The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), a charity and private limited company that facilitates applications between students and universities, will introduce a new format for personal statements starting in the 2026 academic session.
Personal statements have long been a key component of UK university applications. Although the format and themes of these statements have remained unchanged for years, UCAS is now updating them to better align with the needs of modern applicants. The goal? To simplify the process for students.
According to UCAS, a survey of 2022 cycle applicants revealed that 89% of students found the purpose of personal statements clear or extremely clear. Students reported that personal statements aid in their decision-making process, and admissions teams value them for the comparability they provide when making offers. However, 83% of students also found the process stressful, often relying on extensive support to feel confident in their submissions.
The new format introduces specific questions to guide students:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course or subject?
- What other experiences have you had outside of education, and why are they relevant?
The total length of the personal statement will remain at 4000 characters, including spaces. However, instead of one continuous piece of text, the content will be divided into three distinct sections. This change aims to provide clearer guidance, particularly benefiting international applicants and students from under-represented groups in the UK.
Emma Reay, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions at Newcastle University, noted that the traditional personal statement format could disadvantage these groups. The new questions are designed to level the playing field by reducing inequities in access to support and advice.
UCAS plans to implement this new format in September 2025 for students applying for the 2026 entry. Manuel Barcia, Dean of Global Engagement at the University of Leeds, believes this change will help students better articulate their unique journeys, aspirations, and potential.
Dr. Jo Saxton, Chief Executive at UCAS, added that the new approach aims to give greater confidence to students and their advisors by providing clear guidance on how to secure their desired courses. This is especially beneficial for students with less access to support.
Overall, UCAS hopes that the updated personal statement format will make the application process less stressful and more equitable for all students.