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Acknowledgments Template

Our go-to acknowledgments template, supervisor to family. Free to use. Instant access.

Developed by Grad Coach's Doctoral-Qualified Team15 Million Downloads · Used by 500+ Universities

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What it covers

This template gives you a structure for the acknowledgments section of a dissertation, thesis or research project, refined across 10,000+ students’ theses.

In line with academic best practice, it moves from most formal (supervisor, committee, etc.) to least formal (family and friends), with fill-in-the-blank placeholders so you can write your own version in a few minutes.

The acknowledgments template can be copied to your Google Drive or downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), adaptable to LaTeX.

Frequently asked questions

What format is the template (DOC, PDF, PPT, etc.)?

The acknowledgments section template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Is this for undergrad, Master or PhD-level work?

Any level of study. Check your university’s own conventions before you finalize your structure.

What types of dissertations/theses can this be used for?

Any formal academic research project. The order and level of formality here follows the norm, but check your university’s requirements if this section carries specific rules.

How long should the acknowledgments section be?

Typically, the acknowledgments section comprises a few paragraphs at most. Keep it short and sweet.

Do you have any examples of real acknowledgments sections?

Yes, we have a few examples here.

What if I’m not sure whether to include someone?

Err on the side of including them. It’s better to acknowledge someone whose contribution felt minor than to leave out someone who genuinely helped you.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, please reference this page as your source.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. You can find our full collection of templates here.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Yes. If you’d like support beyond a single section, our coaches can work with you through any chapter, or the whole document. Get in touch to discuss our private coaching services.