The UCAS Tariff is a points system that converts post-16 qualifications — A-levels, BTECs, T Levels, the International Baccalaureate and others — into a single numerical score, so different qualification types can be compared on one scale. Universities that state entry requirements in points (rather than grades) use the Tariff to assess applicants holding a mix of qualifications.
What is the UCAS Tariff?
The UCAS Tariff is a points-scoring system maintained by UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) that assigns a numerical value to each grade of a recognised post-16 qualification. It exists because sixth forms and colleges now offer a wide range of qualification types — A-levels, BTEC Nationals, T Levels, the IB Diploma, Scottish Highers, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and more — and universities need a common currency to compare applicants who may be studying entirely different combinations.
Not every university uses points. Many, particularly more selective institutions, still set offers as specific grades (for example "AAB" at A-level). Others — often those with a wider range of course types and entry routes — publish a Tariff points requirement instead (for example "112 UCAS points"). Always check the exact wording of an offer on the university's own course page, since "points" and "grades" offers are not interchangeable.
How UCAS points work
Each qualification a student takes has its own Tariff table, published and updated by UCAS. Broadly:
- Every grade of every eligible qualification is allocated a points value.
- Points from different qualifications add together to give a total Tariff score.
- Universities that use points typically state a minimum total (e.g. "128 points from up to four Level 3 qualifications") rather than naming specific subjects or grades.
- Some qualifications — including AS-levels taken as standalone qualifications, and the EPQ — carry Tariff points but are usually treated as bonus or supporting points rather than core requirements.
A-level to UCAS points
A-level is the qualification most students and parents ask about first. The table below shows the standard Tariff points per A-level grade (single A-level, not AS):
| A-level grade | UCAS Tariff points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
Three A-levels at grades A, A, B, for example, would total 48 + 48 + 40 = 136 points. A standalone AS-level (not combined with the full A-level) carries its own, lower points value on a separate table.
BTECs and other Level 3 qualifications
BTEC Nationals — Extended Diplomas, Diplomas, Subsidiary Diplomas and Certificates — each have their own Tariff table, because the size of the qualification (broadly equivalent to one, two or three A-levels) changes the points range. A BTEC Extended Diploma at DistinctionDistinctionDistinction (DDD*), for instance, is set to carry the same Tariff points as three A*s at A-level, since UCAS designed the tables for rough equivalence in workload and demand — though universities may still weigh the two differently in practice for competitive courses.
T Levels and the International Baccalaureate
- T Levels are large technical qualifications (equivalent in size to three A-levels) with their own Tariff table, running from Pass to Distinction*.
- IB Diploma points convert on a separate scale based on the total IB score (out of 45), not grade-by-grade like A-levels.
- Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, the Welsh Baccalaureate, and other national qualifications each have dedicated tables too.
UCAS publishes the full, current Tariff tables online — these are the only authoritative source, since points values are periodically reviewed and updated.
How universities actually use Tariff points
Understanding the points system is only half the picture — what matters more is how a course uses it:
- Points-based offers. The university states a total (e.g. "104–120 points") and the student can meet it with any combination of eligible qualifications, subject to any named subject requirements.
- Grade-based offers. The university states specific grades in specific subjects (e.g. "AAB including Maths"). The Tariff is largely irrelevant here — points are not calculated at all.
- Mixed conditions. Some offers combine a grade requirement in a key subject with a points total for the rest (e.g. "grade B in A-level Biology, plus 112 points overall").
- Contextual and access offers. Some universities lower the points or grade threshold for applicants meeting specific contextual criteria (care-experienced students, particular postcodes, first-generation university applicants) — check each university's access and participation statement.
A student's UCAS Tariff total is calculated automatically by UCAS from the qualifications entered on the UCAS application, so applicants do not need to add up points by hand for the application itself — but knowing the numbers helps when comparing course requirements while researching options.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all universities use points. Many highly selective courses only ever quote grades — a strong Tariff total does not substitute for missing a required subject grade.
- Double-counting AS-levels. If an AS-level was later completed as a full A-level, only the full A-level result normally counts — check the specific course's policy on AS-level Tariff points.
- Ignoring subject requirements hidden inside a points offer. "112 points including Maths at grade B" still requires that specific subject and grade regardless of the total.
- Assuming equivalence in every case. Tariff points give a rough numerical parity between qualification types, but individual admissions tutors may weight A-levels, BTECs and the IB differently for competitive courses, especially in STEM subjects.
Frequently asked questions
How many UCAS points is an A-level worth?
A single A-level is worth between 16 points (grade E) and 56 points (grade A*) on the UCAS Tariff, with each grade step worth 8 points (A=48, B=40, C=32, D=24). Three A-levels at typical offer grades (e.g. BBB) would total 120 points.
Do all universities use UCAS Tariff points?
No. Many universities, particularly for competitive or specialist courses, set offers as specific grades in specific subjects rather than a Tariff points total. Others use points, and some combine both approaches — a subject grade requirement plus an overall points total. Always check the exact offer wording on the individual course page rather than assuming.
Does the EPQ count towards UCAS points?
Yes, the Extended Project Qualification has its own Tariff table and can contribute points, but it is usually treated as a bonus alongside A-levels or other main qualifications rather than a substitute for them. Some universities explicitly mention EPQ points as a way to make an offer more achievable; others do not count it at all, so check individual course pages.
How do BTEC grades convert to UCAS points?
BTEC qualifications convert using tables specific to their size and type — a BTEC Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A-levels) has its own scale running from Pass up to DistinctionDistinctionDistinction, while a smaller BTEC Diploma or Subsidiary Diploma uses a different scale. UCAS's published Tariff tables give the exact points for each grade combination, and these should be checked directly rather than estimated.
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