how to write application letter for fellowship

A Compelling Cover Letter for a Fellowship Position

Winning a fellowship is a huge accomplishment, whether from your university or from an outside source. Because they are so highly competitive, students can place such an achievement on their resumes/CVs, later on, will always have an edge.

Applying for a fellowship is much like applying for a job. You will need a strong resume that is accompanied by a cover letter. That cover letter for a fellowship is a critical piece of your application packet because it is your personal introduction and encapsulation of your major achievements during your academic career thus far. 

As well, you want to show that you have clear career goals and how this fellowship will help in their achievement. To help with this, we have included a sample letter and some writing tips.

Cover Letter Sample For Fellowship in .docx Format

Here is a sample cover letter from a student who is seeking a fellowship to undertake a special project through an academic department at their university.

Download example (Word version)

Cover Letter Example For Fellowship – Plain Text

Dear Selection Committee Members,

My name is Elaine Ninja and I am writing to apply for a research fellowship from The Social Justice Foundation. I learned about this fellowship opportunity from Dr. Grant Mason, as he and I were discussing my upcoming sabbatical. It is my hope that you will find the project I am planning valuable enough to provide me with the fellowship that I am requesting. 

I am currently taking a sabbatical from my positions as a civil rights attorney and instructor at Wellburgh university in order to pursue a year-long social justice project. During this time, I will be partnering with Dr. Mason to create a legal advocacy program for at-risk populations who are unfairly targeted for punitive civil and other non-criminal legal actions. We will specifically focus on eviction actions and unfair employment actions. 

I am pursuing this, because my final research project as a law student at Wellburgh showed that minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, single parents, and the disabled are often targeted by punitive and retaliatory legal action by employers, landlords, and other entities. These actions are often taken after the target has taken some action to report illegal behavior or protect their rights. This project will establish a legal advocacy program to help those who are impacted respond to such actions.

My intention is to use the funds provided to cover my expenses during this undertaking. However, I will supplement any rewards received with a small monthly stipend I receive for teaching two undergraduate courses.

I have attached my CV, two letters of recommendation, and a more detailed description of this project. Please contact me with any questions. 

Thank you for considering me for this tremendous opportunity.

Regards, Elaine Ninja

Fellowship Cover Letter Writing Tips

It’s no secret that academic jobs and fellowships in particular are highly competitive. Nature Magazine reports that most early-career researchers need to file at least 15 applications to land a single offer. Moreover, job seekers who submit more applications end up getting a higher number of on-site interviews. What this data means for you is that you’d have to get a good dozen of customized cover letters ready. Below are several actionable tips to help you churn out those sample fellowship cover letters with high confidence! 

Review The Requirements

While many grants and scholarships are intended for a wide range of students, that’s not the case with a fellowship. These are often rewarded to students or other academic professionals who are pursuing very specific academic or research goals. In the case of the example above, the applicant is conducting a project with the support of their university and employer. 

The best way to be sure you qualify is to read the materials associated with the fellowship and get to know the purpose of the organization offering the award. This way you only go after options that you have a high chance of receiving.

Be Detailed-Oriented

Your CV and transcripts will only show what you have done so far. You are pursuing the fellowship to achieve future goals. This is your chance to introduce these goals and explain your intentions. Thus your letter should contain enough detail to help the reader fully understand your plans and concrete steps you intend to take to lead the project to successful completion. 

Write as a Colleague, Not a Student

If you are applying for a fellowship, you are a degreed professional. Chances are you work in the field and may be in charge of undergraduate students in your department even if you are just a postdoctoral employee . You have established your competence in your academic discipline and should write your cover letter accordingly. Be confident in the value of your research and academic pursuits. Refer to yourself using proper titles. Show respect and gratitude for consideration, but don’t fawn. Avoid seeming as if you are asking for permission to pursue your planned course of action.

Final Tip: Show a Community Benefit

While there is nothing wrong with pursuing graduate education for career purposes, consider the perspective of the selection committee. In many cases, this group consists of individuals with a stake in your field, the university, and the community at large. They want to know that funding you is something that will be worthwhile to them and their goals. Use your letter to show how your education or research will be helpful to your school, local community, or your colleagues.

Other Cover Letter Samples

Medical assistant cover letter example, cover letter for sales executive: example + tips, spanish teacher cover letter example.

A huge collection of cover letters created by a ninja team of writers and career advisors. Learn how to write, style and file cover letters that employers actually enjoy reading.

© Copyright 2023 Cover Letter Ninjas

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Disclosure Policy

Expert Consult

Applying for Fellowship: What You Need to Know

By Ole-Petter Hamnvik, MB BCh BAO, MMSc

Published July 21, 2017

Applying for fellowships is a stressful process. It not only involves making major decisions that will impact your life but it also requires creating a competitive application and preparing for high-stakes interviews, all while you are still fulfilling your responsibilities as a resident. NEJM Resident 360 hosted a discussion with a panel of experts on preparing for fellowship to explore many of these issues. In this blog post, I share some personal tips and useful advice from our panel experts on how to be a successful fellowship candidate.

Be the Early Bird

Creating a successful application for fellowship does not start one or two months before applications are due. Starting the process a year before you apply can ensure that you are ahead of the game.

Here are some things to think about during the year before applying: 

Decide on your subspecialty:

You may be someone who knew you wanted to be a cardiologist when you applied to medical school or you may still be undecided about specialties. If you are in the second category, try to find clinical experiences in the subspecialty during your elective period, ambulatory block (for outpatient-focused specialties), or inpatient rotations in specialties that you are considering (for specialties with a heavy inpatient load, such as cardiology and oncology). Talk to fellows and faculty in the specialty to learn what their life is like. Discuss your choices with advisors (e.g., your residency program director) or mentors. You might also find the NEJM Resident 360 blog post Family Medicine, Rad Onc, or OB? How to Choose a Specialty helpful. 

Invest in at least one rotation in your chosen subspecialty:

Most fellowships want at least one letter from a faculty member in the subspecialty that you are applying for. As you set up your schedule for the year, ensure that you have at least one rotation that will give you time with a subspecialty faculty member who can write a letter of recommendation for you.

Take part in research projects to enhance your application :

Depending on your subspecialty and career plans, consider working on a project that either has a research or educational focus or on a case report or case series during the year before you apply. This is particularly important if you plan to have a career that includes nonclinical or nontraditional activities such as research, medical education, health policy, global health, hospital administration, and medical writing. Participating in such activities in addition to patient care will demonstrate your commitment and set you apart from other applicants. 

Take time out of the training path:

Many residents are interested in taking a year off to do research, work as a hospitalist, or act as a chief medical resident. In many cases, this may strengthen your application. However, being away from clinical medicine for too long might elicit concern about your clinical skills when you return to practice. Make sure to address your decision to take time out in your personal statement and be prepared during your interview to explain why you decided to take that path, how you spent this time, and how the experience will help you during fellowship and your career. If you were a hospitalist and practiced independently for an extended period, you may be asked about the challenges of being a trainee again and required to run your plans by someone else. 

Assembling Your Application

As the application submission deadlines loom closer (within 6 months), start collecting all the documents that you need to create your application. Some components depend only on you (e.g., the personal statement and resume) while other parts require input from busy people (e.g., letters of recommendation). The earlier you start, the better! 

Here are the steps required to assemble your application: 

Familiarize yourself with the application requirements:

Most subspecialties use the Electronic Residency Application Service ( ERAS ). Some programs and subspecialties have specific requirements, so you will want to review the ERAS website in detail as well as the relevant fellowship program websites. 

Request letters of recommendation (LoR):

How many? Aim for four letters if the number is not specified. Check program requirements on the ERAS and program websites. 

Who should write the letters? After you review the letter requirements for your programs, think about who can write a meaningful LoR about your abilities as a doctor rather than someone who will rehash your CV. Usually, one of the letters is from your residency program director. Others can be written by clinicians in general medicine or subspecialties with whom you have worked. If you have been involved in research or education projects, get LoRs from your project supervisor. Include at least one letter from a subspecialist in the specialty that you are applying for. 

When should I ask for the letter? Asking for a letter while you are still working with a faculty member is best — and the earlier the better — as this allows them to pay more attention to your performance in real time and perhaps take note of specific strengths or examples. You can provide additional instructions on how to submit the LoR closer to the due date. 

How do I ask for the letter? First, don’t be afraid to ask! All faculty members at institutions with residency programs are accustomed to writing LoRs. You can email your request, but also offer to meet in person to discuss your career plans. Writers based outside of the U.S. may require more guidance. An international faculty member may be brief about your abilities, and this could be perceived more negatively than intended. Providing sample LoRs could be helpful. 

Here are some more helpful tips: 

Ask if they feel they know you well enough to write a positive letter on your behalf

Provide an updated copy of your CV and your personal statement to frame the LoR

Consider noting specific areas on your CV that you would like highlighted

Always remember to thank your letter writers, especially after you match, because they will be curious about the outcome! 

How are the letters submitted? Letters are submitted electronically via ERAS. Make sure you review the ERAS procedure carefully and instruct your letter writers on how to submit their LoRs. 

Write your personal statement:

Your CV and LoR may be prioritized over your personal statement, but programs use your personal statement to learn more about you. The personal statement is the only place in your application where you can add your voice and bring together all of the pieces of your application. Send your personal statement to friends and mentors to ensure that it is error-free. Keep it brief — no more than one page. 

Some questions you may want to ask yourself as you write your personal statement include:

What experiences make you a strong candidate for this program?

What parts of your application suggest that you will have a successful career?

How can you draw the reader’s focus on your unique achievements?

What relevant information is not included elsewhere on the application (e.g., unexplained absences from clinical work or a failed exam)? 

Create your application/CV:

ERAS will prompt you to input all the information that fellowship program directors are looking for, such as education, academic projects, publications, etc. Include all achievements, including ongoing projects. Be prepared to address anything that is on your application during the interview.

Select programs to apply to and submit your application:

Once you have created your application, you will submit it to programs (usually via ERAS). Deciding how many and which programs to apply to will depend on personal preferences, your competitiveness as an applicant, and the type of training you seek. For example, if you are planning a career as a clinician-investigator, focus on academically oriented programs. If you had some struggles during medical school or residency and therefore do not have a very strong application, you may need to apply more broadly. Your residency program director can help you decide how many and what programs to apply to. Look at the fellowship program website to find out the career paths of prior fellows.

Acing the Interview

Fellowship interviews are often a bit more involved than residency interviews. The number of faculty members and trainees is much smaller in the fellowship program, and some fellows may stay on faculty after their fellowship. Therefore, faculty will be considering you as a potential future colleague and want to determine in the interview whether you will be a good fit.

Tips for acing the interview include: 

Be engaged: Show your best side during the interview day. Make sure you are rested. Do not schedule interviews when you are post-call! Be social, put your phone away, and get to know the faculty, fellows, and other applicants.

Practice and prepare : Many residency programs will offer mock interviews with experienced fellowship interviewers. Even if you do not have the opportunity to do a mock interview, prepare answers to commonly asked questions and practice delivering these answers out loud. 

Some interview topics to prepare for include:

talking about yourself

your strengths/weaknesses

describe a challenging patient interaction and how you resolved it

where you want to be in 5 to 10 years (You don’t have to be specific but you should have some sense of what you would like to do and how you will get there.) 

Make sure you know what questions interviewers are not allowed to ask (e.g., what other programs you applied to, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and family status). If any of these questions come up, try to make light of it and take the conversation in a different direction. Let your residency program director know if you are concerned about questions asked during your interview. 

Know your interviewers : Many fellowships will give you the interview schedule ahead of time; make sure you read about the interviewers and their interests. If you know the program has a faculty member that might make a good mentor, make sure to contact the program well ahead of time to see if they can schedule an interview with that person. In addition to the division’s website, you can find useful information about interviewers on PubMed, LinkedIn, Doximity, Google, etc. This information will allow you to find some common points for discussion during the interview. 

Ask questions : You should have read the program’s website in detail before the interview. Reviewing the website of the medical school or the medical center might also be helpful. You may find information on a relevant grant or multidisciplinary initiative. Prepare honest questions to help get to the essence of the type of curriculum the program offers (including clinical experiences you would like to learn more about, research mentorship, or non-clinical training opportunities).

Interact with current fellows: They are on the front lines and can tell you more about call schedules, work hours, and other day-to-day questions than any of the faculty members. In addition, current fellows can give you the inside scoop on the program, the program director, and mentorship.

Send thank you notes: Sending a thank-you note (via email or snail mail) is not required and may not be reciprocated. If your post-interview feelings are genuine, you can choose to send a quick note to express your ongoing interest in the program and you can include specific points, but do not cut and paste a generic thank you note. If there are been major updates to your application, let the program know.

Post-interview communication: The official match policy is to discourage any communication from the program to the applicant after the day of the interview. Therefore, if you do not hear from the program, it does not necessarily indicate a lack of interest in you. However, fellowship programs are not prohibited from contacting you so you may get a call or an email, usually just to check if you have any additional questions. Programs cannot ask you how you are going to rank them. If you have concerns about a post-interview communication, discuss it with your residency program director who can help resolve the situation. 

Once you are done with the interview season, you will need to submit your rank list and wait for match day! Good luck!

• Creative Letter
• Cover Letter
• Cover Letter for Fellowship

Welcome to our article on writing a cover letter for a fellowship. In this article, we will provide you with tips and examples to help you create a compelling and effective cover letter that will increase your chances of securing a fellowship.

A fellowship is a prestigious opportunity that allows individuals to gain valuable experience and funding in their field of interest. It is important to craft a well-written cover letter that showcases your qualifications, experiences, and enthusiasm for the fellowship. We will guide you through the process of writing a cover letter that highlights your strengths and makes a strong impression on the selection committee.

Letter Example 1:

Letter example 2:, letter example 3:, letter example 4:, suggestions for writing a cover letter for fellowship, faq 1: what should i include in my cover letter for a fellowship, faq 2: how long should my cover letter be, faq 3: how can i make my cover letter stand out, faq 4: should i include my contact information in the cover letter, examples of cover letters for fellowship.

Dear [Fellowship Selection Committee],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Name of Fellowship] offered by [Fellowship Organization]. As an aspiring [field/industry], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the [specific project or initiative] and further develop my skills in this area.

[Body of the letter]

[Your Name]

As a recent graduate with a [degree/qualification] in [field], I am writing to apply for the [Name of Fellowship]. I am impressed by the [Fellowship Organization]'s commitment to [specific cause or mission], and I believe that my passion for [related cause or mission] aligns perfectly with the goals of this fellowship.

Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,

I am excited to apply for the [Name of Fellowship] as it presents a unique opportunity for me to combine my passion for [specific field] with my dedication to [related cause or mission]. With my [relevant experience] and strong commitment to [specific area], I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to the fellowship program.

I am writing to express my interest in the [Name of Fellowship]. As a [current occupation or position], I have been actively involved in [relevant projects or initiatives] and have developed a deep understanding and passion for [specific area]. The [Fellowship Organization]'s commitment to [related cause or mission] resonates with my own values, and I am eager to contribute to the success of this fellowship program.

Warm regards,

• Research the fellowship organization and tailor your cover letter to align with their mission and values.
• Highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the fellowship.
• Show enthusiasm and passion for the fellowship and explain how it aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations.
• Proofread your cover letter carefully for any errors or typos, and ensure it is well-structured and professional in tone.

Writing a cover letter for a fellowship requires careful thought and attention to detail. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your qualifications and increases your chances of securing a fellowship. Remember to tailor your letter to the specific fellowship organization and demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

In your cover letter for a fellowship, you should include a brief introduction, a body that highlights your qualifications and experiences, and a conclusion expressing your interest and gratitude.

Your cover letter for a fellowship should be concise and to the point, ideally not exceeding one page in length.

To make your cover letter stand out, tailor it to the specific fellowship organization, highlight your relevant experiences and skills, and demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the opportunity.

Yes, it is important to include your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, at the end of the cover letter.

• Cover letter for operating room nurse
• Cover Letter for Education Manager

Related Posts

Cover Letter for Sales Development Representative

Cover Letter for Front Desk

Cover Letter for Activities Coordinator

Cover Letter for Call Center

Cover letter for flight attendant with no experience

Covering Letter for Australia Tourist Visa

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This website uses its own and third-party cookies to guarantee you the best experience on our website. Cookies

3 Tips for Writing a Stellar Cover Letter for Jobs and Fellowships

By Dawn Angellica Barcelona

Knowing how to write a solid cover letter is an essential part of many application processes, whether for a job, fellowship , grant application, or journal publication. A cover letter should convey to the hiring team or selection committee why you’re a great candidate for the organization or why your project should receive support or funding. Generally, a cover letter will be paired with another piece of an application. For job applications, cover letters are sent with your resume. For journal publication, your cover letter should accompany a writing sample. For a fellowship, your cover letter will be sent with your application materials such as personal statements or project proposals . 

Whereas a resume shows a selection committee or hiring team your skills, accomplishments, and career trajectory, a cover letter is a chance to showcase the story behind your achievements and give the reader a sense of your personality. Think of your cover letter as an introduction to yourself. 

1. Preparing to Write a Cover Letter

Before writing a cover letter, spend time doing the following:

• Find a particular fellowship or job description you’d like to apply to.  Having an end goal will help you write your cover letter. 
• Tailor your resume or CV to the job or fellowship you’re interested in pursuing. 
• Do research on the organization or company you’re looking to join on their website or through blogs/articles about the organization.

Be able to answer the following:

• What does this organization do? What is its mission? 
• What examples of projects and initiatives do they have? 
• Why is this position open? What do they hope they will accomplish by hiring someone in this role or granting someone this fellowship? 
• Who is on the selection or hiring committee? 

2. How to Structure Your Cover Letter

If you’re not sure where to start with your cover letter, this structure can be a good place to start:

Header: This should include your full name, email address, and date of the letter. 

Greeting: Who are you addressing the letter to? Be specific if possible. 

First Paragraph: Use your first paragraph to introduce yourself, the role you’re applying for, and how you first came into contact with the organization or why the role resonates with you. Perhaps you have used the company’s products before or heard about the fellowship from a career fair. This is a good place to show enthusiasm!

Second Paragraph: This second paragraph should include a brief overview of your background as it specifically relates to the position. Include one or two specific details about a key achievement that is uniquely positioned to make you stand out. Choose experiences from your most recent roles when possible. 

Third Paragraph: The third and final body paragraph in your cover letter can include another key achievement or you can relay a story that further illustrates your alignment with the role. 

Sign Off : End your cover letter thanking the selection committee for taking the time to consider your application and choose a simple closing greeting such as “Sincerely” before including your full name again. 

3. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A good cover letter excites the selection committee, but a cover letter with errors and mistakes can make a negative impression. Try to avoid these common mistakes. 

Not addressing your cover letter to the appropriate person. When I review resumes, I see a common error where candidates will recycle their cover letters for multiple companies but forget to change the addressee. In some job descriptions, you might see details such as “this candidate will report directly to the CEO” that will help you personalize your cover letter. Look up the CEO’s name on the organization’s website and address your cover letter to them – they will likely be involved in your hiring process. You might not have as easy of a time figuring out who will be reviewing your application – in that case, you can write something like “Dear Fulbright Selection Committee” or “Dear (Company Name) Hiring Team” to be safe. 

Not writing succinctly. Hiring and selection committees are often pressed for time and under deadlines and other work responsibilities, so ensure that your cover letter is brief. It should be no more than 3 paragraphs with no more than 3-4 sentences each. A dense-looking letter can cause the reader to skim what you wrote, which in effect makes your cover letter less persuasive. Make it easy on the selection committee and keep things short and simple.

Reiterating your resume verbatim. A resume is an objective list of your work experience, education, accomplishments, and relevant certifications, awards, or patents. A cover letter is a place to explain the value of your achievements and why your experience will make you a successful member of the organization. Avoid writing anything in your cover letter that can be read on a resume. 

Once you are finished with a draft of your cover letter, take extra time to make sure there are no spelling errors or grammatical mistakes. You can ask a friend or an adviser to help you proofread. Reading your letter out loud can also be useful – if you are stumbling over any of your phrasings, this will tell you that you might need to simplify or clarify that sentence. When you feel like your cover letter and resume are ready to go, make sure to save your document as a PDF in order to retain your formatting before submitting your application. 

While you’re waiting to hear back from jobs or fellowships, be sure to balance both self-care and interview preparation ! Best wishes for your next adventure.

If you enjoyed this article, you may want to check out Dawn’s other articles on ProFellow, including Recruiter Tips: How to Write An Effective One-Page Resume .

© 2023 ProFellow, LLC all rights reserved.

Related Posts:

• 3 Things You Need to Maximize Your Hiring Potential Post-Undergrad
• How to Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for Any Opportunity 
• #8: Get a Great Recommendation Letter, Part 1
• What Should I Ask to be Included in My Letter of Recommendation?
• #8: Get a Great Recommendation Letter, Part 2

Application Tips , Cover Letter Tips , Dawn Angelicca Barcelona , Resume Tips

Fully Funded Master’s Programs in Mechanical Engineering

How americorps fellowships made juanita gordon a better communicator, find and win paid, competitive fellowships.

Be alerted about new fellowship calls for applications, get insider application tips, and learn about fully funded PhD and graduate programs

Fellowship Resources

• Calls for Applications
• Upcoming Fellowship Deadlines
• Fellowships Database
• Interviews with Fellows
• International Fellows Network
• Graduate Funding Directory

Fellowship Tips

• What is a Fellowship?
• Fully Funded Course
• Graduate School Funding
• Fellowship Application Tips
• Fulbright Application Tips
• Fellowship Application Guide
• Our Mission, History & Values
• ProFellow Winner Testimonials
• Fully Funded Course Testimonials
• Fellowship Industry Report
• Advertise With Us
• Terms & Privacy

ProFellow is the go-to source for information on professional and academic fellowships, created by fellows for aspiring fellows.

©2011-2024 ProFellow, LLC. All rights reserved.

• Get the Job
• Resumes and CVs
• Applications
• Cover Letters
• Professional References

Professional Licenses and Exams

• Get a Promotion
• Negotiation
• Professional Ethics
• Professionalism
• Dealing with Coworkers
• Dealing with Bosses

Communication Skills

Managing the office, disabilities, harassment and discrimination, unemployment.

• Career Paths
• Compare Careers
• Switching Careers
• Training and Certifications
• Start a Company
• Internships and Apprenticeships
• Entry Level Jobs
• College Degrees

Growth Trends for Related Jobs

How to write a cover letter for a fellowship.

Graduate and postgraduate students often must pursue a fellowship for financial support to conduct their research or to complete training or internships necessary for school and their career. A cover letter is typically the first thing the recipient reads in your fellowship application, so it needs to be convincing and well-written.

Start a new document on your computer and choose a cover letter template if one is available. Make a header that includes your name (in larger and bolder font), followed by your address, phone number, email address and website (if applicable).

Type a formal salutation that addresses the recipient by name. This may mean you have to do extra research to find out who will be considering your letter and application. It is considered bad form to open a cover letter with a generic salutation, and your goal is to establish a personal connection with the individual who will be deciding on whether or not to grant your fellowship.

Type two to three sentences for the first paragraph to explain who you are, which university or organization you are a student or member of and what type of fellowship you are applying for.

Type five to seven sentences as your middle paragraph. This section should explain the work your or your organization is performing, its purpose and its benefits, and a short history of the work you have accomplished so far. In a polite but direct tone, provide a budget estimate of how much you will need granted in your fellowship to cover program costs as well as living expenses. Also provide information about your living situation, including housing, transportation and location. Explain that a more thorough summary of your project is contained in your fellowship proposal.

Type two to four sentences as your closing paragraph. Indicate that your resume (if required) and fellowship proposal are enclosed, and specify the method with which you would prefer to be contacted to discuss the opportunity further. Thank the recipient for his consideration and time.

• Be clear in explaining your needs, but in a polite tone that cannot be taken as desperate. It is important that your fellowship cover letter convince the recipient of your responsibility and professionalism.

Related Articles

The average salary of a grant writer →.

How to Write a Letter for an Externship →

Types of Letters of Intent →

Preparing a Curriculum Vitae for Teaching Nursing →

How to Write a Letter of Intent for Research →

How to become a plastic surgeon →.

• OWL: Purdue Online Writing Lab: Introduction to Resumes

Kara Page has been a freelance writer and editor since 2007. She maintains several blogs on travel, music, food and more. She is also a contributing writer for Suite101 and has articles published on eHow and Answerbag. Page holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas.

princigalli/iStock/GettyImages

• Job Descriptions
• Law Enforcement Job Descriptions
• Administrative Job Descriptions
• Healthcare Job Descriptions
• Sales Job Descriptions
• Fashion Job Descriptions
• Education Job Descriptions
• Salary Insights
• Journalism Salaries
• Healthcare Salaries
• Military Salaries
• Engineering Salaries
• Teaching Salaries
• Accessibility
• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Notice
• Copyright Policy
• Contact Us
• Find a Job
• Manage Preferences
• California Notice of Collection
• Terms of Use

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Professional Letters to Support a Fellowship Application

Table of Contents

A letter of recommendation is an integral part of any fellowship application. It provides the selection committee insight into an applicant’s character and qualifications. And this can be a deciding factor in whether or not the applicant is awarded the fellowship. Looking at a  sample letter of recommendation for fellowship program  can be very helpful in getting started with your letter.

Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up some great sample letters that you can refer to in this article. We’ll also share some of the key steps to writing a recommendation letter that’s both informative and enjoyable to read.

What Your Recommendation Letter Should Include

A letter of recommendation for a fellowship should be well-written and tailored to the kind of fellowships the candidate is applying to. It should highlight the candidate’s strengths and explain why they would make a good fit for the program.

Some of the main information you should include in your letter are:

• The candidate’s Name, contact information, and academic history.
• What the fellowship program is about, and the reason why they’re interested in it
• Description of the candidate’s educational and professional achievements.
• Details about the candidate’s qualifications.
• Reasons you think the candidate would be a good fit for the fellowship program.

How to Write a Recommendation Letter for a Fellowship Program

Writing a recommendation letter doesn’t have to be all that complicated. Here are some simple steps that you can follow:

• Start by introducing yourself and stating your position or relationship to the applicant. 
• Share what you know about their academic and professional accomplishments, as well as any other information that may be relevant.
• Highlight specific qualities or traits that make them a strong candidate for the fellowship program. 
• Provide detailed examples of how they have demonstrated these qualities in past experiences or projects.
• Finally, offer your endorsement and say why you believe they would be an excellent fit for the fellowship opportunity.

Professional Sample Letter of Recommendation for Fellowship Program

Dear [Name of Program Head],

I am writing to recommend [Name of Applicant] for the [Name of fellowship program]. I have known [Name of Applicant] for many years and can attest to his intelligence and dedication. He has always been a top student in everything he does, and I am confident he would excel in this program. 

[Name of Applicant] is an excellent communicator and possesses strong critical-thinking skills. He also has a great sense of humor, which makes him fun to be around. In addition to all these qualities, [Name of Applicant] is hardworking and responsible; I know he would take advantage of this opportunity fully. 

If you have any questions about [Name of Applicant]’s qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

[Signature]

To Whom It May Concern, 

I am writing to recommend [Name of applicant] for [Name of fellowship program]. I have known [Name of applicant] for many years and have always been impressed by their intelligence and work ethic.

In addition to being an excellent student, [Name of applicant] is also highly well-rounded and has a wide range of interests. I can think of no one who will be better suited for this opportunity than [Name of applicant].

If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

I am writing to recommend Kevin Smith for the XYZ Fellowship. I have worked with John extensively in a leadership capacity and can attest to his leadership strengths.

In our work together, he has consistently shown himself to be competent, innovative, and motivated. For example, during our last project together, John proved himself instrumental in developing an original solution that saved the team time and resources. 

I truly believe that John would excel as a fellow at XYZ organization, and I commend him for your consideration. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-1234. 

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Wrapping Up

A letter of recommendation plays a crucial role in a student’s success in applying for a competitive fellowship. They are one of the most influential elements in an application next to the student’s essays . As such, you shouldn’t take writing your recommendation letter lightly.

The letter should be professional and concise and speak to their qualifications and potential. Hopefully, you’ve gained some ideas on how to better write your letter through the  sample letter of recommendation for fellowship program  in this article.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write A Good Reference Articles

Writing a character reference letter: an effective guide.

Writing a reference letter for someone’s character can be a huge responsibility.  Vouching for a person’s character is more than just…

• Write A Good Reference

A Guide to Writing an Effective Adoption Reference

An adoption reference letter is one of the vital requirements when it comes to home study documentation for adoption. The…

Essential Tips for Writing Better Visa Reference Letters

One of the most challenging aspects of global travel process is getting a well-written visa reference letter. You must be…

Guide on Writing Standard Textbook References

Academic writing draws on the knowledge and experience of multiple authors, not just one. It incorporates concepts and analysis from…

A Guide to Writing an Effective Employee Reference

When an employee leaves your company, providing them with a reference letter might help them land their next job. A…

The Key to Effective College Recommendation Letters

Writing a college reference letter is a prime example of how words have the power to affect someone’s life. Recommendation letters…

• Writing a Fellowship Proposal

You are here

Writing a proposal for summer fellowships.

Writing Partners give advice and tips about writing fellowship proposals.

Tip: The Poorvu Writing Center offers many great resources that support student writing. Pair with a Writing Partner for one-on-one help in drafting your fellowship application.

What is a fellowship proposal?

The purpose of a fellowship proposal is to:

• explain your proposed project and the motivations behind it.
• introduce yourself to the committee.
• reassure the committee that you are invested in this project and that you are the right person to carry it out.
• demonstrate the preparation you have undertaken so far.

By the time applications are due, you will need to have done a lot of preparation and considered how your proposed experience fits into your “big picture”. However, it is understood that your plans will continue to evolve between the application deadline and your departure, so you may not have everything 100% finalized by the time you submit your proposal.

When selection committees read fellowship proposals, they are looking for evidence that:

• the proposed activity is feasible.
• you have the necessary background and skills to carry out the work that you are proposing.
• you have clear and realistic objectives for the activity.
• you have adequately researched and prepared for your project.
• you will carry something forward from the proposed activity to your experience at Yale or beyond.
• you have considered all the stakeholders, and their needs and expectations.
• you have sought guidance from experts in the field and you have the support you need to successfully and responsibly carry out the work.

Below, you will find a list of questions you should aim to answer in your fellowship proposal. These range from questions about your exact plan to questions about how your proposed activity fits into your longer-term goals.

General advice

• Start early.
• Think of your fellowship proposal as a part of a larger whole that includes the letter(s) from your recommender(s) and other supporting documents (e.g., your resume and transcript).
• Consider your audience; write for an intelligent non-specialist (i.e., make sure the terminology will be understandable to someone outside your field).
• The tone should be neither too academic nor too personal. Aim for economy, enthusiasm, and directness; eloquence is welcome, but not at the expense of substance or honesty.
• Make sure all information is accurate and that you will be prepared to discuss in some detail anything you mention.
• Do not exaggerate your accomplishments, but also do not be falsely modest.
• Do not try to guess what the selection committee might be seeking; they want to know you, not a fabrication.
• All rules of good writing (clarity, conviction, correctness, and academic honesty) apply. Proposals are read as indications of clear and organized thinking and effective communication.
• Ask for feedback. Consult especially your faculty advisers, recommenders, and your Writing Tutor. Ask your readers to tell you what questions your proposal raises that you might not have considered.
• Revise. Plan to experiment and try completely different versions.
• Keep to word limits and all other guidelines.
• Proofread. Errors suggest you lack seriousness of purpose.

To get your pen/keyboard going…

If you can respond to these items clearly and thoroug​hly, you are in a great position to write your fellowship proposal:

• What motivates/inspires you to pursue this project? Why is this project important to you?
• With whom have you developed your proposed idea? Please note that any research projects should be discussed with a faculty mentor, and this person will be expected to write your letter of recommendation.
• Where are you proposing to go, and why is it important that you conduct your project there instead of elsewhere?
• If appropriate, describe your knowledge of the local language and/or the culture of the country to which you are proposing to go.
• What contacts have you made (or do you plan to make) in your proposed destination?
• What other coursework and job/research/extracurricular experience has prepared you to make a success out of your proposed activity? In other words, how are you qualified to carry out your project?
• If conducting research, what theoretical framework will you employ and what methodology will you use? If planning interviews, is this acceptable in your proposed destination and how will you devise a valid interview instrument? If conducting interviews, or if your project involves human subjects in any other way, you must find out if you need IRB approval. If so, you must obtain this approval before you can receive your fellowship check, and you should start this process before you submit your fellowship application. Visit the Human Subjects Committee website for more information.
• If participating in an internship, how will you be contributing to your chosen organization? The committees understand that you might not have all the details or even confirmation that you’ve secured the internship, but you should provide them with as much information as possible.
• Provide a reasonable timeline and general explanation of how you will successfully carry out your project in the proposed timeframe.
• What do you hope to accomplish as you carry out your project?
• What are your longer-term academic and/or professional goals, and how might these benefit from your proposed experience? In addition to developing specific skills or learning more about a specific topic, you may consider how this experience might inform your choice of classes or major and how this experience might shape your career path or other future aspirations.
• What challenges or difficulties do you anticipate to encounter, and how might you overcome these?
• What aspects of your proposed project and/or preparation still need to develop, and how do you plan to address these before/while carrying out your project?

Other writing resources for undergraduates

• Residential College Writing Tutors
• Yale Writing Center
• Yale Global Health Field Experience Guide
• OCS "Telling your Story" guide
• Editing Personal Statements for Style
•     Style for Students, by Joe Schall
•     Elements of Style, by William Strunk, Jr.
•     On Writing Well, by William Zinsser
•     Manual of Style, University of Chicago

Prepare and Apply

• Creating a Budget
• Crafting a Résumé
• Interview Tips
• Requesting Letters
• Writing for External Fellowships
• Interviewing for External Fellowships
• Previous winners
• Recorded Presentations & Workshops
• Planning Toolkits
• Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• Pre-Departure Resources

Explore prestigious scientific journals and award and funding opportunities to advance your research.

Access practice-improvement tools, including guidelines, measures, and practice management resources.

Learn to effectively advocate on behalf of neurologists and their patients, and access AAN position and policy statements.

Loading... please wait

We’re experiencing unusually high levels of traffic. Thank you for your patience.

How to Apply for a Fellowship

Residents & fellows.

Find useful tips and learn more about applying for fellowship positions. View a list of fellowship opportunities on the Fellowship Directory .

Inform Your Decision

• Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship FAQ
• Epilepsy Fellowship FAQ
• Headache Fellowship FAQ
• Movement Disorders Fellowship FAQ
• Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship FAQ
• Stroke/Vascular Neurology Fellowship FAQ
• Neuroimaging Fellowship FAQ

View Sample CV and Cover Letter

• Cover Letter
• CV Version 1
• CV Version 2
• CV Version 3

FROM ONE TRAINEE TO ANOTHER: HOW TO APPLY FOR FELLOWSHIP

• Start Early:  Check program websites for vacancies and requirements for the application process. Make contact with programs toward the end of your PGY2 year, and no later than October/November of your PGY3 year. Look on the AAN Fellowships Page, individual program websites, such as FREIDA and other websites. Remember, since fellowship positions and availability are constantly changing, do not rely on information on these sites alone. Always contact the program you are interested in.
• Think About Your Career Goals:  Why a fellowship? What specialty? Is this the right area and/or lifestyle for me? Compare specialties. Speak to people across multiple specialties. Keep your options open. Make time to reflect and decide your priorities.
• Get Informed:  Consider the job market of your specialty, check out geographical areas, talk to other applicants or previous fellows, speak to your mentors (very important!), obtain input from professors. Where is the field going and where will it be when you are done training? In general, the application process varies widely based on the fellowship to which you're applying (e.g., neurocritical care now follows a match system).
• Draft a Timeline:  Create a timeline of when to submit applications and prepare for interviews. The budget for travel. If you are going to need to arrange for time off work or clinical coverage while you are at interviews, do this early.
• Relax:  Don't panic. The vast majority of program graduates have found fellowships that have suited their needs well.
• Organize:  Prepare a list of questions, organize your certificates with all dates, be prepared for the application process in advance, have a portfolio available, use one email address for all applications. (Tip: Use your university address rather than personal email.)
• Draft Your Personal Statement:  Personal statements should be one page or less. Be enthusiastic, communicate through your words. Get help with proofreading (by at least two people), especially if English is not your first language.
• Recommendation Letters:  Obtain strong letters that are well-written. You need to sell yourself and be competitive.
• Research Experience:  Whether publications or presentations, be able to demonstrate the significance of your work, be knowledgeable on your research topic, how your research will make an impact. Get excited about your research and think about how you want to continue research through Fellowship and beyond.
• Application:  List community service projects, write clearly and demonstrate the spectrum of your academic record. List all pertinent accomplishments.
• Interview/Selection Process:  Clinical performance, rotation evaluations, and interpersonal skills are important, as well as the reputation of your program, involvement in research, and medical knowledge (e.g., USMLE). Be prepared for questions (why are you different, why this field, this particular program, your weaknesses, where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?). Be confident. Ask your own questions. Eye contact and professionalism are important. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, plan your route the day before and allow time for travel delays and mishaps.
• Keep in Contact:  Send thank you notes, maintain follow-up, listen for vacancies or announcements, consistently check and re-check websites.
• Maintain Perspective:  Stressful situations can blur your goals and/or perspective. Strategize early - you may have to make difficult decisions to make when the offers start rolling in!

Fellowship Cover Letter Examples And Template

Check out these fellowship cover letter sample and examples previously used by job seekers to land on job interviews as fellowship. use our ai cover letter generator to create a personalized cover letter as fellowship..

4.5 Star Rated / 523 Users

Automatically apply on 1000's jobs in a single click.

[email protected]

Job Application Automation

Interview Answer

Resignation Letter

Job application bot

Cover Letter Examples

© 2024 Copyright LazyApply.com

• Terms And Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Editorial Policy

Best Motivation Letter For Fellowship Program: 7 Sample

Fellowship programs can be a great way to gain experience in your desired field of work. If you are applying for a fellowship program. It is important to submit a strong motivation letter that tells the selection committee why you are the best candidate for the program. Here are some tips for writing a powerful motivation letter for a fellowship program.

How To Write a Motivation Letter For Fellowship Program?

When you are applying for a fellowship program. You will often be asked to submit a motivation letter along with your application. This letter is your chance to explain why you are a good fit for the program and how it will help you reach your academic and career goals. Motivation letters can vary in length and style, but there are some key elements that should be included in all successful motivation letters.

First, you need to introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the fellowship program. Be sure to mention any relevant experience or coursework that makes you a good candidate for the program. Next, outline your academic and career goals, and explain how the fellowship program will help you achieve these goals. Finally. Conclude your letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the program and your commitment to making the most of the opportunity.

By following these tips. You can write a strong motivation letter that will increase your chances of being accepted into the fellowship program of your choice.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Motivation Letter For Fellowship Program

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to apply for the fellowship program at XYZ institution. Also, I am immensely interested in the work that XYZ institution does and I strongly believe that I can contribute to its cause.

Also, I have worked extensively in the field of XYZ for the past few years and have developed a deep understanding of the issues involved. My work has also given me a strong understanding of the various stakeholders involved in this issue and how to best engage with them. So, I am confident that I can use my skills and knowledge to contribute to the work of XYZ institution.

I am committed to social change and I believe that XYZ institution is making a difference in the world. I am keen to use my skills and knowledge to help XYZ institution achieve its goals. So, I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the work of XYZ institution and I look forward to working with you.

Related: Motivation Letter for Scholarship: 9+ Samples

Motivation Letter For Fellowship Program Sample

I am writing to apply for the fellowship program at Sample University. This program is of great interest to me. As it will allow me to continue my studies in a field that I am passionate about while also gaining valuable experience.

I have always been interested in the area of study, and this program will allow me to deepen my knowledge and understanding. Additionally, the opportunity to work with Sample University’s renowned faculty is extremely appealing to me. Also, I believe that I would be able to learn a great deal from them and contribute to the program in a meaningful way.

I am confident that I have the skills and abilities necessary to be a successful fellow in this program. So, I am eager to learn and am committed to making the most of this opportunity. I believe that I would be an asset to the program and would contribute significantly to its success.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Related: Unique Motivation Letter for Internship: 5+ Samples

Fellowship Motivation Letter

I am writing to apply for the fellowship program at XYZ University. I am a recent graduate of ABC College where I majored in XYZ. So, I am very interested in pursuing a career in XYZ, and I believe that this program will be extremely beneficial to me.

The fellowship program at XYZ University is one of the most highly regarded programs in the country. I am confident that I would be able to learn a great deal and gain valuable experience while participating in this program. In addition, I believe that the connections I would make through this program would be invaluable as I begin my career.

I am eager to begin my career in XYZ, and I believe that the fellowship program at XYZ University would be the perfect way to get started. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity, and I am confident that I would be an asset to the program. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Related: Motivation Letter For Phd In Chemistry: 5 Samples

Motivation Letter For Research Fellowship

I am writing to apply for the research fellowship position advertised in the XYZ journal.

As a recent graduate of XYZ University with a major in ABc. I am eager to begin my career in research. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in the theories and methods of ABC. And I have also gained valuable experience conducting research projects. I am confident that I have the skills and abilities necessary to be a successful researcher. And I am excited to apply my knowledge to real-world problems.

I believe that I would be an excellent addition to your research team. My interpersonal skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team make me a versatile asset to any research project. So, I am also motivated and hardworking, and I am confident that I can contribute to the success of your research program.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to join your research team and contribute to your important work. Also, I look forward to discussing my qualifications in further detail during an interview.

Related: Best Motivation Letter for Student Exchange : 07 Samples

Motivation Letter For Postdoctoral Fellowship

I am writing to apply for the postdoctoral fellowship in your department. I am a recent PhD graduate in psychology from XYZ University and my research interests include child development, family dynamics. And educational interventions.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field. My previous research experience has given me the skills and abilities necessary to successfully conduct independent research projects. In addition, my strong communication and writing skills will enable me to effectively communicate my findings to a broad audience.

I am eager to continue my research in this area and believe that I would be an excellent fit for this position. I am committed to conducting high-quality research that will have a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

Related: Best Motivation Statement For UN Volunteer : 5+ Example

Motivation Letter For Fellowship Application

I am writing in regards to my application for the XYZ fellowship program. I am immensely excited about this opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge in the XYZ field. And believe that I would be an excellent candidate for the position.

Throughout my academic and professional career, I have demonstrated a strong interest and aptitude for XYZ. My coursework at ABC University has provided me with a solid foundation in the theoretical aspects of XYZ. While my internship experience at DEF Corporation has given me practical insights into the real-world applications of these concepts. I am confident that I have the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in this program and make significant contributions to the field of XYZ.

Additionally, I am passionate about XYZ and its potential to improve the lives of individuals and communities. My desire to make a positive impact in the world is what motivates me to continue learning and expanding my skillset. I believe that as a recipient of this fellowship. I would be able to have a positive impact on the XYZ field and help contribute to its advancement.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Related: Great Motivation Letter For Employment: 5+ Examples

Short Motivation Letter For Fellowship Program

I am writing to apply for the fellowship program at XYZ organization. So, I am a recent graduate of ABC University and I have a strong interest in pursuing a career in XYZ field

So, I believe that I have the skills and qualifications that would make me an ideal candidate for this program. In addition, I am passionate about XYZ issue and I am eager to learn more about it.

I am confident that I would be an asset to the fellowship program and I look forward to contributing to the XYZ organization. Thank you for your consideration and I hope to hear from you soon.

Motivation Letter For Fellowship Program Example

I am writing to apply for the XYZ Fellowship program. This program is of great interest to me as it will allow me to develop my skills in public health and gain valuable experience working in a developing country.

I have a strong interest in public health and have been working towards a career in this field for some time. Also, I have a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from XYZ University and have just completed a Master’s degree in International Health from ABC University. I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this program.

In addition to my academic qualifications. I have also spent time working in developing countries and have gained first-hand experience of the challenges faced by those working in public health. So, I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and I believe that this program will provide me with the opportunity to do just that.

Also, I am confident that I have the skills. Qualifications and experience necessary to be successful in this program and I look forward to contributing to the work of the XYZ Fellowship.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: Best Motivation Letter Erasmus: 5+ Editable Samples

5 Things To Include In a Motivation Letter For Fellowship Program

Applying for a fellowship can be a daunting task. In addition to meeting the program’s requirements. You also need to submit a motivation letter that outlines your goals and why you are the best candidate for the position. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for writing a motivation letter. There are certain elements that should be included in order to make a strong impression.

Here are 5 things to include in your motivation letter:

• A detailed explanation of your research interests and how they align with the program’s goals.
• A description of your previous research experience and how it has prepared you for this opportunity.
• An overview of your academic achievements, including any awards or scholarships you have received.
• A discussion of your professional goals and how the fellowship will help you to achieve them.
• A statement of why you are the best candidate for the position, based on your skills and experience.

By including all of these elements in your motivation letter. you will increase your chances of being selected for the fellowship program.

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

I hope you found this blog helpful in writing your motivation letter for fellowship program. Remember to be passionate and genuine when writing your letter. And don’t forget to highlight your unique skills and experiences that will make you the perfect candidate for the fellowship. Good luck!

You may also like

The benefits of a motivational letter: examples and....

Motivation Letter For PHD In Electrical Engineering:...

Motivation Letter For PHD In Environmental Sciences:...

Motivational Letter For PHD In Civil Engineering : 7+...

Motivational Letter For PHD In Mechanical Engineering...

Motivation Letter For PHD In Anthropology: 7+ [Free...

About the author.

Jessica William

Leave a comment x.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Fellowship Applicant

jackmac34/Pixabay

• Recommendation Letters
• Choosing a Graduate Program
• Tips & Advice
• Admissions Essays
• Medical School Admissions
• Homework Help
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Business School
• Distance Learning

A good recommendation letter can help you stand out among other fellowship applicants. You will most likely need at least two letters of recommendation as part of the application process. The best recommendations will come from people who know you well and can offer specific information about you as a student, person, or employee.

The sample recommendation letter shown below has been reprinted (with permission) from EssayEdge.com, which did not write or edit this sample recommendation letter. However, it is a good example of how a business recommendation should be formatted for a fellowship application.

Sample Recommendation Letter for a Fellowship

To Whom It May Concern:

I am proud to recommend a beloved student, Kaya Stone, for your fellowship program . I was asked to write as one who has functioned in the capacity of an employer of Kaya, but I would first like to say a few words about him as a student.

Kaya is a highly intelligent, perceptive young man. He came to our institution committed to capitalizing on the opportunity of his third year of study in Israel, and he left with the satisfaction of having accomplished that goal. Kaya grew in learning, in character, in his depth of understanding. He seeks truth in each area of his life, whether in learning, discussing philosophy, or relating to his fellow students and his teachers. Because of his positive disposition, his reflective way of operating, and all of the character traits that make him so special, Kaya’ s questions never go unanswered, and his searches always bring him to exciting discoveries. As a student , Kaya is outstanding. As an educator, I have watched him grow, seen his talents and abilities not only in the classroom but outside its walls when interacting with all types of people as well.

During his time at our institution, Kaya, who as I’m sure you know is an excellent writer and publicist, also has done a good deal of work for the yeshiva. This has included the text for many public relations brochures and packets, letters to parents, potential donors, and alumni, and essentially any correspondence which I have requested that he compose. The feedback is always overwhelmingly positive, and he has done so much in that way for our yeshiva. Even today, while he studies elsewhere, he continues to do a great deal of this work for our institution, in addition to the recruiting and other services he performs for the yeshiva.

Always, in his work, Kaya is consistent, dedicated and passionate, enthusiastic, cheerful, and a pleasure to work with. He has incredible creative energies and a refreshing idealism tempered only enough to accomplish what needs to be done. I highly recommend him for any position of work, leadership, education, or any other capacity in which he can spread his excitement and share his talents with others. At our institution, we are expecting big things from Kaya in the way of educational and communal leadership in the years to come. And knowing Kaya, he will not disappoint, and probably will exceed our expectations.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to recommend such a special and impressive young man.

Sincerely Yours,

Steven Rudenstein Dean, Yeshiva Lorentzen Chainani

• Sample Recommendation Letter From Teacher
• Sample Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
• 3 Types of Recommendation Letters
• The Timing of Requesting Graduate School Recommendation Letters
• Should You Get a Recommendation for Grad School from Your Therapist?
• Sample Graduate School Recommendation Letters
• Grad School Recommendation Letter by a Professor Sample Template
• Sample Poor Letter of Recommendation
• Sample Graduate School Recommendation by a Professor
• Don'ts for Getting Letters of Recommendation for Grad School
• Graduate School Recommendation Letter From Professor
• Recommendation Letter Etiquette
• How to Get a Letter of Recommendation After Graduation
• Should You Write Your Own Recommendation Letter for Graduate School?
• Thanking a Professor for Writing a Letter of Recommendation
• Characteristics of Effective Grad School Recommendation Letters

Log in using your username and password

• Search More Search for this keyword Advanced search
• Latest content
• Current issue
• For authors
• BMJ Journals

You are here

• Volume 15, Issue 6
• How to write a successful grant or fellowship application
• Article Text
• Article info
• Citation Tools
• Rapid Responses
• Article metrics

• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6850-9255 Masud Husain
• Correspondence to Professor Masud Husain, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; masud.husain{at}ndcn.ox.ac.uk

https://doi.org/10.1136/practneurol-2015-001206

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request permissions.

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.

• CLINICAL NEUROLOGY

Successful grant writing takes careful thought as well as considerable skill. Experienced investigators appreciate just how much work and background development are required. However, those new to the ‘game’ are sometimes under the misconception that if they have a good research idea or it is clinically important, they are bound to succeed. ‘Do good science and the rest will follow!’ Unfortunately, this just is not true.

Successful grant writers appreciate three important points:

Don't take anything for granted!

Even if you have a superb track record and great ideas that could fundamentally change a field, this is not an excuse for cutting corners and dashing off a poorly thought-out submission. Grants require care. Sloppiness is obvious.

Put your energy into a few, well-crafted submissions

It does nothing for your morale, or reputation, to keep resubmitting poor applications that fail. Reviewers and panel members have long memories.

The competition is tough

Success rates are low for most schemes, often less than 20%, sometimes even down to 10%. And your competition is stiff. It includes some of the finest people of your generation, your most able contemporaries. So, to stand a chance of success you have to give grant writing—and your competition—the respect it deserves.

When you submit an application, it is likely first to be screened by administrative staff to ensure that it fulfils the basic requirements. Some grants fall at this very initial hurdle. In some schemes, there might then be a triage or selection procedure, to filter out the applications that are unlikely to succeed, so your submission might not get any further than this. Then applications are sent for peer review, often from international experts who might not know you and sometimes by people who might not even have much expertise in your particular subspecialty of research. When these reviews return, a panel of experts put together by the funding agency, will assess your application with the comments of the reviewers to help them. In some schemes, you might be asked to come to interview to defend your application in front of the panel. For others, the decision is made directly by the panel. In both cases, one or two members of the panel will be asked to speak about your application, perhaps for only a couple of minutes.

This is the critical moment where your grant stands or falls. The panel members who lead the discussion on your application have to be persuaded that it is worth pushing for. If they are to be your advocates, they have to appreciate the quality of your proposed research programme, why it is important and why it deserves support. This just will not happen unless your submission has been written clearly and in a compelling manner. Remember that panel members come from diverse backgrounds and there may not be anyone who is an expert in your area of research. For example, your work might be on molecular neuroscience, but the panel member leading the discussion might be someone who specialises in neuroimaging. They have to ‘get’ your proposal if they are going to convince the rest of the panel (often consisting of people from fields other than neurology or neuroscience) that this is worth supporting.

Key reasons for success and failure

Ten top reasons for success.

The application

1. Fits the Call or Fellowship scheme well

2. Is carefully crafted and polished over time, improved by colleague feedback

3. Is timely, pertinent and asks good—even crucial—questions for the field

4. Is hypothesis driven and intellectually stimulating

5. Is clear, readable and intelligible

6. Shows that you are passionate about this topic

7. Provides pilot data and follows credibly from established findings

8. Justifies sample sizes with power calculations

9. Is to performed in a centre of excellence

10. Builds on your track record

The submission is unclear, written in haste or just poorly put together

Remember that it has to be easy to read and comprehend by reviewers who are extremely busy. You might think that the text you have laboured over for hours will be evaluated with great care. On many occasions, however, your applications will be speed read, perhaps in less than half an hour, in a setting where the reviewer is vulnerable to being distracted—on a train or a flight, at home with children running around or in a busy office where there is always someone knocking on the door. If the text is not crystal clear, what you think—or assume—is obvious will be missed. This is one reason why it is essential to get your submission read by colleagues long before you submit. Unfortunately, most people leave this to the last minute when it is usually too late.

No hypotheses or poorly articulated ones

This is a common reason for being shot down at a grant panel when your application is discussed. It is surprising how many submissions just do not have explicitly stated hypotheses. Goals and aims are not the same as saying what you are testing. When you do state your hypotheses, they have to be signposted well.

Inadequate track record or expertise in this area

Collaborations with experts can help to get around this criticism, so think about approaching collaborators within or outside your institution early and get then to write a letter of support. In addition, try to get as much leverage as you can from what you have already published.

Far too ambitious

A common criticism is that the applicant could not achieve all that is proposed in the time available for the grant. There is a difficult balance to achieve between promising enough and far too much. The key point is that all that is proposed must be feasible within the time scale. Your reviewers have lots of experience and they know what is practical.

Great ideas but no preliminary data

You have to convince reviewers that your proposal will work. If this is a completely new approach, no matter how exciting it might be, the grant panel will require some evidence for its credibility. When in doubt get as much pilot data as possible before submitting.

Incremental research, not a step change

This is a difficult issue. If the proposal seems too conservative and incremental, it might be rejected because it is not exciting enough and will not deliver sufficiently novel findings. On the other hand, if it is too risky and ‘blue-skies’ it might be considered a gamble. The best proposals incorporate a combination of both elements: build incrementally on previous work—either by you or by the group you hope to join—but also think about proposing a riskier, step change element. Remember though that blue-skies ideas are good for only some parts of a submission but not for all of it.

Before you start

It is important that even before you start putting pen to paper you are clear why you are writing this application. Motivation really does matter. Ideally, you will be applying because you have some great ideas that you have thought about carefully and really want to test. Furthermore, you have the energy and enthusiasm to pursue this programme of work. In short, you should be motivated to make this work. You really should not be writing an application just because your boss thinks it might be a good idea or because there is a new Call which is vaguely in your area or simply because you feel that it is worth a ‘punt’. Grant writing takes a lot of time and energy and by the end of an application most people are drained. So think carefully about your motivations before you even start. If you are not convinced or driven by this, it is unlikely to succeed.

Does it fit the scheme?

Be careful about reading the specific requirements of the Call or Fellowship scheme. Contact the funding agency, if necessary. Don't be frightened to discuss the proposal you have in mind with one of the administrators there. They often have been in science themselves and are very helpful if approached appropriately. Find out from them and your colleagues about what sort of proposals have been successful before. Then check whether you would have institutional support for applying to this scheme. Don't surprise your boss by asking him or her to endorse your application at the last minute. Heads of departments do not like surprises! It is well worth finding out what the institution would be willing to commit to in terms of supporting you for this application and the implications that this might have for the future. Finally, re-read the instructions and be clear in your own mind that your proposal fits exactly what the scheme is designed for.

What makes a good research question?

If you put this to leading researchers you are likely to get many different answers. So ask them! You will learn a lot from the process and from interacting with them. I think a good research question has to be obviously good to people from outside your research area. It has to be big enough for others to appreciate immediately why anyone should spend years of their life using large amounts of money from the public purse or charities to answer such a question. For many researchers, the question also has to be intellectually stimulating—if possible, thrilling! But at the same time a good research question has to be one which is likely to be answered within the time frame of the grant. It has to be a practical proposal, not something so grand that it would take decades to unlock.

Don't rush it

Putting together a coherent and cohesive set of studies to answer your question is not easy. Ideally, before you start to write you should have assembled a plan of possible studies from which you need to cherry pick your best ideas for this particular application. You need time to get comments and feedback from colleagues to see whether they are convinced. This really does matter and the more experienced members of your department or your collaborators will be able to give you helpful advice ( figure 1 ), provided you don't leave it until the last minute. It is vitally important to polish up an application properly so that everything is crystal clear and cohesive. Remember also that costings take time and may alter your proposal if it turns out that the sums you require would be well above what the funding body is prepared to offer. Full Economic Costing in the UK also adds to the final total and it is important to be aware for which grant giving bodies this might be a factor.

Make it hypothesis driven

It is well worth jotting down what your hypotheses are, for your own sake. Most studies are vulnerable to the criticism that they are ‘exploratory’ and do not have specific hypotheses that are being tested. Even if your study is largely exploratory, make some explicit hypotheses about what you might be directly testing, based on proposal. It is absolutely essential that you write down clear hypotheses, unless the Call is specifically for an exploratory study, which is very rare. ‘Fishing expeditions’, no matter how good they might be, do not fare well with reviewers or grant panels. I often use direct questions incorporating the hypotheses I want to test as subheadings in an application. That way no one is in doubt about what the hypotheses are.

Writing the document: put yourself in the reviewer's shoes

While you are writing imagine how you would feel reading this material. The narrative has to be absolutely clear and coherent, with a linear trajectory. No matter how scientific or clinically applied your submission, remember that you are telling a story that the reviewer has to get immediately. Moreover, as explained earlier, you have to appreciate that many reviewers and even panel members might not actually be in your field of expertise. For many schemes, particularly Fellowships, panel members will not be even in your general area, so they need to understand why your case is so compelling and important. This is why the overview and strategic vision must be both clear, as well as exciting. Unfortunately most are relatively dull! One way to improve this is to write the summary for lay people at an early stage. Unfortunately these usually do not receive enough attention and are scrambled together at the last minute. However, you would be surprised how often reviewers and panel members read these summaries first to get an idea of what you are trying to do. Polish these well! It is well worth the trouble.

The proposal also has to be intellectually exciting, even for the non-specialist.

Make the document easy to read in terms of its formatting. Avoid clutter, use figures and boxes wherever you can. Try not to cram the entire document with dense text. Signpost a new section clearly and consider stating the hypotheses for that section up front with bullet points so they stand out and will not be missed. Use lots of paragraphs to break up the text and to make it readable. Do not go over the word limit. Panel members become particularly irritated if this is evident. Above all, you don't want to hand them excuses to reject your application: because they do not understand it well enough, it just does not seem very exciting or you did not stick to the rules of the application.

Sample sizes

All studies need to consider a justification for the sample size. This is an issue that can be relatively easy to address explicitly but you would be surprised how many applications do not include a power calculation. For some, applications you need to provide evidence you did this with a statistician. For others, you can do it yourself using free software (eg, G*Power at http://www.gpower.hhu.de ). Sometimes it is not easy to provide a power calculation for certain types of research. If this is the case, you need to explain why and ideally refer to a previous study which successfully used a sample size like the one you propose in order to answer a related question.

Potential weaknesses of the proposal

All proposals are vulnerable to criticism. Some reviewer might consider the study design to be inadequate to answer the question. Others might not be convinced that alternative explanations for predicted results have been considered. You can try to strengthen your proposal by considering these criticisms and building measures to counter them, for example, adding further controls or by considering more carefully the design and analyses. Think also about contingency plans and whether you should explicitly discuss these. If your entire programme of research depends upon an initial study being successful, you are vulnerable to the criticism that there is no plan should it fail. Again, this is where early reading by experienced colleagues might help you to head off the killer criticisms that a reviewer might raise. Don't be shy to ask for their help. They might, for example, advise you how to avoid a linear, sequential strategy by creating a more ‘parallel’ research proposal, with several different studies converging to answer a research question.

• Download figure
• Open in new tab
• Download powerpoint

Don't be shy to ask for advice from more experienced colleagues.

Use figures and illustrations

Many submissions consist of endless pages of text. Figures help to break up the appearance and make the application more appealing to read. They also can be used to improve the clarity of your proposal, to illustrate concepts or add flesh to the text with a concrete example. Take care to write the figure legends well. These allow you to reiterate points made in the text; saying it differently increases the likelihood of a difficult point being understood. Figures are also essential if you want to show off pilot data. A plot of the findings has far greater impact than a line in the text, which is easy to miss.

This is an important trend for many grant funders. Ask yourself what your big idea is. Are you going to fill a knowledge gap? Would anyone care? Is the proposal timely? And how would it make a difference if you were successful? The societal, economic, health, intellectual property and other impacts might be important in different ways for different grant funding bodies. Understandably, many researchers feel the pressure to make a case for their work being clinically important. However, it is important also to appreciate that there is no point in simply gesturing towards ‘translational’ research. If your application is not applied directly to a clinical problem, don't pretend. It annoys reviewers. Vision can nevertheless be displayed, in part, by spelling out the next steps, for example, ‘If we find this biomarker/gene/imaging signature, then we will proceed to developing clinical screening/mouse model/MRI protocol but the resources for this lie outside the current application’.

Characteristics of poor impact proposals

Lack of specificity on deliverables

What exactly will you have achieved at the end of the grant? How might it affect people outside your field? What would be the wider impact?

Lack of consideration of broader beneficiaries and stakeholders

If your work has potential to have wider impact, don't be shy to mention these. It can sway the decision making of the grant panel.

Proposal is too narrowly focussed

Is the potential for impact too narrow? If so, how might you widen it?

Too much focus on track record rather than what will be done

Make sure you devote sufficient text to the details of the project and articulate the wider significance of this work.

Don't give the panel excuses to reject

Reasons for rejection by grant panel.

1. No hypothesis

2. Far too incremental; not a ‘step change’

3. Dull, not sufficiently exciting

4. Great ideas but no pilot data

5. Great ideas but far too ambitious—impractical, given time and resources

6. Sample sizes not justified with power calculations

7. Proposal has too many potential weaknesses; insufficient controls

8. Does not have strong enough track record

9. Plans to work in a centre which has insufficient experience in this field

10. Unclear why this is interesting or what the impact of work would be

Successful grant writing takes time and care, so plan well ahead of the deadline.

Proposals need to fit the call.

They should be clear and exciting, but also feasible to complete within the time frame.

Applications can be improved with advice from more experienced colleagues, so do ask for help.

Ideally they should be hypothesis-driven, have supporting pilot data and justification of sample sizes.

Their potential for impact on a scientific question, patient group or for Society needs to be clearly stated.

Funding MH is funded by a Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellowship, (grant number 098282).

Competing interests None declared.

Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed. This paper was reviewed by Huw Morris, London and Rhys Thomas, Swansea.

Linked Articles

• Editors' commentary Highlights from this issue Phil Smith Geraint N Fuller Practical Neurology 2015; 15 407-407 Published Online First: 13 Nov 2015. doi: 10.1136/practneurol-2015-001318

Read the full text or download the PDF:

Other content recommended for you.

• Using simplified peer review processes to fund research: a prospective study Danielle L Herbert et al., BMJ Open, 2015
• Face-to-face panel meetings versus remote evaluation of fellowship applications: simulation study at the Swiss National Science Foundation Marco Bieri et al., BMJ Open, 2021
• Funding grant proposals for scientific research: retrospective analysis of scores by members of grant review panel Nicholas Graves et al., BMJ, 2011
• Undisclosed financial conflicts of interest in DSM-5-TR: cross sectional analysis Lauren C Davis et al., BMJ, 2024
• Top research priorities in liver and gallbladder disorders in the UK Kurinchi S Gurusamy et al., BMJ Open, 2019
• Prevalence of financial conflicts of interest among panel members producing clinical practice guidelines in Canada and United States: cross sectional study Jennifer Neuman et al., BMJ, 2011
• On the time spent preparing grant proposals: an observational study of Australian researchers Danielle L Herbert et al., BMJ Open, 2013
• Expert CONsensus on Visual Evaluation in Retinal disease manaGEment: the CONVERGE study Roger S Anderson et al., British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2024
• Protocol for establishing and evaluating a public and patient panel for organisation science and management principles in healthcare Claire Harnett et al., BMJ Open, 2022
• Selecting an e-cigarette for use in smoking cessation interventions and healthcare services: findings from patient and public consultation for the COSTED trial Pippa Belderson et al., BMJ Open, 2024

Florida State University

FSU | Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards

Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards

Letters of recommendation.

Your letters of recommendation are an important component of your application and should be taken seriously. Your letters should come from people who know you well and can speak to why you are a good fit for the award you are applying for. Since your application as a whole is painting a picture of who you are, consider how each letter writer can support other components of your application. Help your letter writers write strong letters for you by ensuring that you provide them with information about the fellowship or award you are applying for as well as the details of your project . In doing so, your professors will be able to tailor their letters to the specific fellowship. Avoid submitting general letters of recommendation that could be used for multiple purposes. Most importantly, make sure to allow enough time for your professors to compose and submit the letters before the deadline!

Pro-Tip by a Graduate Student

Bryan Keller, Recipient of over $100,000 in Fellowships and Awards

“Letters of Recommendation are important, and you should not ask someone to write you a letter if they do not know you well. Most reviewers would rather hear from your manager of a couple years vs. a department chair who has only interacted with you a few times. Additionally, the letter of recommendation should directly address the published rubric, so inform your letter writers what you hope their letter will contain. Also, try to diversify who you ask to write a letter. Reviewers like to see these letters highlight different parts of your character and abilities, so having three letters from professors who have interacted with you in the same capacity is not ideal." 

Letters of Recommendation Workshop

This workshop, featuring a panel discussion with Dr. Leushuis (Professor and Chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics), will provide advice and guidance on requesting strong letters of recommendation to accompany your fellowship and grant applications.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR APPLICANTS

• Asking for Recommendations | Brown University
• Obtaining Letters of Recommendation | Drexel University
• Advice: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation | University of Maryland
• For Candidates: How to Request Recommendation Letters | Amherst College

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR LETTER WRITERS

• How to Write a Recommendation Letter | The Professor Is In
• Writing Letters of Recommendation | Brown University
• Guidelines: Letters of Recommendation for Fellowship Applicants | University of Dayton
• Writing Letters of Recommendation | Yale University

Tufts Blogs

Current tufts students, inside admissions, how to write a great letter of recommendation.

To the teachers and counselors working hard to support students – thank you so much for your hard work! We have the privilege of reading more than 30,000 applications and an integral piece of each student application are the letters of recommendation we review from teachers and counselors. For many files, these letters share valuable insight into how students will interact with one another in our classrooms, dining halls, and other places on campus. With the school year around the corner, I wanted to share advice on creating a strong letter as well as some thoughts we have when reviewing applications.

When our committee reviews an application, we are on the search for two broad categories: academic potential and student experiences/perspectives. Why? Well, we want to see if a student will be set up for success in our rigorous academic programs and we want to get a better understanding of how each student will contribute to the community at Tufts. 

Centering your letter around these two ideas is a starting point. The first pitfall we see is when a recommender doesn’t know what their student is including in their application . Students are required to send in their transcripts and a list of their extracurricular activities. If your letter tells us that a student got As in math and science and that they are a varsity swimmer, that’s probably going to be something we learn somewhere else in the application. 

The recommendation letter is a unique opportunity to show a side of the student that they cannot write about. Instead of rehashing what is already in the application, write about the the context behind the student . 

That A+ Jeremy got in Calculus? He was the only person to do that in his class of 300 students.

Denise is a varsity swimmer? She swims the fastest 100m the school has seen in 7 years.

Samantha may have received a C in AP Spanish, but she commutes 45 minutes to school each way and was the only student in the school who took the exam. She got a 4.

Another way to provide context in your recommendation letter is through anecdotes. It’s the old adage: “ Show don’t tell ”. Instead of telling us that a student is a hard worker, a leader in the classroom, or a kind friend, show us examples using short anecdotes to highlight moments that we might see if this student is on our campus.

Anecdotes can be short, two to three sentences long that highlight an otherwise standard superlative. We don’t need three pages of growth narrative from their ninth grade year, one solid page is perfect.

“Every day before school, Isaiah arrives early to ask questions about topics that we covered the previous week. He pulls out his folder and the details in his notes are far above that of most students I teach.” 

“Our school receives new students frequently, and during every study hall I see Maria introducing herself and starting conversations with her new peers. She goes out of her way to make them feel welcome, I’ve even had a new student come to me and say that without Maria they would have felt lost.”

At Tufts, we see so many amazing students with different personalities and in our application pool. We like them all! We want a mix of leaders and team-members, extroverted and introverted, students who know exactly what they want to study and those who are excited to figure it out when they get to college. There isn’t one “type” of student that finds success in our review process .

As we review a file, we build an impression of a student through their writing, their activities, and their grades. Your letters are not just a confirmation that our understanding of the student is correct, but can become an expansion of the student’s application. Your letters are what allow us to have a fuller understanding of the impact a student has on their current community, and potentially the community we have at Tufts.

With the Fall semester around the corner, we look forward to receiving and reading your thoughtful letters of recommendation!

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Housing, local and community
• Planning and building
• Planning reform

Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system

Applies to england.

This consultation is seeking views on our proposed approach to revising the NPPF. It also seeks views on a series of wider national planning policy reforms.

This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 24 September 2024

Consultation description

This consultation seeks views on our proposed approach to revising the National Planning Policy Framework in order to achieve sustainable growth in our planning system.

We are also seeking views on a series of wider policy proposals in relation to increasing planning fees, local plan intervention criteria and appropriate thresholds for certain Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

Draft National Planning Policy Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework document below is a draft document and intentionally sets out the proposed amendments as tracked changes. View the current operational National Planning Policy Framework .

National Planning Policy Framework: draft text for consultation

PDF , 1.13 MB , 84 pages

Outcome of the proposed revised method

ODS , 31.9 KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

Ways to respond

Respond online

[email protected]

Planning Policy Consultation Team Planning Directorate – Planning Policy Division Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Floor 3, Fry Building 2 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DF

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

• Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
• Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Paragraph 76 footnotes corrected.

First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .