What is a letter of recommendation and how recent should it be for my application for a Master's?

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a formal document from a professor or employer that highlights your skills, achievements, and suitability for the program you are applying to.

For master's applications, universities generally prefer LORs that are as recent as possible - ideally from your current or most recent professors or supervisors. This ensures the information is relevant and credible. Some universities may recommend requesting your LOR at least four weeks before the application deadline.

If you graduated more than two years ago, a professional LOR from a recent supervisor is usually acceptable. For specific university requirements, consult the admissions guidelines or ask your LeapScholar counsellor for support.