Referee requirements

A suitable referee is an individual who is well-acquainted with your education and abilities.

Choosing referees

If applying to the MA program

  • Referees should be academic in nature where at all possible. Professional referees will be accepted in situations where your professional experience is most relevant.
  • Referees should be able to comment on your
    1. Academic ability and record
    2. Research ability and record
    3. Teaching and language ability
    4. Professional experience and skill (if applicable)

If applying to the PhD program

  • Your Master's thesis supervisor should be chosen as ONE of your referees.
  • Referees should be academic in nature where at all possible. Professional referees will be accepted in situations where the applicants' professional experience is most relevant.
  • Referees should be able to comment on your
    1. Academic ability and record
    2. Research ability and record
    3. Teaching and language ability
    4. Professional experience and skill (if applicable)

Requesting references

  • Provide each of your referees with a copy of your research proposal or statement of intent.
  • Provide your referees with the details of the program you are applying to (name of degree program).

Submitting reference forms

  • Provide the names and contact information for referees who will submit reference reports on your academic ability and qualifications.
  • Once you have submitted your online application, referees will be notified by email with a reference request. The email will contain the URL for the online reference form.
  • If you require technical assistance, please contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies at gradapp@ucalgary.ca or (403) 220-4938.

Instructions for referees

A completed reference consists of the online Admission Reference Form (you will receive a link via email) completed by the referee. The reference form should have your evaluation of the applicant's merits and shortcomings in these general areas:

Academic ability and record

Applicant's general knowledge of the field, or, where appropriate, background preparation in both course work and previous research.

Research ability and record

Originality and ability to synthesize ideas, analytical thinking, skill at research design, quality of any research, familiarity with techniques or methodologies of the field, ability to discuss critically, ability to express ideas clearly.

Teaching and language ability

Applicant's teaching ability as revealed in any instructional role such as the presentation of reports or seminars, and speaking ability. If English is not the applicant's first language, some comment on his/her proficiency in English would be appreciated.

Professional experience and skill (if relevant)

Pertinent strengths and weaknesses.