Major Changes to the UCAS Personal Statement in 2026: What Students Need to Know

If you’re planning to apply to UK universities in 2026, get ready—UCAS is introducing big changes to the personal statement. Starting in September 2025, students applying for 2026 entry won’t write one open-ended essay. Instead, you’ll respond to three structured questions, totaling 4,000 characters. This shift is designed to make the university application process more accessible and focused. Here’s everything you need to know about the new UCAS personal statement format, how to approach it, and how to make your answers stand out.

What’s Changing in the UCAS Personal Statement?

Rather than a single essay, the new format will include three personal statement questions:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
2. How have your studies and qualifications prepared you for it?
3. What experiences outside of education have contributed to your preparation?

Each of these questions targets specific areas of your application. Here’s how to make your UCAS personal statement answers shine:

1. Why This Course?

This is your chance to show genuine enthusiasm. Explain what draws you to the subject and why it aligns with your academic goals or future career. Be specific—mention topics within the course that fascinate you or real-world problems you want to solve.

2. How Have Your Studies Prepared You?

Show how your academic background—specific subjects, coursework, or exams—has built the foundation you need for university-level study. Highlighting relevant skills such as research, analysis, or critical thinking will help you demonstrating academic readiness in a UCAS personal statement.

3. What Experiences Outside School Have Helped You Prepare?

This is where your extracurricular activities and experiences come in. Think work experience, online courses, volunteering, independent projects—anything that supports your academic interest and shows initiative.

Why UCAS Is Updating the Personal Statement Format

UCAS research showed that students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds often found it difficult to write an open-ended personal statement. The new format is meant to level the playing field by offering clear guidance and helping all applicants focus on what really matters. By answering specific questions, students are less likely to miss out on key content that can strengthen their application.

How to Prepare for the New UCAS Personal Statement Format

With this structured approach, clarity and focus are more important than ever. First of all, start early; give yourself time to reflect on your motivations, review your academic record, and think about which experiences truly matter. Also, be strategic with examples. Select experiences that directly relate to your course choice and back them up with details. Moreover, keep in mind that every sentence should add value and respond to one of the three prompts clearly. It is also important to get feedback; ask your teachers or college counselor to review your drafts. And finally, don’t forget: the structured format favors applicants who write with purpose. Practice getting your points across quickly and effectively.