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The UCAS personal statement: three questions
From 2026 entry onwards, the UCAS personal statement is made up of three questions instead of one free-form essay. The total length is unchanged: up to 4,000 characters, including spaces.
Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026.
The three questions
- 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?
Length
You have 4,000 characters in total across all three answers, including spaces. Each answer must be at least 350 characters. You decide how to divide the rest.
One statement for all your choices
The same answers go to all your choices, so write about the subject rather than naming one university.
Tips from the questions
- Question 1: be specific about what interests you in the subject, and how you have explored it.
- Question 2: link your school or college subjects, projects and skills to the course.
- Question 3: work experience, volunteering, caring responsibilities, part-time jobs, reading and hobbies all count. Say what you learned from them.
Your own words
Write in your own words. Universities and UCAS check statements for copying, and you may be asked about what you wrote at an interview.
Sources
Quick answers
What are the three UCAS personal statement questions?
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?
How long is the UCAS personal statement?
Up to 4,000 characters in total, including spaces, with at least 350 characters for each of the three answers.