The William Clarence Guide to UCAS 2025 Changes

Evelyn Pike
July 31st 2024

Within the ever-evolving landscape of university admissions, we want to ensure that you stay ahead of the curve.  

The UCAS 2025 application cycle introduces significant changes, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process so you can start your journey to a top UK university. 

As expert education consultants, we have a wealth of experience providing extensive support and helping students navigate the UCAS application process.  

So, whether you need advice on the UCAS application deadline for Oxbridge, are unsure of the changes to the different sections of the UCAS application form, or if you’re looking for top tips on how to craft the perfect personal statement, our team are here to help.  

Key UCAS 2025 Changes 

Education Section 

The major changes to the application process are across three sections, with one new section. UCAS has streamlined the education section to improve accuracy and ease of use: 

  • Prepopulated 'Place of Education' Information: Ensures correct school details. 
  • New Attendance Options: Clarifies whether education was Exam only, Full-time, or Part-time. 
  • Study Mode: Indicates if the student attended ‘In Person’ or ‘Online’. 
  • Removal of 'Highest Qualification on Entry' Question: Simplifies the application. 

Of most significance is the following change: 

  • Improved Qualification Search: Introducing categories for easier selection and a shortlist feature. This means when you have to input the qualifications you have or will have, to present them to your university, the chances of finding your qualification are much improved. Previously, many students have had to slightly improvise when listing their qualifications - because UCAS didn’t provide every possible qualification. 

This is good news for our students, many of whom come from varied educational backgrounds and have a wide range of qualification types. 

It means it’s more likely your qualifications will be part of UCAS’s drop-down menu, easier to select and fill out the appropriate modules or coursework elements. It should take the guesswork out of this part of UCAS!

English Language Skills Section  

In the English Language Skills Section, simplifications include: 

  • Removed Question: 'Is English your first language?'. 
  • Relocated TOEFL and IELTS Fields: Now part of the Education section.  

If you’re applying without GCSE English (or equivalent), and English isn’t your primary language, you will need to take the IELTS exam to demonstrate English proficiency.  

Nationality Details Section 

In the Nationality Details Section, new questions help universities determine fee status more accurately: 

  • Expiration Date for Pre-Settled Status. 
  • ‘Don’t Know’ Option for Student Visa Requirement. 
  • UK Visa or Immigration Status: Selectable options for clarity. 
  • Additional Visa-related Questions: Ensuring all details are accurately captured. 

Where You Live Section 

There is also a new section: ‘Where You Live’. This new section separates living history from contact details: 

  • Three Years of Address History: Including purpose and start dates. 
  • Temporary Address Indication. 

The above have been introduced to help UCAS determine whether you are eligible for home fee status, as in most cases, you will need to have been living in the UK for three years before your university start date to be eligible. 

2026 Personal Statement Overhaul 

There are also changes for 2026 entry, with UCAS planning a personal statement overhaul. UCAS will transform the personal statement format for 2026 entry, from one long piece to three focused sections: 

  1. Why do you want to study this course or subject? 
  2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare? 
  3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful? 

Each section has a minimum of 350 characters, ensuring clarity and focus. The total remains 4000 characters. 

Why Choose William Clarence to Help with Your UCAS Application? 

Navigating these changes can be daunting, but with William Clarence you gain: 

  • Personalised Guidance: Tailored advice based on your unique profile and aspirations. 
  • Expert Knowledge: Up-to-date insights into UCAS changes and how they affect your application. 
  • Comprehensive Support: From course selection to application submission, we cover every detail. 

At William Clarence, we believe every student deserves the chance to realise their potential, stand out from the crowd, and secure a place at their ideal university. Our experienced consultants are here to support you through the complexities of the UCAS application process.  

So, whether you need advice about the UCAS application deadline for Oxbridge or are unsure about how to answer the new sections, our dedicated team will help ensure you present the best possible application to your chosen universities. 

Take the first step towards your academic future with confidence. Contact William Clarence today and let us help you unlock your full potential.