Ucas to scrap personal statement in UK university applications

Ucas, the central application platform for applying to university in the UK, has removed the personal statement from its application process.

The personal statement is currently one of the components making up the application form for applying to universities in the UK. This is in the form of a 4,000-character essay written by students – an opportunity to explain their motivations for studying their chosen course and the university they are applying to. 

However, those applying for undergraduate places in 2026 will instead have to answer the following three questions as part of their Ucas application: 

• Why do you want to study this course or subject? 
  This is an applicant’s opportunity to showcase their passion for and knowledge of their chosen subject, to demonstrate to universities and colleges why they are a good fit, and to outline any future ambitions.
• How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject? 
  In this section applicants can describe relevant or transferable skills they’ve gained in education, and demonstrate their understanding of how these will help them succeed in their chosen course or subject area.
• What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful? 
  Here applicants can reflect on their personal experiences, and any other activities they have undertaken outside their education to further demonstrate their suitability for the course.  

This new format will be introduced in September 2025 for students wishing to enter university in 2026. 

Jo Saxton, chief executive at Ucas, said: “The changes to the personal statement, along with our recent fee waiver for students in receipt of free school meals, are all part of Ucas’ contribution to the sector-wide effort to ensure more people from disadvantaged backgrounds can benefit from the life-changing opportunity of higher education.

“During my time in schools, I saw first-hand how the personal statement can help students really clarify and articulate their ambition, but also how challenging it can be for those with less support. The new approach, with guided questions aims to give greater confidence to those students, as well as their teachers when advising on how to secure their dream course.”