A Letter of Reference is a required document for UK university applications. You can create and send it directly through Direct Apply!
For those unfamiliar with this type of letter, this article explains what to include and why it is an essential part of your student's UK application. You can also refer to UCAS’s guidance on how to write a Letter of Reference here..
The letter should be written with a sole focus on the individual student and the relevant information to the course being applied for as well as making room for specific individual circumstances.
Few points to remember while writing the letter:
Complete the reference in one session — it can't be saved and will time out after 35 minutes of inactivity.
Use the 'Preview' option to review carefully. Once submitted, it can't be changed.
The reference must be no more than 3,800 characters.
Avoid using bold, italics, or underlining — these will be removed.
Formatting like line breaks won't be kept, but the content will be sent exactly as written.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission.
UCAS reference examples for independent applicants (278.88 KB)
There are 3 sections of the letter that we will cover below:
Section 1: School Profile/Context
Section 2: Extenuating Circumstances
Section 3: Other detailed application information
Section 1: School Profile/Context
This section is dedicated to providing a contextual background to the university regarding your school's standard, grading system, related policies, and institution qualifications.
Section 2: Extenuating Circumstances
It's likely you will not be able to provide detailed extenuating circumstances. Therefore, please confirm there is no information by ticking the box.
For more information, please refer to this link.
Section 3: Other supportive application information
Please provide short, clear, and factual statements offering additional context that may support the applicant’s application. This can include:
Academic performance in relevant UK Level 3 or equivalent qualifications, with supporting evidence such as assessment scores.
Performance in specific specialisms or projects.
For applicants no longer in full-time education: relevant work history, transferable skills, ambitions, work ethic, and personal strengths.
If the applicant is reapplying or has taken a gap year: a brief explanation of those circumstances.
For applicants still in education: any barriers faced in accessing work experience opportunities (if relevant to the course).
For more information, you can refer to UCAS website. Also, you can reach out to us by clicking on "Chat with Cialfo" option.