All the handy UCAS tariff points tables you need.

If you’re looking at this, you’re hoping to jet off to university. Am I right? 

Well that’s major news, congrats! It’s an exciting time, but it can be daunting trying to navigate university jargon and UCAS application deadlines, plus any exam stress you might be dealing with. 

Life can never just be simple. UCAS points, UCAS tariff, grades, BTEC equivalents — what does it all mean? We never said applying to university was simple. Sorry. 

Statistically, universities that take on students with higher average entry tariffs do tend to have higher average graduate prospects.

On average, 76% students at universities with an average UCAS entry of 100-120 UCAS points find themselves with grad-level jobs or in further study by 15 months post graduation. For students with double the points (200+), 91% secure the same grad prospects.

Don’t brick it just yet though, university is all about what you make of it, so take these numbers with a pinch of salt.

It’s cool, don’t sweat it. We’ve got everything you need to know about UCAS tariff points and grade equivalents to help prepare yourself. 

Thinking about your results already? Find out when A-Level results day is; it’s creeping up behind you (slowly).

In this guide:

• What are UCAS tariff points?
• How do UCAS points work?
• A-Level UCAS tariff points
• BTEC UCAS points
• Welsh Baccalaureate UCAS points
• UCAS points International Baccalaureate
• Scottish Highers UCAS tariff points
• UCAS points for music grades
• EPQ UCAS points
• FAQs
  • How to get more UCAS points?
  • 112 UCAS points in grades
  • How many UCAS points to get into uni?

UCAS tariff points

What are UCAS tariff points? 

UCAS tariff points are a way to translate and measure your grades from different qualifications in line with a consistent numerical grading system. 

This means that whether you have A-Levels, BTECS, or even Scottish Highers, you will receive the equivalent grade in terms of UCAS tariff points. These UCAS points will then be used to assess whether you’ve met the uni/course entry requirements. 

Each grade you achieve will have its UCAS tariff points equivalent. 

You might be thinking about scholarships as a way of going to university, so check out the best university scholarships for students and how to apply. 

How do UCAS points work?

UCAS tariff points are used to compare qualifications needed for university entry requirements. The higher the grade you achieve, the more UCAS points it’s worth.

Each grade (A, B, D* etc) across each qualification (BTEC, A-Level etc) is assigned a number of points. Universities will often ask for a specific number of points as an entry requirement for a course, e.g. 112 points. 

You might achieve the total number of points in a number of ways, such as a mixture of A-Levels and BTEC qualifications. 

UCAS points help eliminate bias for course entry requirements as not all students will have done the same qualifications prior. For example, you might have gone to college where the qualification is BTEC, whereas someone in Wales will have done the Welsh Baccalaureate instead. 

By converting each qualification and grade into the UCAS tariff points system, universities can compare qualifications from students equally and more fairly. 

If you’re struggling to pick a degree or not sure what life might be like when you graduate, wondering what can I do with my degree, that’s okay — plenty of students feel the same way. The world is your oyster. 

A-Level UCAS tariff points

The table below shows the A-Level UCAS tariff points for each grade achieved at A-Level. 

Example:

If you receive 2 A*s and 1 A at A-Level, your total A-Level UCAS tariff points will be 160. 

BTEC UCAS points

The table below shows the equivalent for BTEC UCAS points, if you’ve taken a BTEC course instead of A-levels. 

Welsh Baccalaureate UCAS points

The Welsh Baccalaureate is a qualification available to students in Wales (secondary and college students). It is similar to A-Levels and is accepted by universities across the globe. 

The table shows the Welsh Baccalaureate UCAS points equivalents. 

UCAS points International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate is an alternative to A-Levels and is taught in 143 countries around the world. It is accepted by most universities and many international students in the UK may have these qualifications. 

The table shows the UCAS points equivalent to the International Baccalaureate grades. 

Scottish Highers UCAS tariff points

For Scottish students, the table below shows the Scottish Highers UCAS tariff points.

UCAS points for music grades

If you play an instrument, you can also receive UCAS points depending on the grade and mark. UCAS points are rewarded for instrument grades as well as for music theory.

Instrument music grades

Music theory grades

EPQ UCAS points

For many students, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is another way to earn more UCAS points. The EPQ is a level 3 qualification that can be taken alongside A-Levels and in preparation for university. 

It involves choosing a topic of interest and completing a project on the topic. Essays, performances, and reports are common forms of the EPQ. 

Below is a table showing the UCAS points available for each EPQ grade. 

FAQs

How to get more UCAS points?

If you’re wondering how to get more UCAS points to help increase your chances of getting into your top choice of university, you can try the following ways:

• Take an extra A-Level — while 3 is the standard, you can do 4, even 5 A-Level subjects if you wish.
• Play a musical instrument — if you’re currently playing an instrument you can take a music exam that will give you up to 30 extra points depending on what grade you earn and at what level.
• Achieve an EPQ — the extended project qualification can earn you up to 28 extra UCAS points depending on the grade you achieve. It’s a mini project that will add to your workload but also increase your overall number of UCAS points.
• Study in your free time — check out your local college or online for courses to complete alongside your studies for extra UCAS points. 

112 UCAS points in grades

There are a number of ways you can achieve 112 UCAS points.

Some examples of 112 UCAS points in grades include:

• A-Levels: BBC, A*CD
• BTEC: D*D*, DMM
• Combined: C(A-Level)+DM(BTEC), A(A-Level)+MM(BTEC)

How many UCAS points to get into uni?

Most universities in the UK require 3 A-Levels or equivalent. Each university, and each course within the university, will have different entry requirements and total UCAS points needed.

112 UCAS points is around the average total needed for most universities, but this may be higher when you look at top-ranking universities such as the ones in the Russell Group. Some universities might ask for lower UCAS point totals, as low as 95 for some courses. 

A university might also request for specific grades in specific subjects, like 112 points with a minimum grade of B in Maths. Make sure you check with the universities and courses you’re applying to to find out what the entry requirements are. 

If you’re worried about not getting into university, going into Clearing 2025 might be an option for you. 

Need help studying in the lead up to university? Check out the best study apps for students to help push you to where you need to be.