UCAS Tariff Points Explained

UCAS Tariff points turn qualifications and grades into a numerical score.

Instead of asking for grades such as BBC at A level or DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma, some university courses might ask applicants to achieve 112 UCAS Tariff points.

The system can make it easier for universities to compare students taking different Level 3 qualifications. However, it does not mean that every qualification is accepted for every course.

You still need to check:

• Which qualifications the university accepts

• Whether particular subjects are required

• How many qualifications can contribute points

• Whether the course requires points from a specific qualification

• Any GCSE, admissions test, interview or portfolio requirements

This guide explains how UCAS Tariff points work, how many points common qualifications receive and how to calculate your likely total.

For a broader overview of grades, qualifications and additional admissions criteria, read

Understanding University Entry Requirements.

What Are UCAS Tariff Points?

UCAS Tariff points translate eligible qualifications and grades into numerical values.

The number of points awarded depends on:

• The qualification

• The size of the qualification

• The level of the qualification

• The grade achieved

Universities, colleges and conservatoires can use these points when setting entry requirements for undergraduate courses.

For example, a course might ask for:

112 UCAS Tariff points.

Another course might be more specific:

112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of two A levels.

A third might ask for:

112 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from A-level Mathematics.

These offers all use the same overall points total, but their conditions are different.

UCAS explains that Tariff points are used by some higher education providers to assess whether applicants meet course entry requirements. Not all qualifications have Tariff points, and not every university uses the system.

What Is the Purpose of the UCAS Tariff?

Students apply to university with many different qualifications.

These can include:

• A levels

• AS levels

• BTECs

• T Levels

• Scottish Highers

• Advanced Highers

• The International Baccalaureate

• Access to Higher Education Diplomas

• Extended Project Qualifications

• Welsh qualifications

• Approved Level 3 apprenticeships

• Other regulated Level 3 qualifications

The UCAS Tariff gives eligible qualifications a numerical value, helping universities compare different types and sizes of qualification.

However, the Tariff does not declare that two qualifications are identical. It is an admissions tool, not a statement that two courses contain the same knowledge, skills or assessment methods.

A university may accept one qualification for a course but reject another qualification worth the same number of points.

Do All Universities Use UCAS Tariff Points?

No.

Some universities state their entry requirements using Tariff points. Others ask for specific qualifications and grades.

You might therefore see:

• 112 UCAS Tariff points

• BBC at A level

• DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma

• AAB, including Mathematics

• A mixture of accepted Level 3 qualifications

Universities are not required to use the Tariff, and they decide which qualifications they accept.

A qualification appearing in the UCAS Tariff does not guarantee that every university will accept it. Equally, a qualification without Tariff points may still be accepted by a university.

Are UCAS Tariff Points the Same as Entry Requirements?

Not exactly.

UCAS Tariff points are a way of expressing the value of eligible qualifications and grades. Entry requirements are the complete set of conditions you must meet for a course.

A course requiring 120 points might also require:

• A-level Biology

• Grade B in Mathematics

• GCSE English Language at grade 5

• A relevant BTEC subject

• An admissions test

• An interview

• A portfolio

Reaching the points total does not override these additional conditions.

For example, suppose a physics course asks for:

120 UCAS Tariff points, including grade B in A-level Mathematics and grade B in A-level Physics.

A student with 128 points from English Literature, History and Sociology would exceed the overall total but would not meet the required subject conditions.

Read Required Subjects Explained before relying on your points total.

A-Level UCAS Tariff Points

Each full A level receives the following points:

A-level grade	UCAS Tariff points
A*	56
A	48
B	40
C	32
D	24
E	16

These values appear in the current UCAS Tariff tables for both the 2026 and 2027 application cycles.

UCAS Points for Three A Levels

You calculate your total by adding the points for each qualification.

A-level grades	Calculation	Total UCAS points
AAA*	56 + 56 + 56	168
AAA	56 + 56 + 48	160
A*AA	56 + 48 + 48	152
AAA	48 + 48 + 48	144
AAB	48 + 48 + 40	136
ABB	48 + 40 + 40	128
BBB	40 + 40 + 40	120
BBC	40 + 40 + 32	112
BCC	40 + 32 + 32	104
CCC	32 + 32 + 32	96
CCD	32 + 32 + 24	88
CDD	32 + 24 + 24	80
DDD	24 + 24 + 24	72
DDE	24 + 24 + 16	64
EEE	16 + 16 + 16	48

Example: How Many UCAS Points Is AAB?

An A grade is worth 48 points and a B grade is worth 40 points.

The calculation is:

48 + 48 + 40 = 136 UCAS Tariff points.

Example: How Many UCAS Points Is BBC?

A B grade is worth 40 points and a C grade is worth 32 points.

The calculation is:

40 + 40 + 32 = 112 UCAS Tariff points.

Example: How Many UCAS Points Is BBB?

Each B grade is worth 40 points.

The calculation is:

40 + 40 + 40 = 120 UCAS Tariff points.

Is 112 UCAS Points the Same as BBC?

Three A levels at BBC are worth 112 points, but BBC is not the only possible way to achieve 112 points.

Other qualification combinations could also add up to 112.

However, a course that asks for BBC may not accept every combination worth 112 points. Similarly, an offer of 112 points may include restrictions on which qualifications can contribute.

Check whether the requirement is written as:

• 112 UCAS Tariff points

• 112 points from three A levels

• BBC at A level

• 112 points including a particular subject

• 112 points from accepted qualifications

These are not necessarily interchangeable.

Do Universities Count More Than Three A Levels?

Some universities calculate points using your highest three qualifications. Others may consider additional qualifications.

A course could state:

120 points from your highest three A levels.

In that case, a fourth A level would not normally be added to the total used for the offer.

Another course might accept points from a broader combination of qualifications.

Never assume that every qualification you take will be counted. UCAS warns that providers may restrict points to the highest-scoring three A levels or Scottish Highers, exclude overlapping qualifications or count only the highest level achieved.

AS-Level UCAS Tariff Points

AS levels receive fewer points than full A levels.

AS-level grade	UCAS Tariff points
A	20
B	16
C	12
D	10
E	6

An AS qualification is smaller than a full A level, so it receives fewer Tariff points.

Does an AS Level Count Alongside an A Level?

It may count if it is a separate qualification accepted by the university.

However, universities generally do not count an AS level and an A level in the same subject as two separate achievements. The A level represents the higher qualification.

For example, if you completed AS Biology and later completed the full A-level Biology course, you should not normally add both sets of points together.

UCAS advises that providers generally count only the highest level of achievement and may exclude qualifications with duplicated content.

EPQ UCAS Tariff Points

The Extended Project Qualification, commonly known as the EPQ, receives the following UCAS Tariff points:

EPQ grade	UCAS Tariff points
A*	28
A	24
B	20
C	16
D	12
E	8

The EPQ is smaller than a full A level, which is why it receives half the points awarded to an A level at the same grade. These values are listed in the current UCAS Tariff tables.

Does an EPQ Count Towards University Entry Requirements?

Sometimes.

A university might:

• Include EPQ points in a general Tariff total

• Make an alternative offer involving the EPQ

• Consider the EPQ as evidence of independent study

• Exclude it from the main points requirement

• Consider it without formally reducing the offer

For example, a university might make:

A standard offer of ABB

or an alternative offer of:

BBB plus grade A in the EPQ.

Another university might ask for 128 points but state that the EPQ cannot contribute to the total.

Do not assume that your EPQ points will automatically be added. Check the course’s entry requirements and offer policy.

BTEC UCAS Tariff Points

Calculating BTEC points can be more complicated because BTECs come in different sizes.

Common Pearson BTEC Level 3 National qualifications include:

• National Certificate

• National Extended Certificate

• National Foundation Diploma

• National Diploma

• National Extended Diploma

A Distinction in a small BTEC qualification is not worth the same number of points as a Distinction in a larger BTEC.

You must identify the exact title and size of your qualification.

BTEC National Extended Certificate UCAS Points

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate is broadly the size of one A level.

BTEC Extended Certificate grade	UCAS Tariff points
D*	56
D	48
M	32
P	16

BTEC National Diploma UCAS Points

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma is broadly the size of two A levels.

BTEC National Diploma grade	UCAS Tariff points
DD	112
D*D	104
DD	96
DM	80
MM	64
MP	48
PP	32

BTEC National Extended Diploma UCAS Points

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma is broadly the size of three A levels.

BTEC Extended Diploma grade	UCAS Tariff points
DDD*	168
DDD	160
D*DD	152
DDD	144
DDM	128
DMM	112
MMM	96
MMP	80
MPP	64
PPP	48

These tables apply to the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National qualifications first taught from September 2016. Older BTECs and qualifications with different titles or sizes may have different values. UCAS advises students to search for the complete qualification title or qualification number in its calculator.

Is DMM the Same as 112 UCAS Points?

A DMM grade in the current Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma is worth 112 points.

However, DMM does not automatically satisfy every 112-point university offer.

The course might require:

• A BTEC in a relevant subject

• Particular units within the BTEC

• A BTEC plus an A level

• A specific grade in one or more units

• GCSE Mathematics or Science

• A separate A-level subject

Read BTEC Entry Requirements before applying.

Can You Combine BTEC and A-Level Points?

Some universities accept mixed qualification profiles.

For example, a student might achieve:

• BTEC Extended Certificate at Distinction: 48 points

• A-level Biology at grade B: 40 points

• A-level Psychology at grade B: 40 points

Total:

48 + 40 + 40 = 128 UCAS Tariff points.

However, the university must accept the combination and the subjects involved.

A course might accept 128 points from any approved combination, while another could insist on two full A levels or require a particular science A level.

T Level UCAS Tariff Points

A complete T Level receives the following points:

T Level overall grade	UCAS Tariff points
Distinction*	168
Distinction	144
Merit	120
Pass, C or above in the core	96
Pass, D or E in the core	72

A T Level is a large two-year technical qualification and is broadly equivalent in size to three A levels.

The full T Level includes the core component, occupational specialism and industry placement. The current point values appear in the UCAS Tariff tables.

Do All Universities Accept T Levels?

No.

Universities decide whether a T Level provides suitable preparation for an individual course.

Acceptance may depend on:

• The T Level subject

• The occupational specialism

• The degree subject

• The overall grade

• GCSE results

• Additional Level 3 qualifications

• Required knowledge, such as advanced Mathematics or Chemistry

A T Level worth 120 points may be accepted for one course but not another course with the same headline points requirement.

Read T Level Entry Requirements for more detailed guidance.

Apprenticeship UCAS Tariff Points

UCAS introduced Tariff points for eligible Level 3 and SCQF Level 6 apprenticeships for the 2026 admissions cycle.

The number of points depends on the apprenticeship’s size and structure. Students should search for the precise apprenticeship in the UCAS Tariff calculator rather than applying one general points value.

Having Tariff points does not guarantee that an apprenticeship will be accepted for a particular university course. The university will still consider whether the programme provides relevant academic or occupational preparation.

Do GCSEs Have UCAS Tariff Points?

No.

GCSEs are Level 2 qualifications and do not receive UCAS Tariff points. The Tariff applies to eligible Level 3 or SCQF Level 6 qualifications.

This means you cannot add GCSE grades to your UCAS points total.

However, universities can still set separate GCSE requirements, such as:

• GCSE English Language at grade 4

• GCSE Mathematics at grade 5

• GCSE Science at grade 6

You must meet those requirements separately from the Tariff offer.

Read GCSE Requirements Explained for more information.

Do International Qualifications Receive UCAS Points?

Many international qualifications are not included in the UCAS Tariff.

Universities can still accept them and compare them with their own entry requirements.

The International Baccalaureate is included in the Tariff because it is regulated in the UK, despite being studied internationally. The Irish Leaving Certificate is also included. Most other international qualifications are assessed directly by universities rather than converted into an official UCAS points total.

International applicants should check:

• The university’s country-specific requirements

• Qualification equivalencies

• Required subjects

• English language requirements

• Whether official translations are needed

Read International Qualification Equivalencies for further guidance.

How to Calculate Your UCAS Tariff Points

Step 1: List Your Level 3 Qualifications

Include qualifications such as:

• A levels

• Eligible AS levels

• BTEC Level 3 qualifications

• T Levels

• The EPQ

• Scottish qualifications

• Access to Higher Education qualifications

• Eligible apprenticeships

Do not include GCSEs or other Level 2 qualifications.

Step 2: Find the Exact Qualification Title

This is particularly important for vocational qualifications.

For example, these are different qualifications:

• BTEC National Certificate

• BTEC National Extended Certificate

• BTEC National Diploma

• BTEC National Extended Diploma

Check your course information, results statement or certificate for:

• Awarding organisation

• Qualification level

• Qualification type

• Subject

• Qualification number

UCAS recommends searching its calculator using the complete qualification title or unique qualification number where available.

Step 3: Enter Your Grade

Select the grade you have achieved or expect to achieve.

The calculator will display the indicative Tariff value.

Step 4: Add the Points Together

Add the points for the qualifications that the university is willing to count.

For example:

Qualification	Grade	Points
A-level Biology	B	40
A-level Psychology	B	40
A-level Sociology	C	32
Total		112

Step 5: Read the Course Conditions

Do not stop after calculating the total.

Check:

• Which qualifications are accepted

• How many qualifications can count

• Whether points must come from A levels

• Whether a named subject is required

• Whether there is a minimum grade

• Whether an EPQ or AS level can contribute

• Whether duplicated qualifications are excluded

• Whether GCSE conditions also apply

UCAS describes its calculator as an indicative guide. Universities make their own decisions about accepted qualifications and how many points they will count.

Understanding Different UCAS Tariff Offers

The wording of an offer matters.

“112 UCAS Tariff Points”

This could allow points from several accepted qualifications.

You still need to check the university’s list of accepted qualifications and any exclusions.

“112 Points From Three A Levels”

The university expects three A levels to produce the total.

A BTEC, EPQ or fourth qualification may not be included.

“112 Points From at Least Two A Levels”

Some points must come from at least two A levels, although another accepted qualification may contribute to the remainder.

“112 Points Including 40 From Mathematics”

You need 112 points overall, with at least 40 points from Mathematics.

Forty A-level points correspond to grade B.

“112 Points From Your Highest Three Qualifications”

Only your three highest eligible qualifications will normally be used in the calculation.

“112 Points Excluding General Studies”

Points from General Studies would not count towards the offer.

“112 Points Including a Relevant BTEC”

The BTEC must normally be in a subject the university considers relevant to the degree.

Can You Have More UCAS Points Than You Need?

Yes.

You may achieve more points than the minimum requirement, but this does not guarantee an offer or place.

Universities may also consider:

• Required subjects

• GCSE results

• Predicted grades

• Your UCAS personal statement answers

• Your reference

• Admissions tests

• Interviews

• Portfolios

• Contextual information

• The number and quality of other applications

For example, 144 points from unrelated qualifications might not satisfy a 112-point offer requiring A-level Chemistry.

Do Extra UCAS Points Improve Your Application?

Extra points can demonstrate additional achievement, but their value depends on the university’s admissions policy.

A university may:

• Count every accepted qualification

• Count only your highest three

• Exclude the EPQ

• Ignore an AS level completed in the same subject as an A level

• Consider an additional qualification without including it in the offer

• Use fixed grade requirements rather than points

More points are therefore not automatically better than the right subjects and qualifications.

Can Contextual Offers Use UCAS Tariff Points?

Yes.

A university using Tariff requirements could make a reduced contextual offer.

For example:

• Standard offer: 120 points

• Contextual offer: 104 points

Eligibility depends on the university’s contextual admissions policy.

A lower points requirement may still include compulsory subjects, GCSE grades or other conditions.

Read Contextual Offers Explained before assuming that you qualify for a reduced offer.

What Happens If You Miss a UCAS Points Offer?

Suppose your offer requires 120 points and your results add up to 112.

The university could:

• Accept you despite the shortfall

• Reject the application

• Offer a different course

• Offer a foundation year

• Wait for additional results or information

• Ask you to consider another available route

The decision depends on your complete results, required subjects, available places and the university’s admissions process.

A near miss is not an automatic rejection, but you should never assume the university will accept fewer points.

Read Can You Get In With Lower Grades? and What If You Miss Your Offer? for practical guidance.

Common UCAS Tariff Points Mistakes

Adding GCSE Grades

GCSEs do not receive UCAS Tariff points.

They may still be separate entry requirements.

Using the Wrong BTEC Qualification

A BTEC Certificate, Extended Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diploma have different sizes and point values.

Use the exact qualification title.

Assuming Every Qualification Will Count

A university may count only your highest three qualifications or exclude certain qualifications.

Counting an AS and A Level in the Same Subject

Providers generally count only the highest qualification where content overlaps.

Assuming an EPQ Always Counts

Some universities include EPQ points. Others make alternative offers involving the EPQ or exclude it from the main total.

Ignoring Required Subjects

Reaching the points total does not compensate for a missing compulsory subject.

Assuming Every University Uses the Tariff

Many universities make offers using grades rather than points.

Assuming Points Guarantee Qualification Acceptance

A qualification can carry Tariff points but still be unsuitable for a particular degree.

Using an Old UCAS Points Table

UCAS updates its calculator and Tariff tables to reflect new and revised qualifications. Always

check the table for your application cycle.

UCAS Tariff Points Checklist

Before applying to a course with a Tariff requirement, check:

•  I know the complete title of each qualification.

•  I have used the current UCAS Tariff calculator or table.

•  I have included only eligible Level 3 qualifications.

•  I have not added GCSE grades.

•  I have checked which qualifications the university accepts.

•  I know how many qualifications can contribute.

•  I have checked for excluded qualifications.

•  I have checked for duplicated content.

•  I know whether my EPQ or AS level can count.

•  I meet every required subject condition.

•  I meet any minimum grade within the points offer.

•  I have checked the GCSE requirements.

•  I have checked for admissions tests, interviews or portfolios.

•  I am viewing the requirements for the correct entry year.

•  I have contacted admissions about anything unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions About UCAS Tariff Points

How Many UCAS Points Is an A*?

One A* grade at A level is worth 56 UCAS Tariff points.

An A* in the EPQ is worth 28 points because the EPQ is a smaller qualification.

How Many UCAS Points Is an A?

One A grade at A level is worth 48 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is a B?

One B grade at A level is worth 40 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is a C?

One C grade at A level is worth 32 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is a D?

One D grade at A level is worth 24 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is an E?

One E grade at A level is worth 16 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is AAA?

AAA at A level is worth 144 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is AAB?

AAB at A level is worth 136 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is ABB?

ABB at A level is worth 128 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is BBB?

BBB at A level is worth 120 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is BBC?

BBC at A level is worth 112 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is CCC?

CCC at A level is worth 96 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is DDD?

DDD at A level is worth 72 points.

A DDD grade in the current BTEC National Extended Diploma is worth 144 points, so the qualification type is essential when interpreting grades.

How Many UCAS Points Is DMM in a BTEC?

DMM in the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma first taught from September 2016 is worth 112 points.

A different BTEC qualification may have a different value.

How Many UCAS Points Is DDD in a BTEC?

DDD in the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma first taught from September 2016 is worth 144 points.

How Many UCAS Points Is an EPQ Worth?

An EPQ is worth between 8 and 28 points:

• A*: 28

• A: 24

• B: 20

• C: 16

• D: 12

• E: 8

Do Universities See Your Total UCAS Points?

Universities receive the qualification information included in your application and assess whether it meets their entry requirements.

The important question is not simply your theoretical total, but which qualifications and grades the university will accept and count.

Can You Buy or Earn Extra UCAS Points Online?

UCAS Tariff points come from recognised qualifications and grades.

A short course does not provide UCAS points simply because it offers a certificate. Check whether the exact qualification appears in the official Tariff calculator and whether your chosen university accepts it.

Are UCAS Points Used for Jobs?

The UCAS Tariff is designed for higher education admissions. UCAS does not encourage employers to use it as a general employment selection measure.

Final Thoughts on UCAS Tariff Points

UCAS Tariff points provide a useful way to compare eligible Level 3 qualifications, but your total is only one part of university admissions.

The most important rules to remember are:

1. Not every university uses UCAS Tariff points.

2. Not every qualification carries Tariff points.

3. Having Tariff points does not guarantee that a qualification will be accepted.

4. Required subjects and minimum grades still matter.

5. GCSEs do not contribute to your total.

6. Universities may restrict how many qualifications count.

7. You must use the exact qualification title when calculating points.

Calculate your likely total, then read the full course requirements carefully.

A points total can tell you whether you are close to the academic level requested, but only the university can confirm whether your precise qualifications, subjects and grades meet its conditions.