Your statement is a chance to showcase your skills, experience, and suitability for the course you're applying for.
This blog will tell you how to structure your personal statement as an international student. It also includes some top tips on what you should include. Read on to find out more...
A personal statement – or statement of purpose – forms part of your application to study at a university in the UK. It is your first opportunity to showcase your skills, ambition, and experience in your own words, and let the admissions staff know how suited you are to the course you’re applying to.
A well-written personal statement could be the deciding factor in whether or not you are offered a place at university in the UK.
Traditionally a pesonal statement was an essay, but for 2026 entry onwards, the format has changed. Now, you'll answer three specific questions.
These questions have been designed to act as ‘starting points’ for what you want to say. They'll help you build your answers.
You'll have a maximum word count of 4,000 characters (including spaces) to answer all three questions. Each question has a minimum word count of 350 characters.
The questions are:
Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
This is your chance to explain why you've chosen this course and who or what has inspired you. Show off your knowledge of your chosen course and how it fits your career plans. You could also talk about things you’ve done outside the classroom to develop your knowledge and passion for this subject.
Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Use this question to showcase your relevant and transferable skills and how they'll help you succeed at university. Think about academic achievements that aren’t grade-focused – your grades will be included elsewhere in your application, so don’t waste space on them here.
Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Extracurricular activities such as work experience, a part-time job, or volunteering, can showcase your suitability for your course. Highlight how these experiences - including any relevant hobbies and interests - tie in with your chosen course.
Include personal life experiences and responsibilities that have helped you develop essential qualities for university.
As an international student there are some additional things you need to consider when answering the three personal statement questions:
Feeling confident enough to write your own personal statement? Here are some further tips and advice to help your application for 2026 entry shine:
Once you're happy with your personal statement - and have checked and proof read it thoroughly - you'll be able to upload it as part of your application. You'll do this in your UCAS Hub. This is your personal space for preparing and submitting your university application.
If you're applying to study at a UK university in 2026, you need to submit your completed application by the following deadlines:
Wednesday 15 October 2025 (6pm UK time): for courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine/science
Wednesday 14 January 2026 (6pm UK time): for the majority of other courses
Wondering what the benefits are of a degree from the UK?
A degree from a UK university can open up many career opportunities after graduation. It can prove to a potential employer that you have the capacity to earn a high-value degree and are willing to experience new things by moving abroad for your higher education. This can give your resumé a boost in a highly competitive job market.
Newcastle University is one of the founding institutions of the Russell Group. This group of 24 prestigious universities - which includes Oxford and Cambridge - is known for exceptional research, teaching expertise, and strong links with the business and public sectors.
Russell Group universities rank highly in both UK and international league tables, and are incredibly popular with international students. A degree from a Russell Group university is recognised and valued worldwide.