How to send LORs to Universities Abroad?

At this point of your study abroad journey, you must know the importance of a letter of recommendation or LOR. Firstly, following the perfect LOR format, and correct content is paramount. We have already discussed the ideal LOR format in detail, but now you must know how to send LOR to universities abroad. This is what we will be discussing here. You will find the fundamental points on how to send LORs to universities abroad effectively.

Applying to universities abroad often requires submitting a Letter of Recommendation (LOR), which plays a crucial role in showcasing your qualifications and character. Knowing how to send these letters correctly is essential for ensuring that your application stands out. The process of sending LORs can vary significantly depending on the university's requirements and submission methods.

Let us first understand that the channel of sending your LORs for your applications to universities abroad depends on where you are applying. It essentially varies from university to university. Several institutions provide concrete requirements regarding recommendation letters. If you do not find any specificities mentioned by your choice of university, then there are certain points that you, as an applicant, need to follow. This is what we will now discuss, starting with the least common and moving to the most common communication sample of recommendation letters.

LORs meaning

Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are one of the crucial application documents that provide a strong base for the qualifications of the applicant, through the eyes of the recommender. In simple term, you should know that a Letter of Recommendation is a formal document written by someone who knows you well, such as a professor, employer, or mentor. It highlights your strengths, achievements, and suitability for the program you are applying to. A well-crafted LOR can significantly enhance your application by providing a third-party perspective on your capabilities.

Types of LORs

There are two main categories of LORs you may need to submit:

• Academic LORs: Written by professors, research supervisors, or academic mentors. These highlight your academic performance, subject expertise, research work, and potential for higher studies.

• Professional LORs: Written by employers, managers, or mentors at work. These focus on your professional experience, leadership qualities, problem-solving skills, and career achievements.

Tip: Always check your university’s requirements for the number and type of LORs. Some programs demand two academic LORs, while MBA or professional programs might require one academic and one professional LOR.

Methods for Sending LORs

The method of sending LORs largely depends on the university’s requirements and application platforms. According to a 2024 QS Admissions Insights survey, over 85% of universities now prefer online portal submissions, while only 10% accept email submissions and less than 5% still allow postal mail. Understanding how to send LOR to universities through these methods can help you avoid delays or mistakes.

1. Online Submission (Most Common)

This is the preferred method for most universities. Applicants list their recommenders’ email addresses in the application form. The university then sends a direct link or login credentials to the recommender to upload the LOR.

Key Points:

• Some universities require the recommender to fill out a questionnaire in addition to uploading a letter.
• The LOR must be formatted correctly (on official letterhead, signed, and saved as PDF).
• Confidentiality is critical—LORs are submitted directly by the recommender.

2. Email Submission

Some universities allow or require recommenders to send LORs directly via email.

Best Practices:

• The email must be sent from the recommender’s official email address (e.g., university or company domain).
• Include the application reference number in the subject line.
• Attach the LOR as a scanned PDF, with proper formatting, signature, and letterhead.
• Personal email addresses (e.g., Gmail) are usually not accepted unless justified.

3. Postal Mail (Rarely Used)

While physical LOR submissions have become outdated, a few universities might still require sealed hard copies.

How It Works:

• The recommender signs and seals the LOR in an official envelope.
• The applicant sends the sealed envelope via courier or postal mail, with application details and a cover letter.

Note: This method is largely phased out and only needed if explicitly mentioned.

There are three primary methods f or submitting LORs to universities abroad: online submission, email, and traditional postal mail. Each method has its own set of requirements and best practices.

Best Practices for Sending LORs

• Notify Recommenders Early: Inform your recommenders about the process and deadlines at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
• Share Guidelines: Provide them with the university's LOR requirements, submission instructions, and your resume or achievements to make their job easier.
• Ensure Official Emails: For email submissions, ensure the recommender uses their official domain-based email address.
• Follow Up Politely: Send reminders as deadlines approach. If a recommender is unresponsive, contact the admissions office to explain the situation.
• Digital Verification: Some universities now verify LORs digitally (e-signatures, official letterheads, or domain checks). Make sure the documents comply.

What if a Recommender Misses a Deadline?

• Contact the university to request a deadline extension, explaining the situation.
• Always keep a backup recommender in case of emergencies.
• Track submissions via application portals (most universities provide a submission status).

Student Experiences

"One of my recommenders was traveling abroad and missed the email from the university portal. I reached out to admissions, and they resent the link, giving me an extra week. Always maintain clear communication with both your recommender and the university!" – Priya, admitted to University of Toronto.