Last updated: March 21, 2026

DAAD Recommendation Letter

Who Should Write It?

Thesis supervisor

Best choice. Knows your work deeply.

Professor who taught you multiple courses

Can speak to your abilities over time.

Famous professor who barely knows you

A vague letter from a big name hurts more than it helps.

Employer (unless program allows it)

Must be academic unless specifically stated otherwise.

About the DAAD Form

DAAD will not accept regular letters on university letterhead. You must generate the DAAD-specific form through portal.daad.de and send it to your referee. The form has rating scales and a free-text assessment section.

Download the current version from the portal. Previous years forms are not accepted.

When to Ask

6 weeksFirst ask. Explain the program and what you need.

4 weeksSend them the DAAD form, your CV, and motivation letter.

2 weeksGentle reminder. Confirm they have everything they need.

1 weekFinal reminder. Offer to help with any questions.

Help Your Referee Help You

Give them your CV, motivation letter, program description, and specific things you would like them to highlight. Make it easy for them to write a detailed, specific letter. The less work they have to do researching you, the better the letter will be.