UCAS Personal Statement Changes 2025: What UAE Parents Must Know
If your child is applying to UK universities for 2026 entry, the rules have changed — but many UAE schools haven’t caught up yet.
From autumn 2025, UCAS is replacing the traditional free-form personal statement with three structured questions. This aims to make the process fairer, but it also means students must completely rethink how they present themselves.
For UAE students, missing these updates could cost offers from top UK universities.
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
Until now, students wrote a 4,000-character essay about why they wanted to study their chosen course. But UCAS research showed many students struggled, especially those without experienced school counsellors or professional guidance.
Now, applicants must answer three specific prompts, making the process more focused — but also more competitive.
Top Parent Questions
Q1. What are the new UCAS personal statement questions?
Students now respond to three structured questions:
Why they want to study their chosen subject
How their qualifications prepared them
What extra activities make them a stronger applicant
(We guide students on crafting compelling answers that stand out to UK admissions teams.)
Q2. Does this affect UAE students applying in 2025–26?
Yes. Current Year 12 students in UAE schools applying for September 2026 entry are directly impacted by the new UCAS structure.
Q3. Why are UAE schools missing this change?
Many UAE schools are still using outdated counselling templates based on last year’s UCAS process. Submitting a non-compliant statement could risk rejection.
Case Study Snippet
“Last year, a Dubai-based A-Level student aiming for King’s College London had a strong profile but was rejected — her personal statement didn’t meet UCAS’s new structure. After reworking her answers this year, she’s already shortlisted for interviews.”
Why Parents Must Act Early
Deadlines haven’t changed, but the rules have
Without adapting, students lose offers to better-prepared applicants
UAE schools haven’t updated their processes fast enough
Call to Action
Your child gets one shot at their dream UK university. Don’t let outdated advice cost them a place.
