What are UCAS Points?

Because UK universities welcome students from all over the world, and because students (even in the UK) don’t all take the same qualifications, UCAS tariff points allow universities to compare, for example, the predicted or achieved results of a student with three A Levels, to a student taking the International Baccalaureate. This allows universities’ admissions processes to be transparent and fair.

A Level UCAS points

Most students applying to UK universities will be taking A Levels. Each A Level grade is worth a certain number of UCAS points. An A* is worth 56 UCAS points, while a grade E is worth 16 points. Points are also awarded for AS Levels, although these are worth much less, with an A grade at AS only worth 20 UCAS points.

When universities state their entry requirements they will often give a three-grade requirement (AAA, for example) alongside a numerical value (144). This numerical value represents the number of UCAS points for all of your qualifications added together, and should be seen as the minimum number of UCAS tariff points you will need to have a good chance to be accepted on to a particular course. These entry requirements are only a guide, however. Universities do not have to offer you a place even if you exceed the number of UCAS tariff points they stipulate in their entry requirements.

Below is a useful table showing a few grade combinations, and the total number of UCAS points each combination is worth:

Use UCAS’s tariff calculator to work out your own UCAS points.

To search for course entry requirements, use the UCAS course search tool. Although you will find entry requirements on other websites, the UCAS site is always the most trusted and up-to-date source of information for this.

How many UCAS points is a Level 3 diploma worth?

Level 3 diplomas are awarded UCAS points, just like A Levels. It is a way for universities to compare students completing technical and vocational qualifications with those completing A Levels, or other qualifications like the IB. For example, a Distinction in a Level 3 diploma is worth 48 UCAS tariff points, the same as a grade A at A Level. For a full breakdown of the points given for each Level 3 diploma grade, see our table below.

How many UCAS points do I need for a specific course, like Medicine?

For competitive courses like Medicine, or courses at the most competitive universities, like Oxford and Cambridge, it is not worth focusing too much on UCAS tariff points. Although medical schools and Oxbridge give minimum entry requirements on their websites, your grades are only one part of an application process that will also include an interview and, most likely, an admissions test. It is better to focus on achieving the highest grades you can in your primary qualifications (your IB, A Levels, etc.) than trying to boost your tariff score with extra qualifications, such as additional AS levels. Put simply: Oxbridge and medical schools do not care about the UCAS tariff, beyond you meeting their minimum entry requirements, and put greater stock in your performance in other parts of the application process.

UCAS points tables

UCAS points for A Levels

UCAS points for AS Levels

Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) UCAS points table

Level 3 Diploma UCAS points table

IB Higher Level UCAS points table

IB Standard Level UCAS points table

For other qualifications, including vocational and T-level courses, check the UCAS website.

Further reading:

• How Many A Levels Can You Take

• What A Levels Should I Study for Medicine?

• What A Levels Do I Need for Dentistry?

• Is Psychology A Level Hard?

• What A Levels Do I Need To Study Law?

• How To Get Into Oxford University

• What A Levels Do You Need To Be A Vet?