Submitting Reference Letters

When you submit an application online, via EducationPlannerBC, we automatically send an email to your referee with instructions on how to complete their reference online. 

Before your complete your application, review the information below.

Choosing Referees for an Application to Graduate Studies

(Masters and PhD)

Choose referees who are able to accurately assess your strengths and weaknesses pertaining to your ability to conduct graduate studies. The number and type of references (academic and/or professional) required are set by the program. Before you apply, ensure you review the application requirements specific to your program.

Contact Information Requirements

In the online application, you will be asked to provide the following details for each referee:

• Their first and last name
• The type of reference being provided (academic or professional), along with their current job title/professional designation, place of employment, and their phone number
• Their institutional or professional email address (email addresses from free domain providers, such as Gmail or Yahoo, are not accepted)

Upon submission of your application, your referees will automatically receive an email with a unique link to a secure site to complete and submit their electronic reference request form and/or upload a reference letter as an attachment. Please ensure you double check the email address you enter in the online application - making an error in this information can delay your application processing.

Choosing Referees for an Application to Undergraduate Studies

The following references are required for admission to the programs noted below. Please note that relatives are NOT considered references.

Bachelor of Education

• Three references from referees who have observed your work with children and youth.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Northern Baccalaureate Nursing):

• One academic reference; and
• One work-related reference.

Bachelor of Social Work

• One reference from current or former supervisor(s) in a human service setting;
• One reference from a practicing social worker with whom you have worked, or are currently working; and
• One reference from an educator who has instructed you in an academic setting.

Frequently Asked Questions about References

• What if my referee does not use an institutional or professional email address?
• What if I don't have enough academic references?
• What if my referee did not receive an email to complete the reference request?
• What if I need to replace one of my referees?

What if my referee does not use an institutional or professional email address?

If your referee does not have access to an institutional or professional email address for a valid reason (e.g. they are retired or working at an institution that does not provide institutional email accounts), you can enter an email address from a free domain provider; however, an explanation is required. If you have entered an email address from a free domain provider for a referee, please connect with admissions (see below for contact information).
 

Note: entering an email address from a free domain provider for a referee can delay the application process and the program may choose not to accept the reference.

What if I don't have enough academic references?

For some programs, having 3 relevant academic references is a critical component in making your application competitive and you may not be considered for admission without them. If it has been some time since you were in a degree program, you can consider taking additional related upper level coursework, using that time to forge a relationship with your instructor and excel in the class. If you are hesitant to contact an instructor for a course you haven't taken in a while, it doesn't hurt to try! When you contact them, be sure to note when you took their course and attach a copy of your transcript showing your grade in the class. You can also attach copies of previous assignments (particularly if you have a graded copy) and include any other pertinent information that might be helpful. The number and type of references vary by program and these are defined in the program application requirements.

What if my referee did not receive an email to complete the reference request?

If your referee did not receive a request to submit a reference, you should:

• Ask the referee to check their spam/junk email folder.
• Ensure that you have provided your referee's correct email address (with no errors).

If there is an error in the referee information provided, contact admissions with the amended information and a new link will be sent to your referee.

What if I need to replace one of my referees?

If you need to replace one of your referees with a new one, please reach out to admissions with the updated information:

• full name, details, and institutional or professional email address of your new referee
• name of the referee who the new referee will be replacing

An email with a unique link to the secure reference request will be sent to your new referee to complete.