References guidance
Guidance on providing references to support your application.
Information on the questions below are included on this page:
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Have you emailed my referees?
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Have you received my references?
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How can I change my referees?
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Can the reference request email be resent?
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How many references do I need to provide?
Have you emailed my referees?
On the application form we asked if we should email your referees to request references. If you answered 'Yes', then we emailed your referees when your application was submitted.
If you answered 'No', then you can provide your referee's email address in the Applicant Hub, which will automatically send a reference request email to your referee:
- Access the 'Applicant Hub'
- Click the 'Open Application' button on the Applicant Hub home page
- Click the 'References' tab in the My Application section
- Click the 'Edit Referee' button
- The email will automatically be sent to your referee
If you answered 'No', but previously supplied your referee's email address on the application form, you can request a reference at a later date:
- Access the 'Applicant Hub'
- Click the 'Open Application' button on the Applicant Hub home page
- Click the 'References' tab in the My Application section
- Click the 'Re-request Reference' button
- The email will automatically be sent to your referee
Have you received my references?
You can check the status of your references in the reference section Applicant Hub
- Access the 'Applicant Hub'
- Click the 'Open Application' button on the Applicant Hub home page
- Click the 'References' tab in the My Application section
- The 'References' row shows whether or not your reference has been uploaded
- The 'Status' row shows whether the Admissions Office has checked the reference

How can I change my referees?
Referees can be changed in the Applicant Hub if a decision has not yet been made on your application:
- Access the 'Applicant Hub'
- Click the 'Open Application' button on the Applicant Hub home page
- Click the 'References' tab in the My Application section
- Click the 'Edit Referee' button
- Amend the details as required and click 'Save'
- The email will automatically be sent to your referee
If a decision has been made on your application, you will not be able to amend your referee details and should email your Admissions team if there are changes to your referees. Contact details for your programme can be found on your programme's Degree Finder page:
Can the reference request email be resent?
Reference request emails can be resent via the Applicant Hub if a decision has not yet been made on your application:
- Access the 'Applicant Hub'
- Click the 'Open Application' button on the Applicant Hub home page
- Click the 'References' tab in the My Application section
- Click the 'Re-request Reference' button to send the email
If a decision has been made, you will not be able to amend your referee details and should email your Admissions team if there are changes to your referees. Contact details for your programme can be found on your programme's Degree Finder page:
How many references do I need to provide?
The number of references required varies depending on the programme you are applying to. The details for your programme can be found on on your programme's Degree Finder page:
Guidance for referees
- You do not need the student’s consent to provide a reference. The legal basis is *performance of a contract” as the student wishes to enter into an employment contract. It’s the same for giving references for students making an application for further study. That is also “steps taken towards a contract” so the legal basis is the same.
- You must not provide confidential references, only a reference you would be prepared to share with the student.
- There is a legal obligation to use due care when compiling a reference in order to ensure its accuracy.
- As references involve the sharing, handling and disclosure of personal data, they are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation.
Support
Contact your Admissions Office if your question is related to:
University of Edinburgh Admissions Offices
Contact Student Systems if you need help with a technical problem related to your application: Student SystemsContact details
Availability
Contact Student Immigration if your question is related to the subjects below:
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