The new UCAS personal statement | 2026 entry

UCAS is changing how you write a personal statement for your university application.

If you’re planning to start university in 2026, read on to find out what you need to do now.

Contents:

1. What is a UCAS personal statement?
2. Why has UCAS changed the personal statement for 2026 entry?
3. How has the personal statement for 2026 entry changed?
4. What are the new personal statement questions?
5. What do universities look for in a personal statement?

What is a UCAS personal statement?

Your personal statement is an important part of your UCAS application.

A piece of text that you write about yourself, it’s your chance to impress admissions staff with why you want to go to university, and why you’re passionate about studying a particular degree.

It’s how you can showcase your skills and achievements, including things you’ve done outside of school or college.

It’s also how you can demonstrate you have the qualities your chosen university is looking for and why you’re the best candidate for a particular course.

Write a strong personal statement and it can tip the balance in favour of a university making you an offer.

So, there’s a lot riding on how you write your personal statement, and the information you include in it.

Why has UCAS changed the personal statement?

Traditionally, a personal statement was a long piece of text that students structured themselves.

Other than a 4,000-character limit (including spaces) there were no other ‘rules’ about how to plan your statement or what to include.

If you’re applying to go to university in 2025, you’ll still follow this format. Find out more in our blog about how to write your personal statement for 2025 entry.

For 2026 entry, UCAS has decided to change the personal statement format to make the process of writing it ‘easier and more structured’.

The changes have been introduced to help you focus on ‘what, why and where you want to study’.

It’s also hoped the new format will make writing your personal statement less stressful and more accessible if you can’t get support when you’re writing your statement, or if you’re an international student.

How has the personal statement for 2026 entry changed?

Instead of one piece of text the personal statement has been split into three separate sections, each with a specific question that you’ll need to answer.

These questions have been designed to help you structure what you want to say. They’ll also guide you to include the information universities want to see in your personal statement.

That means you’ll no longer be faced with a blank page, wondering how to start your statement. You also won’t have to do lots of research to understand what you need to write about.

Instead, you – and your personal statement – can be more focused.

You’ll still have the same maximum word count of 4,000 characters (including spaces), and each question will have a minimum word count of 350 characters.

What are the new personal statement questions?

UCAS wants the three new personal statement questions to act as ‘starting points’ for what you want to say.

It’s called them ‘scaffolding questions’ and they’re designed to help you build your answers.

Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

This is where you can show off your knowledge of your chosen course, why you want to study it, and how it fits your career plans.

You could include what first got you interested in this course or subject, and why you’re excited to learn more about it. 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?

This is where you can showcase your relevant and transferable skills. You could include how you’ve developed particular skills for your chosen course, and how this will help you succeed in your studies.

Think outside of the box and include 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?

This is where you can include anything else you think will support your application.

Do you have a part-time job? Have you completed relevant work experience? What about your hobbies, a summer school or community work where you’ve mastered new skills?

Highlight how these experiences tie in with your chosen course. Include personal life experiences and responsibilities that have helped you develop essential qualities for university.

Life experiences that have helped you develop valuable new skills can support your university application. Remember to include details of extracurricular activities such as volunteering, a part-time job or relevant hobbies in your personal statement.

What do universities look for in personal statements?

Admissions staff use your personal statement to assess your potential as a student. They want you to flourish and succeed at their university, so they need to read about all the qualities and skills you have that show you’re the right fit.

They want to see evidence that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about the course or subject area you’re hoping to study, and that you’re excited about taking that next step to university.

This is your opportunity to show them how you’d make a great student, so make every word count.

Find out more:

• Could AI help you with your personal statement or is it cheating? Find out.
• Still looking for your dream degree. Here’s how to narrow the field?
• Explore the academic year at a UK university.