UCAS has announced an important update to the Personal Statement format for university admissions in the UK, starting from the 2026 application cycle.
Currently, applicants are required to write a free-text essay of up to 4,000 characters. However, from 2026 onwards, this will be replaced with a more structured format with three specific questions. According to UCAS, the change is aimed at making the process more accessible and manageable for applicants, ensuring that all students are guided to reflect on key areas of their preparation.
📌 The 3 new Personal Statement questions are as follows:
- 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?
These changes will apply to students beginning their undergraduate studies in 2026. For those applying in earlier cycles, the existing Personal Statement format will still be in use. If you are applying before the changes take effect, Hands On is here to support you with expert guidance and tips for writing your Personal Statement under the current format.
📌 What is UCAS?
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the centralized application platform used by students around the world to apply for undergraduate courses in the United Kingdom. It acts as a bridge between applicants and universities, streamlining the entire admissions process. Through UCAS, students can apply to multiple universities and courses in a single application, track their offers, and manage their choices in one place.
🍊 Hands On Education Consultants Services
Hands On Education Consultants is the official representative of over 100 Higher Education Institutions in the UK and Ireland. Our priority is to provide sincere service, assisting Thai students to further their studies in the UK with the right courses and the right university for each individual. We provide in-depth details to help students make the right choice. We are more than happy to help students from the very start to finish, free of charge.
