Planning to apply to UK universities in 2025 or later?

What’s Changing in the UCAS Application?

From September 2025, UCAS will replace the traditional personal statement with a more structured and student-friendly format. Instead of writing one long essay, applicants will now answer three focused questions, making the application process clearer, fairer, and easier to navigate.

Until now, students had to write a 4,000-character personal statement, a single essay that often felt overwhelming, especially for those without guidance.

Starting from 2025, UCAS will require students to respond to three specific questions within the same 4,000-character limit:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Share your genuine motivation, interest, and passion for the subject you’ve chosen.

2. How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course?

 Highlight school subjects, academic projects, and key skills that relate to the course.

3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why is it helpful?

Talk about extracurriculars, internships, volunteer work, or personal experiences that show you’re ready for university life.

What Indian Students Should Know

Why is UCAS making this change?

UCAS wants to level the playing field for all students, especially those who don’t have access to expert help. These structured questions reduce the stress of writing a personal essay and give everyone a fair shot to express themselves effectively.

Do I still get 4,000 characters?

Yes. The total character limit remains 4,000 characters, but now you can divide them across the three questions as you see fit. There’s no rule saying each answer must be the same length; focus more on quality than quantity.

How will this benefit Indian applicants?

This is great news for Indian students! Many applicants struggle to structure their personal statement. With clearly defined questions, it’s now easier to communicate your academic journey and career goals without the guesswork.

Are These Questions Easier to Answer?

In a way, yes. You no longer need to write a perfectly structured essay from scratch. However, you still need to make sure your responses are:

• Thoughtful
• Relevant
• Honest
• Well-written

The new format is designed to help you stay focused and ensure you don’t miss important points.

Tips for Indian Students Writing the New UCAS Responses
Here’s how you can make your application shine

Be Specific

Mention the course name, relevant subjects you’ve studied (like biology, computer science, or commerce), and the skills you’ve gained.
Include International Relevance

If you’ve attended global events, taken international courses, or want to align your career with global trends, highlight that.

Use Real-Life Examples

Instead of saying “I’m passionate about business,” say “My interest in business began when I helped my father manage inventory in our family shop.”

Link Extracurriculars to Your Course

Whether it’s debating, coding, football, or community service, explain how these experiences prepare you for university.

Be Authentic, Not Generic

Avoid copying templates from the internet. Admissions officers can tell the difference. Let your unique story shine through!

What Do Education Experts Say?

Dr Jo Saxton, Chief Executive of UCAS, believes this change will make the system more transparent and accessible to all students, not just those who can afford private consultants.

Social mobility advocates in the UK also welcome the move. However, many experts agree that professional support services, like SPS Global, remain valuable for helping students craft standout responses that are polished yet personal.

Will This Boost Applications from Underrepresented Backgrounds?

That’s the goal. UCAS data from 2024 shows that fewer students from disadvantaged backgrounds applied to UK universities. This reform aims to increase access and diversity, not only in the UK but also for international applicants from countries like India.

Get Expert Help from SPS Global

At SPS Global, we guide Indian students through every step of the UK university application process, including the new UCAS structured personal statement format.

Our expert team will help you:

Understand what each question really asks
Write impactful, course-relevant answers
Avoid common mistakes and generic language
Showcase your achievements and aspirations authentically

Planning to apply to UK universities in 2025 or later?

Let SPS Global help you build a powerful, personalized UCAS application that gets noticed.