References — Choosing the Right Referees
CSC references are structured forms, not free-form letters. Your referees must address your development potential alongside academic ability.
The Two References You Need
Academic Reference (Required)
Must be someone who directly supervised your academic work: thesis supervisor, research mentor, or professor who taught you and can provide specific evidence of capability.
Second Reference
Should complement the first. If Ref 1 covers scholarly potential, Ref 2 should address professional impact, development work, or community engagement.
Good Choices
- ✓Thesis/dissertation supervisor
- ✓Research project supervisor
- ✓Professional supervisor who has seen your development work
- ✓NGO director you worked closely with
Bad Choices
- ✗Family members or personal friends
- ✗Professor from a large lecture who barely knows you
- ✗Impressive title but no knowledge of your work
- ✗Anyone unreliable or hard to contact