Writing Your Statement 

Writing a personal statement if you’re an international student can seem daunting, especially if English isn’t your first language. The best thing you can do before applying is to gather as much information as you can about the application process and entry requirements for your course and the universities you’re applying to.

There may be hundreds of students applying for the same course as you and your personal statement is what is going to help you stand out from the crowd and win a place at the university of your dreams.

If you haven’t had to write one before a UCAS personal statement is a 47 line, or 4000 character, essay that shows admissions tutors that you have the passion, dedication, and experience to study your degree subject and that you’re worth being given a place at their university.

Relevant academic subjects, work experience, youth projects, volunteering, and your hobbies or interests outside of school are all things that you should include in your personal statement.

You’ll need to say which course you want to study and why and the most important thing about being an international student – why you want to study in another country!

Being prepared to move to another country to study shows a certain amount of dedication but admissions tutors will want to know why you’re prepared to make this commitment and what you think you’ll gain from the experience.

Remember, a personal statement is all about you and why you should be accepted to your chosen university. Don’t be modest or think that the admissions tutor won’t be interested in your hobbies or extra-curricular activities.

The aim is to show the reader that you are unique and that your personal qualities, experience, and skills make you more deserving of a place than every other applicant who probably has the same perfect grade average as you.

Along with your personal statement you’ll also need to include all the references and forms that the university requires. Don’t make the mistake of not sending important documents or sending more than you need to.