Big news! The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is changing how university applications work from 2026. Instead of one long personal statement, you'll answer three questions:
- Why this course?
- How have your studies prepared you?
- What extracurricular activities have prepared you, and why are they important?
This is great news because it recognises that students are more than just their grades. By focusing on different areas, you can show off your unique experiences and skills.
Why the change?
UCAS wants to make applying to university easier and fairer for everyone. Breaking down the personal statement helps you know what to write and makes it easier for universities to compare applicants. Plus, it's a chance to highlight all the awesome things you do outside of school!
Projects Abroad: Your ticket to a standout application
Projects Abroad offers amazing opportunities that can supercharge your university application, especially with these new UCAS changes.
Here's how:
- Specialised Diplomas and Academic Credit: We offer three UK-accredited Level 3 International Volunteering Diplomas in Marine Conservation, Wildlife Conservation, and Global Citizenship. These diplomas not only look impressive but also give you 16 extra UCAS points – a nice boost for your application. They also show your commitment to global issues and hands-on learning.
- Holistic Development: Volunteering with us helps you grow as a person, learn about different cultures, and tackle real-world problems. These experiences are perfect for the new extracurricular section of your personal statement. Our participants consistently share how these experiences shape them into global citizens.
- Support and Guidance: We're here for you every step of the way, helping you make a real difference and gain insights that'll strengthen your university application.
Making the most of the UCAS changes
With this new format, take time to think about your answers.
Here's how you can use your Projects Abroad experience:
- Course Motivation: Talk about how volunteering sparked your interest in your chosen subject. For example, marine conservation experience can show your passion for environmental science.
- Academic Preparation: Highlight skills and knowledge gained, especially if you earned a diploma. Explain how your experience aligns with your academic goals.
- Extracurricular Experiences: Share the diverse skills you developed while volunteering, like leadership, problem-solving, and cultural awareness. Don't forget to mention specific projects or achievements!
A global outlook: Your advantage
Volunteering with Projects Abroad gives you more than just an experience – it gives you a global perspective that makes you stand out. You'll broaden your horizons, become more adaptable, and develop cross-cultural skills.
These experiences are invaluable, whether you pursue the diplomas or not. They give you powerful stories and skills to show you're ready for university.
We also offer impactful travel projects in areas like education, healthcare, and community development. These let you make a real difference while gaining practical skills for your personal statement. For example, teaching English in a rural school demonstrates your commitment to education and adaptability.
The changes in UCAS admissions are your chance to shine with a well-rounded application. With Projects Abroad, you can earn academic credit and have incredible experiences that perfectly match the new requirements. Start your journey toward university and beyond, making a positive impact on the world while growing as a person and a student.
To learn more about how Projects Abroad can help you earn academic credit and enrich your university application, head over to our Gain academic credit while volunteering page.
Our accreditations
