The UCAS personal statement is a key part of your university application, providing an opportunity to showcase your passion, experiences, skills, and future goals in a way that goes beyond exam results.
The format of the personal statement is changing for 2026 entry – let's take a look at why this is and what it means for your application.
What is the new UCAS personal statement format?
Instead of one single essay, the new personal statement will be split into three questions. The overall limit remains at 4,000 characters (including spaces), but your answer to each question must be at least 350 characters long.
The three questions you need to answer are:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
It's worth noting that only the format of the personal statement is changing – what you're expected to include remains the same.
Why has the personal statement format changed?
While the previous essay-style format offered creative freedom, there was little guidance on what to include or how to structure it. Many students, teachers, and admissions advisers also found it too broad and not as inclusive as it could be.
The new question-based format makes it easier to structure your answers and focus on the details that universities are most interested in.
What are the benefits of the question format?
- You won’t have to face a blank page, wondering how to begin.
- You can be confident that you’re sharing the right information and evidence.
- Everyone will respond to the same set of questions, creating a fairer and more consistent process.
A closer look at the three questions
Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
This is your chance to express your enthusiasm and understanding of the course you're applying to. Be sure to explain what draws you to the subject, whether it's a long-standing interest, a specific event, or a role model who inspires you.
Show that you've explored the subject beyond school, such as through books, research, or extracurricular activities, and explain why it genuinely excites you. And finally, talk about how the course fits into your career plans and how it will help you grow both personally and professionally.
Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Use this question to highlight the skills and knowledge you've developed at school or college, and how they connect to your subject. You can also talk about any transferable skills you've gained that show your suitability for the course.
Don't waste characters listing your grades, as these will be included elsewhere on your application. Focus instead on notable academic achievements, like leadership roles, awards, competition results, acting or musical performances, and so on. The goal is to show how your educational background has shaped your interests and provided a strong foundation for future success in your subject area.
Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
The final question is your opportunity to show how experiences beyond education have shaped you. Talk about any work experience, volunteering, or part-time jobs you've completed or have, and showcase the skills you've gained from them. Your aim here is to highlight why you'd be a good student, so share any hobbies, extracurricular activities, or achievements that demonstrate your motivation, leadership, and creativity.
If you're no longer in full-time education, explain what you've been doing since and how this has prepared you for further study. Everything you include should show personal growth and your suitability for your chosen course.
Ready to get started?
Before you start writing your personal statement, take some time to really research your chosen course. Understanding what universities are looking for will help you tailor your statement and stand out as a strong applicant. If you're considering studying with us, be sure to explore our courses and see what makes our programmes unique.
.jpg)
