application process, you’ll need to provide two reference letters. If you are invited to interview, you will be required to upload both reference letters to the online application system no later than seven working days before your interview.

Remember, Chevening won’t contact your referees for you – you must collect and upload the references yourself. However, the British embassy or high commission may later contact them for verification.

How do I submit my references?

You can either:

Upload your reference letters as two separate files to the online application system. If you are invited to interview, you will be required to upload both reference letters to the online application system no later than seven working days before your interview.
Submit your references to your local Chevening team directly.

If the reference is in another language, include the original and a notarised English translation.

What should I do if I want to change the person I listed as my referee?

If you have been invited for an interview and need to change your referees, you can do so in the online application system no later than seven working days before your interview.

What happens if I miss the references deadline?

You must upload your reference letters to the online application system no later than seven working days before your interview. Failure to do so will result in your application no longer being considered for a Chevening award.

If you are having difficulty accessing the online application system, please contact your local Chevening Officer using the email address provided in the invitation email.

Can my references be submitted in another language?

References must be in English. If a reference is in another language, upload it with a notarised English translation in one file. References without a notarised translation won’t be accepted.

The embassy in my country has suspended operations. Who should I address my reference letters to?

If the embassy or high commission in your country/territory has suspended operations, please address your reference letter to ‘Chevening Officer [name of your country or territory].’

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.

Once you have completed your reference letter, please return it to the applicant, who will then upload it to Chevening’s online application system or submit it directly to their Chevening team.

Find out more about the Chevening application process by visiting the Preparing your Chevening application page and reading our guidance to the online application system.