How to write a personal statement - tips for international students applying to university in the UK

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your university application. It gives admissions tutors a short but valuable insight into who you are, what motivates you, and why you’re a good fit for your chosen course.

If you’re applying to study in the UK, these practical tips will help you write a focused, convincing personal statement.

1. Treat your personal statement as an introduction

Your personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to admissions tutors.

It should explain:

• Why you want to study your chosen subject
• What interests you about the field
• What motivates you to pursue it at university

Focus on demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for your subject. Admissions tutors want to see that you’ve thought carefully about your course choice and understand what studying the subject involves.

Universities are also looking for students who are curious, motivated and ready to engage with academic study.

2. Follow the application guidelines

Most UK undergraduate applications are submitted through UCAS, which sets a strict character or line limit for personal statements.

Because space is limited, it’s important to:

• Stay within the word or character limit
• Use the available space effectively
• Keep your writing focused and clear

Your statement should be written in clear, standard English, with correct spelling and grammar throughout.

3. Show your knowledge of the subject

Admissions tutors want evidence that you’re genuinely interested in the subject you want to study.

Before writing your statement, make a list of everything that has helped develop your interest. This might include:

• Subjects you’ve studied at school or college
• Topics you found particularly engaging
• Books, articles or research you’ve read
• Academic projects or coursework

You might also mention subject-related activities such as competitions, clubs, or work experience.

The key is not just listing these experiences, but explaining what you learned from them and why they made you want to study the subject further.

4. Demonstrate your skills and experiences

Your personal statement should also show who you are beyond your academic studies.

Universities value students who are motivated, proactive and able to contribute to university life.

You could include examples such as:

• Extracurricular activities
• Volunteering or community work
• Part-time employment
• Leadership roles
• Sports or creative interests

These experiences can demonstrate transferable skills such as teamwork, organisation, communication and problem-solving.

5. Structure your statement clearly

Once you have gathered your ideas, organise them into a clear structure.

A simple approach is:

• Introduction: why the subject interests you
• Academic section: your studies, reading and subject knowledge
• Experience section: activities, achievements and skills
• Conclusion: why you are ready for university study

As a general guideline, around two-thirds of the statement should focus on your academic interest in the subject, with the remaining section highlighting relevant experiences.

6. Use specific examples rather than general statements

Many personal statements include broad claims such as “I have always been passionate about science.”

Statements like this are common and don’t tell admissions tutors much.

Instead, use specific examples. For example:

• A project that sparked your interest
• A topic that challenged your thinking
• A book or article that influenced your perspective

Concrete examples help admissions tutors understand how you think and engage with your subject.

7. Show curiosity beyond the classroom

Universities are interested in students who explore their subject independently.

This doesn’t require expensive experiences or formal research. You might mention:

• Podcasts or documentaries related to your subject
• Online courses or lectures
• Relevant news stories or industry developments
• Independent projects or personal learning

Explain briefly what you discovered and how it strengthened your interest in the subject.

8. Explain experiences in an international context

If you’re applying from outside the UK, your educational background may be different from the UK system.

Your personal statement is a good place to briefly explain experiences that may not be immediately familiar to admissions tutors.

For example, you might mention:

• How your national curriculum shaped your interests
• A project or competition in your country
• Community activities or leadership roles

Focus on what these experiences taught you and how they prepared you for studying at an international university.

9. Make sure the statement sounds like you

With the growing use of online templates and AI writing tools, universities are increasingly looking for authentic personal statements.

Your statement should reflect your own experiences, interests and ambitions.

This means:

• Writing in clear, natural language
• Avoiding generic phrases
• Focusing on your genuine motivations

Getting feedback is helpful, but the final statement should clearly represent your own voice.

10. Edit and review carefully

Writing a strong personal statement takes time.

After finishing your first draft:

• Read it several times
• Improve the clarity and structure
• Check spelling, grammar and punctuation

It’s also useful to ask a teacher, adviser or friend to review it and suggest improvements.

Fresh feedback can help identify unclear sections or small mistakes.

11. Check that your statement answers the key questions

Before submitting your application, review your statement and ask yourself:

• Have I explained why I want to study this subject?
• Have I shown knowledge beyond my school studies?
• Have I included relevant experiences or achievements?
• Have I highlighted skills that will help me succeed at university?
• Does my statement clearly show my motivation to study this degree?

If the answer to these questions is yes, you are likely on the right track.

A strong personal statement won’t guarantee an offer, but it can significantly strengthen your application. Taking the time to plan, write and refine your statement will help ensure it clearly communicates your interests, potential and ambitions.