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Reference letter Translation
Our team of sworn translators prepares your reference letter translation for notarisation where the receiving institution requires it. We provide information about apostilles and consular legalisation; we do not submit or manage these applications.
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A reference letter is a letter of recommendation written by an academic or employer. It is required for postgraduate applications, scholarship files and job applications.
The writer's title, institution and contact details are translated in full; institutions verify the letter's authenticity using this information. The letterhead and signature details are also indicated in the translation.
Which institutions request this document?
- Foreign universities — for postgraduate admission procedures
- Scholarship organizations
- Employers
- Research institutions
Certification requirements
A sworn translation is considered sufficient for most applications; some scholarship organizations require notarization.
Apostille requests are uncommon for letters issued by private individuals. If one is needed, notarization is obtained first and the apostille is then attached to it.
There is no universal rule. The institution requesting the document determines its certification requirements. The information above describes common practice. Tell us which institution you are applying to and we will help clarify the required certification.
Preparing your document
- Send a scan showing the entire letterhead
- The signature and any institutional stamp must be legible
- Make sure the document includes the writer's title and contact details
Frequently asked questions
Can I write the letter myself and have it translated?
The translation service is independent of the document's content; however, institutions fundamentally expect a reference letter to have been written and signed by the relevant person.
How is a signature shown in the translation?
The presence of a signature and, if legible, the signatory's name are indicated in the translation; the image of the signature is not reproduced.
Other documents in the same category
- Diploma translation
- Transcript translation
- Student certificate translation
- Equivalency certificate translation
- Graduation certificate translation
- Course descriptions translation
- Statement of purpose translation
- Grade report translation
- Language certificate translation
- Vocational qualification certificate translation
- Athlete license translation

Send your document to find out the price and delivery date
Enquiries received during business hours are reviewed on the same day.