References are an important part of your application to À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.Ìý
Your referees will be completing and submitting a confidential onlineÌýreference form.
Our applications and admissions systems have changed
Please ensure you are following the correct instructions based on when you submitted your application.
Jump to: References for applications from before February 1, 2025 | References for applications after March 5, 2025
- Choose referees who know your skills and experience, and who can communicate your ability to succeed as a graduate student.
- We recommend that you contact your referees with a minimum of four weeks' notice before the application deadline.
- Ensure that your referees are available and have ample time to complete the reference form before the application deadline.Ìý
- Note that all reference forms are verified for authenticity.
You will find admission and reference requirements listed on yourÌýprogramÌýpage. Generally, admission to a master's program requires two references and admission to a PhD program requires three references. Official regulations are outlined in theÌýGraduate Studies Academic Calendar.
- Contact your referees several weeksÌýin advance of your application deadline, to confirm:
- their consent to use them as a reference
- their current email address, and
- current job title
- Provide your referees with information and documents that will help them speak to your experience and potential. For example:
- academic transcript(s)
- curriculum vitae (CV)
- resume
- statement of interest
- research papers
- change of name, if applicable
- Once they agree to support your application, tellÌýyour referees:
- They will receive at least two email reminders from À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ to complete the form. Applicants may also send reminders from within their Applicant Portal.
- They will receive two email reminders to complete the form 7 days and 14 days after the first email is sent.Ìý
- Reference forms need toÌýbe completed before yourÌýprogramÌýapplication deadline.
- Specify aÌýdeadline to ensure that your reference form is completed before the application deadline.
- Share our Tips for referees with your referee!
- An academic refereeÌýtypically holds – or has held – an academic appointment at an educational institution. They have taught you in a course, or supervised your research, and can attest to your academic performance and aptitude for graduate-level studies.
- Academic referees will be asked to explain how they know you, rank your skills and abilities in a series of academic attributes (for example, research potential, communication, etc.) and to comment on your potential as a graduate student.
- YourÌýprogramÌýmay have specific academic reference guidelines. For example, a department may require that referees hold PhDs, or have supervised your work for a minimum time period.
- Visit yourÌýprogramÌýpageÌýfor more information.
- Contact the department/programÌýgraduate co-ordinatorÌýwith any questions.
- A professional refereeÌýis typically a supervisor or senior-level employer. They have supervised you, and can attest to your possession of the skills and experience required for program admission. Ìý
- Professional referees will be asked to explain how they know you, rank your skills and abilities in a series of professional attributes (for example, leadership, communication, etc.) and to comment on your capabilities and the relevance of the graduate program to your career path.
- YourÌýprogramÌýmay have specific professional reference guidelines. For example, a department may require that referees hold industry-specific professional designations, or have supervised your professional work for a minimum time period.
- Visit yourÌýprogramÌýpageÌýfor more information.
- Contact the department/programÌýgraduate co-ordinatorÌýwith any questions.
- References from family members, friends, students, former or current classmates, employees, colleagues and/orÌýTeaching Assistants are not accepted.
- Valid institutional or organizational email addresses are preferred.ÌýHotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc. are not encouraged and will be verified.
- The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ may use your reference form(s) when considering you for institutional, provincial and federal awards/scholarships.
- All reference forms are verified for authenticity. If evidence of misrepresentation or fraudulent or falsified documentation is found, the penalty is severe. The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ reserves the right to revoke any offer of admission and/or financial support. The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ may also disclose evidence of any misrepresentation or fraudulent or falsified documentation to all Canadian universities, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and law enforcement personnel where appropriate.