A method for link adaptation includes: classifying a radio channel; setting a set of link adaptation modes; and selecting a corresponding link adaptation mode according to a radio channel type. An apparatus for link adaptation includes: a classification module for performing a classification on a radio channel; a setting module for setting a set of link adaptation modes; and a mode selection module for selecting a corresponding link adaptation mode from the setting module according to a radio channel type of the classification. The present invention accordingly selects effective link adaptation modes in accordance with different types of radio channels, and is able to ensure to implement the maximum system throughput in different fading channels and maintain the stable and reliable link quality.