If you’re applying to university or college in the UK for 2026 entry, there are important changes to the UCAS personal statement format. It’s essential to know the new structure so you can write a strong application that stands out.
What’s Changing to the Personal Statement (2026 Entry)
Starting with applications for courses beginning in 2026, UCAS has updated the personal statement format. Rather than submitting one long free-form essay, you’ll now answer three separate questions.
Here are the three new questions:
1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Talk about your motivation, what inspired you, relevant interests, and why this course suits your future ambitions.
2. How have your qualifications and studies helped prepare you for this course or subject?
Showcase your academic background, relevant modules, projects or skills gained in school or other institutions.
3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
This is where you include things like work experience, extracurricular activities, volunteering, hobbies, or any wider experiences, and explain what skills or qualities you’ve developed.
The overall character limit remains the same as before (4,000 characters including spaces) and each answer has a minimum requirement of 350 characters to ensure you give enough detail.
UCAS Deadlines for 2026 Entry
Here are the key UCAS dates you need to keep in mind for the 2026 application cycle. Make sure your application is complete (including personal statement + reference + qualifications) by the relevant deadline.
🗓️ 13th May 2025 – Applications open
🗓️ 15th October 2025 – First UCAS submission deadline for students applying to Oxford or Cambridge, or for most medicine, dentistry, veterinary courses.
🗓️ 14th January 2026 – Equal consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses
What UCAS Wants to See (With the New Format)
With the shift to three structured questions, you’ll want to make sure your answers are:
- Focused and organised: Each answer must directly address the question. Avoid repeating the same points across multiple answers.
- Evidence-based: Use concrete examples such as academic projects, extra reading, volunteering, work experiences etc. Show what you’ve done, what you learned, and how that makes you well prepared.
- Reflective: It’s not enough to list what you’ve done; explain why it matters for your course and future.
- Relevant to the course: Tailor your answers to the subject(s) you’re applying to. If you’re applying for a science course, emphasise relevant science experiences or studies.
Also, since the new questions apply across all applicants, use the minimum character counts well; don’t leave your answers too short, as that can make it seem like you haven’t really engaged with the change.
How SwH Learning’s ‘Perfect Your Personal Statement’ Guide Helps
Writing under this new format might feel tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Perfect Your Personal Statement guide is specially updated to match the 2026 requirements and includes:
- Advice and strategies for each of the three questions
- Sample answers and worked examples so you can see what good looks like
- Tips for expanding your skills and experience to boost your statement
If you want a head start and more confidence when writing your statement, this guide is an excellent investment.
👉 You can find the guide here: Perfect Your Personal Statement by SwH Learning
Final Thoughts
The move to three structured questions may feel like a big change, but it’s designed to help you show your strengths more clearly and fairly. Start early, gather your examples, and use the new format to your advantage.
With the correct prep and the right resources (like our personal statement guide), you can write something compelling, authentic, and powerful; one that helps you stand out to your chosen universities. Get prepared, get started early and get your place secured on your dream course!