Who Can Be a Chevening Referee?
A Chevening referee should know you in a professional or personal capacity but cannot be a friend or relative. You may nominate two professional referees, two academic referees, or one of each. The best choice is someone who can provide recent, specific, first-hand evidence.
People who may be appropriate referees
Appropriate choices can include line managers, project supervisors, professors, dissertation supervisors, programme directors, and leaders of organisations where you completed substantial voluntary work. The relationship must be real and clearly explained.
- Current or former direct manager
- Project or programme supervisor
- Professor, lecturer, or dissertation supervisor
- Supervisor from substantial voluntary work
People you should not choose
Friends and relatives are not permitted. Avoid ceremonial contacts, political figures, clients, or executives who know your name but cannot describe your work. A prestigious title cannot replace first-hand knowledge and may make a generic letter look less credible.
How to choose your final two
Score each possible referee on depth of observation, recency, relevance, willingness, reliability, and ability to meet the deadline. Two letters should add complementary evidence rather than repeat the same event. For example, a manager may verify professional influence while an academic supervisor assesses analytical discipline and study readiness.
- Can they describe at least two specific events?
- Can they verify dates, roles, and outcomes?
- Will they respond to verification contact?
- Can they complete the letter before the deadline?
Frequently asked questions
Can a colleague be a Chevening referee?
A colleague may know your work, but choose them only when the professional relationship is clear and they can provide credible first-hand assessment. A supervisor is often easier to justify.
Can both Chevening referees be professional?
Yes. Official guidance permits two professional, two academic, or one of each.
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.