How It Works

The UCAS Tariff points system converts qualifications and grades into numerical points. Universities use these points to compare applicants with different qualifications.

Each qualification type has specific point values. For example:

A-Levels: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16

BTEC Nationals: D* = 56, D = 48, M = 32, P = 16 (per unit)

Scottish Highers: A = 33, B = 27, C = 21, D = 15

If you have three A-Levels at grades A, B, B:

48 (A) + 40 (B) + 40 (B) = 128 UCAS points

The calculator automatically applies the correct point values for each qualification type and sums them for your total.

UCAS Points Conversion Table 2024

Here are the standard UCAS Tariff points for common qualifications:

Qualification	Grade	UCAS Points	Notes
A-Level	A*	56	Standard size only
A-Level	A	48	Standard size only
A-Level	B	40	Standard size only
A-Level	C	32	Standard size only
A-Level	D	24	Standard size only
A-Level	E	16	Standard size only
AS-Level	A	20	Half an A-Level
BTEC National Diploma	D*D*D*	168	Triple grade equivalent
BTEC National Diploma	DDD	144	Triple grade equivalent
International Baccalaureate	45 points	168	Maximum score
International Baccalaureate	35 points	120	Typical offer
Scottish Advanced Higher	A	56	Same as A-Level
Scottish Higher	A	33	Different scale

University Entry Requirements in UCAS Points

University Type	Typical Offer Range	Example Courses	Points Equivalent
Oxford/Cambridge	A*A*A – A*AA	Medicine, Law, Sciences	152-168 points
Russell Group (Top)	AAA – AAB	Engineering, Economics	144-152 points
Russell Group (Mid)	ABB – BBB	Humanities, Social Sciences	128-144 points
Modern Universities	BBC – CCC	Business, Arts, Design	112-128 points
Foundation Years	CCD – DDD	All subjects with foundation	96-112 points
Clearing (typical)	CDD – DDE	Various, limited places	80-96 points

If You Have Between 96-120 Points

This is a common range for many university offers. You have good options:

1. Modern universities: Excellent teaching-focused institutions

2. Foundation years: Pathway to competitive courses

3. Less competitive courses: Within Russell Group universities

4. Degree apprenticeships: Earn while you learn alternatives

Don’t be discouraged. Many successful graduates started with these points.

Combining Different Qualifications

UCAS allows combining different qualifications. Common combinations:

A-Levels + BTEC: 2 A-Levels + BTEC Diploma is common

A-Levels + EPQ: Extended Project adds 28 points for A*

BTEC + AS-Levels: Vocational + academic mix

International + UK quals: IB with A-Levels or BTEC

Universities usually accept combined qualifications but check specific course requirements. Some courses require specific subjects regardless of points.

Common UCAS Points Scenarios

Here are real examples of qualification combinations and their points:

Scenario	Qualifications	Total Points	University Options
Academic Focus	A-Levels: A, B, B	128	Most Russell Group, all modern universities
Vocational Focus	BTEC Extended Diploma: D*DD	152	Top Russell Group possible
Mixed Pathway	BTEC Diploma (DD) + A-Level (C)	112	Modern universities, some Russell Group
Scottish Student	5 Highers: A, A, B, B, C	135	Scottish universities, UK-wide options
International Student	IB Diploma: 34 points	136	Similar to AAB at A-Level
With EPQ	A-Levels: B, B, C + EPQ A	124	Boosts borderline applications

What Doesn’t Count Toward UCAS Points

Not all qualifications attract UCAS points:

GCSEs: Don’t give UCAS points but are essential for meeting minimum requirements

Functional Skills: English and Maths at Level 2 don’t give points

MOOCs: Online courses rarely carry UCAS points

Work experience: Valuable but doesn’t convert to points

Hobbies/volunteering: Important for personal statements but no points

However, these still matter. Universities consider your whole application, not just points.

BTEC Size Considerations

BTEC qualifications come in different sizes:

Extended Diploma: Equivalent to 3 A-Levels (1080 learning hours)

Diploma: Equivalent to 2 A-Levels (720 learning hours)

Extended Certificate: Equivalent to 1 A-Level (360 learning hours)

Certificate: Smaller qualification (180 learning hours)

The calculator adjusts points based on BTEC size. A BTEC Diploma at D*D is worth more than a Certificate at D*D.

Common Questions From Students

Do universities still use UCAS points?

Yes, but increasingly universities also state requirements in grades (e.g., AAB). UCAS points help compare different qualifications. Most universities accept both point and grade requirements.

What if I have more than 3 A-Levels?

Universities usually only consider 3 A-Levels for offers. Additional qualifications can show breadth but won’t typically increase your points for the offer. However, they do add to your total UCAS points.

Can I combine old and new qualifications?

Yes, but check if qualifications are still recognized. Some older qualifications (like GNVQs) may not convert directly. Contact UCAS or the university for clarification.

Do resits affect UCAS points?

If you resit and improve your grade, you get the higher points. Universities see all attempts but usually consider the best grade for points calculation.

What about Access to HE Diplomas?

Access courses for mature students convert to UCAS points. A full Diploma with 45 credits at Distinction gives 144 points (equivalent to AAA).

How do Scottish qualifications convert?

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers have different point values. Advanced Highers align with A-Level points. Highers have lower values but are considered in context.

International Qualifications Conversion

International students: your qualifications convert to UCAS points:

Country	Qualification	Equivalent Points	Notes
USA	AP Tests (Grade 5)	28 per test	Usually need 3-5 APs
EU	European Baccalaureate	85% = 144 points	Varies by country
Australia	ATAR 90.00	136 points	Direct conversion available
Canada	Grade 12 average 85%	128 points	Province dependent
India	CBSE/ISC 85%	136 points	Plus foundation year often needed
Nigeria	WAEC + 1 year uni	Case by case	Usually foundation required

UCAS Points Changes Over Time

The UCAS Tariff system has evolved:

2017 Tariff: Current system, introduced for 2017 entry

2002-2016 Tariff: Different point values (A* = 140, A = 120)

Pre-2002: Various systems

If you have qualifications from before 2017, they convert to the new tariff. Universities understand the conversion.

Key change: The 2017 tariff reduced maximum points (A* from 140 to 56) but made calculations simpler and more proportional.

What If You’re Below Your Target?

If your UCAS points are lower than your target course requires:

1. Consider foundation years: Many universities offer these for students with 80-120 points

2. Look at similar courses: Related subjects may have lower requirements

3. Check clearing: After results day, requirements sometimes drop

4. Take a gap year: Retake qualifications or gain experience

5. Consider alternative providers: Some excellent universities outside traditional rankings

Contextual Offers

Many universities make contextual offers with lower UCAS points for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, care leavers, or those with extenuating circumstances.

Check if you’re eligible for contextual admissions. This can reduce requirements by 16-32 points (1-2 grades).

Beyond UCAS Points: What Universities Really Look For

While points matter, universities consider:

Personal statement: Your passion for the subject

References: Teacher recommendations

Subject choices: Relevance to your course

Admissions tests: LNAT, BMAT, UCAT for some courses

Interviews: For competitive courses

Portfolio/audition: For creative subjects

A strong application with slightly lower points can beat a weak application with perfect points.

UCAS Points for Apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships also use UCAS points:

Level 6 degree apprenticeships: Typically 96-128 points

Higher apprenticeships: Vary widely, some accept 48+ points

Employer requirements: Often include work experience too

Apprenticeships are competitive. Good UCAS points help but aren’t the only factor.

Final Checklist Before Applying

Before submitting your UCAS application:

1. Calculate your points accurately: Use this calculator or official UCAS tools

2. Check course requirements: Not just points, but specific subjects

3. Consider insurance choices: Include courses with lower requirements

4. Prepare for all outcomes: Results day can be unpredictable

5. Seek advice: Teachers, careers advisers, university open days

Remember: UCAS points open doors, but your effort, passion, and preparation walk you through them.