UCAS to remove personal statement requirements for UK university applications

Starting in September 2025, students applying for university through UCAS will face a revamped application process designed to support those from disadvantaged backgrounds better.

To level the playing field, the traditional free-response personal statement, which allowed up to 4,000 characters, will be replaced by three mandatory questions. The new questions will be:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
2. How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course or subject?
3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?

This shift addresses concerns that the previous essay format favoured applicants with access to extensive support. The structured questions will still allow students the same word count but provide clearer guidance, which UCAS believes will help all applicants present their achievements and aspirations more effectively.

Jo Saxton, UCAS Chief Executive, 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's contribution to the sector-wide effort to ensure more people from disadvantaged backgrounds can benefit from the life-changing opportunity of higher education."

If you have any questions about how the changes may affect your application to study in the UK, do not hesitate to contact the SI-UK team today.

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