Ucas tariff: what you need to know about Ucas points

The Ucas tariff is a way for universities to compare qualifications by giving your grades a number.

But not every university of course uses the tariff, so you’ll need to check the individual requirements of the place you’re interested in.

Here’s an explanation of the tariff and how it’s used by universities – as well as how you can calculate your points.

• Read more: what are university entry requirements?

What is the Ucas tariff?

Essentially, the Ucas tariff is a way that universities can set entry requirements that can be achieved with different qualifications.

So rather than needing three specific grades at A-level, you'll require a certain amount of points which, for example, you could achieve with either A-levels, International Baccalaureate or Btec.

Courteney Sheppard, senior customer experience manager at Ucas, explains that "Ucas tariff points are a way of translating grades from a number of qualifications into a numerical value (the points required for entry on to a course)."

"Some universities use tariff points for entry requirements, whereas others will be more specific about the specific qualification and grades they are asking for. If you do need to meet a certain number of tariff points then check the Ucas tariff point calculator to make sure you’ve got the right number of points."

As an example, A-level grades receive the following Ucas points:

How do I know how many Ucas points I have?

Each qualification (eg A-level, Scottish Higher etc) is allocated a size band value from 1-4, based on the number of learning hours. Each qualification is also allocated a grade band point from 3-14.

To work out the number of Ucas points your qualifications is worth, just multiply the two together: size x grade = tariff points

Or, if that sounds too complicated, you can cut out the mental arithmetic and use one of our infographics below.

Calculate your Ucas tariff points

A-levels and Highers: Ucas points

Btec Nationals: Ucas points

The grades listed below are distinction (D), merit (M) and pass (P).

T-levels: Ucas points

International Baccalaureate: Ucas points

The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma itself does not attract Ucas points but the components which make it up do. To achieve the IB diploma, you have to pass each component and achieve a total IB point score of 24 or more.

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Welsh Baccalaureate: Ucas points

Why do universities use Ucas tariff?

The main reason some universities use Ucas tariff is to help them compare qualifications from different applicants – and they do this by turning grades into a number.

Therefore, higher grades will result in more tariff points. For example, grade B at A-level is worth 40 points, while grade C is worth 32.

Ucas tariff can also make entry requirements more flexible for students. Instead of needing a specific combination of grades, there are multiple ways you could reach the required points total.

A grade-specific offer could be ABB, while the equivalent points offer would be 128. You wouldn’t need to get exactly ABB to get 128 points – you could reach the same amount by achieving either AAC or A*BC.

This could help if you’re doing well in one or two subjects but struggling in another. But not every university uses Ucas tariff, so you’ll need to check the requirements for the course you’re interested in.

How come not all universities use tariff entry requirements?

Not all universities use Ucas tariff requirements; those that don't use it just list grades instead. It doesn't make any difference, and one way isn’t easier or harder than the other – it's just a different calculation.

Remember, as well as using the universities' website, you can always check a course's entry requirements here on The Uni Guide; once you’ve searched for a course, you can read exactly what grades or Ucas points that university is asking for.

What next?

If you're thinking about uni, get researching now with the Ucas tariff in mind. Our course search allows you to search for courses based on your predicted grades or the number of Ucas points you're likely to achieve.

Once you have a shortlist of possible courses, visit our sister site The Student Room's forums for the specific universities you're interested in to see what current students are saying about their experiences.

• Read more: which university is right for you?

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