UCAS Updates Personal Statement Format to Support Indian Students with New Questions

Enhanced Personal Statement Questions by UCAS to Facilitate Indian Student Applications

Beginning with the 2026 academic year, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, a nonprofit organization and private limited company that acts as a middleman between candidates and universities, will be using a new format for personal statements and statements of purpose. The “Personal Statement” is primarily focused on personal thoughts, feelings, and reflections that allow universities to get to know their potential students better. It is designed to convey passion for the field in which students are applying. Essentially, a strong personal statement demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to the subject area by highlighting student's unique experiences and insights. It provides a chance to students to share more about themselves, and who they are. And why do they like to attend the university they are applying for. One requirement for applicants to international institutions is a strong personal statement. Although the style and subject matter of the questions haven't changed in a while, UCAS has decided to adapt to the times. 

According to a survey of applicants for the 2022 cycle, the majority of students support personal statements. 89% of respondents thought the objective of the personal statement was very obvious. While admissions teams say it supports comparability for them when making offers, students tell them it helps with decision-making. 83% of students do, however, agree that the procedure is stressful. To feel certain that they have covered all the necessary material, students mainly rely on the help of others, according to UCAS. There will still be a total of 4000 characters in the personal statement and contain the same information, it will just be divided into three sections as opposed to being written in one lengthier piece. The current guidance mostly maintains the expectations for what students should provide in their statements. These new changes will undoubtedly assist students in making more precise choices when selecting universities and courses. 

Three inquiries outline the qualities that colleges are seeking in potential students, giving overseas applicants more precise recommendations: What motivates you to pursue this course or subject? In what ways have your training and education equipped you for this particular course or subject? What additional preparation has taken place outside of school, and why are these experiences helpful? According to Emma Reay, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions at Newcastle University, "There was anecdotal evidence to suggest that the traditional personal statement could disadvantage international applicants and students from under-represented groups in the UK."

In September 2025, the revised format will be available to students applying for entrance in 2026. According to UCAS, the revised questions will allow each student an equal opportunity to express their individual experience, goals, and potential. According to Manuel Barcia, Dean of the University of Leeds' Global Engagement department, the changes will surely help to level the disparities by addressing grievances in accessing support and will provide advice by those who are applying, particularly aiding international students in the application process who seldom feel disconnected. Dr. Jo Saxton, Chief Executive at UCAS, reflected on her experiences in schools and shared that the personal statement allows students to pen down their experiences in life and how it has eventually molded their journey towards the course they are applying, highlighting their clear vision and goals. She also underscored the challenges faced by those with limited support. The new approach, which includes guided questions, is designed to enhance the confidence of both students and their teachers in advising on how to secure their desired course. Recently it has been seen that the number of Indian applicants has increased from 4130 in 2015 to 12,750 in 2024.

Given that Indian students would now find the process to be "much simpler," experts predict that this new move will contribute to an increase in the number of Indian applicants. Nick Hull, the University of Birmingham's director of admissions, shared to indianexpress.com that Indian students often lack resources and structured advice when it comes to International admissions, making their personal statements lack structure and storytelling elements. Along with this often the UCAS platform is unfamiliar for Indian aspirants to navigate, increasing anxiety and stress to the application process. By dividing the personal statement into three clearly labeled sections UCAS will undoubtedly give applicants much confidence that students are providing the exact information that universities are looking to assess their capabilities, while still giving space to impress their Admissions Tutors.

Editor’s Note:

The personal statement is an essential part of college applications because it gives candidates a chance to highlight their distinct traits, experiences, and goals in addition to their academic accomplishments and test results. It enables students to express their enthusiasm for the subject matter they have selected, prove that they are a good fit for the program, and highlight their unique qualities and driving forces. UCAS is ready to implement improvements in personal statements in September 2024 so Indian educational consultants and students can hope for a speedier application process. In addition to streamlining the application process, UCAS is attempting to create a more welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for overseas candidates by adding new questions to the personal statement. This action is anticipated to increase the allure of UK universities to Indian students and foster a more varied and globally aware academic community. Skoobuzz hopes that these new changes will pave the way for new opportunities for students as well as streamline the application process in their desired universities.