Number of reference letters required:

Only one letter is required in order for the application to be complete. The second reference letter is optional.

Language:

The reference letter should be written in English.  It can be written in Greek only if you are planning to study at a Greek university (otherwise an unofficial translation will be necessary).

Time frame:

Applicants who have completed their last university degree more than five years ago may provide a non-academic reference instead. Applicants, who have completed their last university degree within the last five years, should provide an academic reference. Reference letters for New/Repeating applications must be written within the last six months. Reference letters for Renewal applications must be written within the last three months.

Guidelines:

Referees should write the reference letter on the university’s official letterhead and sign it.

The following points must be included:

a)      In what capacity do they know the applicant.

b)      How they rate their academic ability and performance.

c)       Whether the applicant is able to successfully meet the academic requirements of his/her prospective studies.

Regarding PhD students:  It is strongly advised to provide a letter written by your current supervisor who will refer both to your academic achievement and to your PhD proposal.

Submitting the reference letter:

There are two ways to submit a reference letter, it can either be requested from the referee or uploaded by the applicant.

1.    For applicants who choose the email request option: An automated email will be sent to the proposed referee requesting the reference letter (please keep in mind that the referee will also have to check his/her junk mail folder). In order for the reference letter to be valid when uploaded by the referee: It must be written on the letterhead of the University and be signed by the referee.  It is preferable that the referee sends the letter from his/her professional address i.e. the one provided by the academic institution. Most importantly, the AGLF will not be held liable if the referee does not upload the letter within the submission deadline. The responsibility lies with the applicant who should regularly check the status of the application in order to confirm receipt of the reference letter and then submit the application within the deadline.  

2.    For applicants who choose to submit the letter themselves: In order for the reference letter to be valid when scanned and uploaded by the applicant, it must be written on the official letterhead of the university and be signed by the referee.