How many Letters of Recommendation (LORs) Are Required for MS in Canada?

Most Canadian universities require two to three Letters of Recommendation. But often, students aren’t that clear on how many LORs to send and what counts as an academic LOR or as opposed to a professional LOR. The admission committee uses these letters to evaluate your academic performance, personality traits, and prospective developments beyond grades and test scores.

Now, picking the suitable recommenders and arriving at a balanced letter of recommendation is overwhelming. Should I ask a professor? Should I ask my employer? In what format should it be? Fret not! This guide will clarify the do’s and the don’ts of LORs for MS in Canada and extract a potent letter of recommendation without much hassle. 

What is the Letter of Recommendation Requirement for MS in Canada?

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is one of the most crucial documents in your application process for MS in Canada. It gives the admission committee insight into your academic record, personality traits, and overall potential beyond what’s reflected in your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and transcripts. Canadian universities require students to submit their recommendation letters as part of the application, and a strong letter can make a real difference in securing admission to top Canadian universities.

Generally, how many LORs do you really need? Most universities in Canada usually require 2-3 recommendation letters for MS admissions. It depends on the program concerned and the policies specific to particular universities. Some universities may prefer academic LORs, others, however, could ask for one academic and one professional LOR, especially in the case of professional programs, such as MS in Computer Science or Business Analytics. Always check the specific requirements about the number and types of LORs before putting in an application. 

LOR Requirements in Top Canadian Universities

The majority of Canadian universities require students to submit their recommendation letters in one of the following formats:

• Two academic LORs (preferred for research-intensive MS programs)
• One academic and one professional LOR (common for professional programs like MS in Business or Engineering)
• Three LORs (some top universities may require an additional recommendation letter)

Here’s a quick look at the LOR requirements for top Canadian universities:

University	Number of LORs Required	Type of LORs
University of Toronto	2 to 3	Academic preferred
University of British Columbia	2	One professional allowed for some programs
McGill University	2 to 3	Academic LORs preferred
University of Waterloo	2 to 3	Depends on the faculty
University of Alberta	3	Can include a professional LOR
Queen’s University	2	Academic preferred
University of Calgary	2	Can include a professional LOR
Western University	2	Academic LORs preferred
Simon Fraser University	2	One professional allowed for some programs
McMaster University	2 to 3	Academic LORs preferred

Who Should Write Your LOR for MS Admission in Canada?

When it comes to LOR for Canada, choosing the right recommender can be one of the determining factors in your admission process. The admission panel at Canadian universities carefully evaluates your letter of recommendation for Canada to assess your qualification, skills, and potential. Whether your LOR for masters should be academic or professional depends on your background and the program you’re applying to. Canadian universities are very specific about application documents like LORs, so selecting the right professor or professional reference is crucial.

For research-based graduate programs, universities prefer academic LORs, which means your letter of recommendation written by a professor who has taught you or supervised your research carries more weight. If you have work experience, a professional LOR as well, from a manager or employer, can strengthen your profile. However, either academic or professional LORs must be well-structured, written on an official letterhead, and signed by the recommender with their contact details. A good LOR should highlight your strengths, personality, and achievements, making it an impactful LOR that helps you get admission into top Canadian universities.

How to Select the Right Recommender?

Selecting the right recommender for your LOR for Canada is crucial, as it directly impacts your admission process. Here’s how to choose the best person to write your letter of recommendation for Canada:

1. Professors for Academic LORs – If you’re applying directly after your bachelor’s, you should get in touch with your professor who is familiar with your academic record and can write a well-structured LOR.
2. Employers for Professional LORs – If you have work experience, your professional reference should come from a direct supervisor who can vouch for your technical skills, leadership, and contributions.
3. Relationship with the Applicant – Your recommender should have closely worked with you and be able to provide specific examples of your work rather than just a generic endorsement.

5 Tips for Writing and Submitting a Strong LOR for Canadian Universities

Your Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is one of the most crucial parts of the application process when applying for an MS in Canada. A weak or generic LOR can hurt your chances of admission, no matter how strong your academic profile is. Canadian universities have specific requirements regarding the number and format of LORs, and failing to meet them can lead to rejection.

Whether you’re an international student planning to study abroad or a Canada student applying for a study visa, here are five essential tips for LOR writing to help you submit a letter that stands out.

1. Follow the Specific Format Required by Canadian Universities

Canada is one of the most competitive destinations for higher education, and LOR for Canada requirements vary across universities. Some require academic and professional LORs, while others only accept academic ones. Always check the specific format and structure your LOR accordingly. Most universities prefer a formal, well-structured LOR that is sealed by the respective department and includes module content of the program you are applying for.

2. Choose the Right Recommender and Prepare Them Well

Your recommender should be someone who has closely worked with you and can provide a detailed skills assessment. Professors or employers should avoid generic praise and instead offer specific examples of your academic or professional achievements. If they are unfamiliar with LOR writing, share LOR samples or guidelines for writing to help them draft an impressive letter.

3. Highlight Your Strengths Without Over-Exaggerating

A good LOR is neither too generic nor overly exaggerated. The admission panel wants an honest evaluation of your capabilities, not an unrealistic list of accomplishments. The letter should emphasize your academic skills, leadership, and ability to contribute to the program, backed by real examples. Over-the-top praise can make the letter seem fake, which can negatively impact your application.

4. Ensure Proper Formatting and Submission Process

LORs are written in a formal, structured format and should include the recommender’s contact details, signature, and official letterhead. When sending the LORs, ensure they meet the university’s specific requirements regarding the number and are submitted in the preferred format. Some universities require LORs to be directly emailed, while others need them to be uploaded via a secure portal or sealed by the respective department.

5. Prepare Multiple Drafts and Review Before Submission

Never rush the LOR submission. Drafting a sample and revising it multiple times can significantly improve its quality. Ask your recommender to prepare many samples and refine them before finalizing the letter. The end of the letter should reinforce your strengths and why you are a good candidate to study in Canada. Proofread for grammatical errors, clarity, and consistency before submission.

Conclusion

The number of LORs required to submit for an MS in Canada depends on the university and program, but most institutions ask for two to three recommendation letters. Whether you need academic or professional LORs, what truly matters is getting an impressive letter that reflects your strengths and potential. The admission panel to access your profile isn’t just looking for formality, they want insight into who you are beyond grades.

Since Canada is considered a top destination for higher education, a weak LOR can cost you an admit. Take the typical time required to find the right recommender, ensure your LOR follows the correct LOR format for Canada, and refer to a sample LOR if needed. Need help? Learn how to write a winning LOR with Ambitio, our experts will guide you through every step to maximize your chances. Get started today! 

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