Your UCAS Tariff score converts your qualifications into a number. Universities use that number as a benchmark when setting entry requirements, so knowing yours tells you which courses you realistically qualify for and where you might have room to aim higher.
How to calculate your UCAS points
Add up the UCAS Tariff points for all your qualifications. Most universities count your best three A-levels (or equivalent). Some accept a fourth. Check the specific entry requirements on the university's course page. You cannot use the same qualification twice; a retake of the same exam at the same level does not add to your total.
A-level UCAS points 2026
| A-level grade | UCAS Tariff points |
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
Example: Three A-levels at A*, B, and C = 56 + 40 + 32 = 128 UCAS points.
AS-level qualifications taken separately: A = 20 pts, B = 16 pts, C = 12 pts, D = 10 pts, E = 6 pts.
BTEC UCAS points 2026
| BTEC qualification | Grade | Points |
| National Extended Diploma (3 A-level equiv.) | D*D*D* | 168 |
| National Extended Diploma | DDD | 144 |
| National Extended Diploma | DDM | 128 |
| National Extended Diploma | DMM | 112 |
| National Extended Diploma | MMM | 96 |
| National Diploma (2 A-level equiv.) | D*D* | 112 |
| National Diploma | DD | 96 |
| National Diploma | DM | |
| National Certificate (1 A-level equiv.) | D* | 56 |
| National Certificate | D | 48 |
| National Certificate | M | 32 |
| National Certificate | P | 16 |
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
| Qualification | Grade | Points |
| Scottish Higher | A | 33 |
| Scottish Higher | B | 27 |
| Scottish Higher | C | 21 |
| Scottish Higher | D | 15 |
| Advanced Higher | A | 56 |
| Advanced Higher | B | 48 |
| Advanced Higher | C | 40 |
| Advanced Higher | D | 32 |
International Baccalaureate UCAS points
| IB Diploma total score | UCAS Points |
| 45 | 720 |
| 40 | 611 |
| 35 | 502 |
| 30 | 392 |
| 26 (minimum pass) | 245 |
T-level UCAS points
| T-level grade | UCAS Points |
| A* (Distinction*) | 168 |
| A (Distinction) | 144 |
| B (Merit) | 96 |
| C (Pass with C in Core) | 52 |
| D (Pass with D in Core) | 40 |
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
| EPQ grade | UCAS Points |
| A* | 28 |
| A | 24 |
| B | 20 |
| C | 16 |
| D | 12 |
| E | 8 |
How much do UCAS points matter?
Courses where UCAS points are the primary entry requirement
Many post-1992 universities and courses with moderate competition set entry requirements as a UCAS points total. A course might say 96 UCAS points without specifying which subjects or grades make up that total.
Courses where specific grades matter more
Selective universities and competitive courses (medicine, law, and engineering at Russell Group institutions) typically set grade-specific requirements such as AAA, including chemistry and biology. The UCAS Tariff number is less relevant here.
Courses that do not use the Tariff at all
Oxford and Cambridge do not set entry requirements in UCAS tariff points. Some art and design courses prioritize portfolio work over grades entirely.
What counts toward your UCAS Tariff score
Qualifications that count
- A-levels and AS-levels
- BTECs
- Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
- T-levels
- International Baccalaureate (Diploma and Certificates)
- Cambridge Pre-U
- EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)
- Welsh Baccalaureate (Skills Challenge Certificate)
- Music grades above Grade 6
Qualifications that do NOT count
- GCSEs are not part of the tariff.
- Foundation courses
- Non-UK qualifications not assessed by UCAS
FAQs
What is a UCAS Tariff point?
A number assigned to a UK qualification grade. Universities use the UCAS Tariff to set and compare entry requirements across different qualification types.
How do I calculate my UCAS points?
Add up the tariff points for each qualifying qualification you hold. For A-levels, most universities count your best three. Check the specific course entry requirements to confirm which qualifications and grades they count.
How many UCAS points do I need for university?
It varies by course and institution. Some courses require 72 points; competitive courses at selective universities may require 136 or more.
Do GCSEs count as UCAS points?
No. GCSEs are not part of the UCAS Tariff and do not add to your Tariff point total.
Do UCAS points matter for Oxford and Cambridge?
Oxford and Cambridge do not use UCAS Tariff points to set entry requirements. They specify grades and subject requirements directly.
Can I add points from multiple qualifications?
Yes. You can combine points from different qualifications, for example, A-levels plus a BTEC. You cannot count the same exam twice.
Do A-levels add to my UCAS points?
AS-levels taken as standalone qualifications do contribute Tariff points. Grade A = 20 points.
Do UCAS points matter for Oxford and Cambridge?
Oxford and Cambridge do not use UCAS Tariff points. They specify grades and subjects directly. A student with 200 points in the wrong subjects will not receive an offer over one with 136 points in exactly the right ones.
Related guides: UCAS complete guide | how to get UCAS points | UCAS dates deadlines | UCAS hub guide