Does a Chevening Reference Letter Need Letterhead?
Current Chevening reference instructions require the letter to be in English, addressed correctly, and to include the referee's contact and relationship details, but they do not list official letterhead as a mandatory requirement. A handwritten signature is also not required, although referees may be contacted for verification.
What the current guidance explicitly requires
The letter must be written in English. If it is written in another language, the applicant must include the original together with a notarised English translation. It should be addressed to the British embassy or high commission in the applicant's country or territory and include the referee's address, email, and telephone number.
The referee must explain how long and in what capacity they have known the applicant, when they last had regular contact, and provide the requested endorsement. These details matter more than decorative stationery.
- Correct embassy, high commission, or country officer addressee
- Referee address, email, and telephone number
- English letter or original plus notarised translation
- Required relationship facts and endorsement content
Letterhead and signature are not substitutes for verification
Official letterhead can make organisational identity clear when it is naturally available, but it does not repair vague evidence or inconsistent dates. Do not fabricate a letterhead, stamp, signature, or institutional email address. Chevening or the local embassy may contact the referee to verify the reference.
The official FAQ states that handwritten signatures are not required. A referee may still use a normal electronic or handwritten signature if appropriate to their organisation, but applicants should follow any additional instruction supplied by the local Chevening team.
Final format check before upload
Check the current official reference page again immediately before submission. Confirm that the file opens, the translation is included where necessary, the contact details are complete, the addressee is correct, and the content matches the referee's verified knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Chevening reference need a handwritten signature?
No. The official FAQ says handwritten signatures are not required, but referees may be contacted for verification.
Can I create company letterhead for my referee?
Do not fabricate stationery or organisational credentials. If genuine letterhead is unavailable, focus on the required contact, relationship, and endorsement information and verify current instructions.
Official source and independence
Requirements were checked on 12 July 2026. Verify the current official guidance before submission. CheveningPrep is independent and is not affiliated with Chevening or the UK Government.
Read the official references guidanceBuild a consistent referee briefing pack
Compare the annotated examples, check every official requirement, and prepare verified evidence for your referee to correct and express in their own words.