UCAS Points Calculator - University Tariff Points

💡 Key Points About UCAS Tariff (2025)

• The current tariff system was introduced in 2017 and is still used in 2025
• An A* at A-Level = 56 points, while an A = 48 points
• You can combine points from different qualification types
• Not all universities use UCAS points - some specify exact grades (e.g., "AAB")
• Points are awarded per qualification, not per exam or module

A-Levels (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)

The most common qualification for UK university entry. Students typically take 3 A-Levels over 2 years.

AS-Levels (Advanced Subsidiary)

AS-Levels are worth 40% of an A-Level. Some students take 4 AS-Levels to boost their UCAS points.

Points per AS-Level:

• Grade A = 20 points
• Grade B = 16 points
• Grade C = 12 points
• Grade D = 10 points
• Grade E = 6 points

BTEC Extended Diploma (Vocational)

Equivalent to 3 A-Levels. Popular for vocational subjects like Business, Health & Social Care, Engineering.

Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers

Scottish Highers (typically 5 subjects):

• Grade A = 33 points
• Grade B = 27 points
• Grade C = 21 points
• Grade D = 15 points

Scottish Advanced Highers (equivalent to A-Levels):

• Grade A = 56 points (same as A-Level A*)
• Grade B = 48 points
• Grade C = 40 points
• Grade D = 32 points

Other UCAS-Recognized Qualifications

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Full IB Diploma = up to 168 points for 45/45 score
• Access to HE Diploma: Distinction = 48 points per unit (typically 144 for full diploma)
• Extended Project (EPQ): Grade A* = 28 points (excellent way to boost points!)
• T Levels: Distinction* = 168 points (equivalent to A*A*A*)
• Cambridge Pre-U: D3 = 56 points (same as A-Level A*)

🏆 Top Universities (144-168 points)

Russell Group & Oxbridge: A*AA to A*A*A* (typically 152-168 points)

• Oxford & Cambridge: 160-168 points + interview
• Imperial College London: 152-168 points (Engineering, Medicine)
• London School of Economics (LSE): 152-160 points
• University College London (UCL): 144-160 points
• Durham, Warwick, St Andrews: 144-152 points

Note: These universities often specify exact grades (e.g., "A*AA") rather than total points

✅ Russell Group Universities (120-144 points)

AAB to ABB equivalent (128-144 points)

• University of Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham
• University of Leeds, Bristol, Nottingham
• Queen Mary, University of London
• University of Glasgow, Sheffield, Southampton

Popular Courses: Law (136-144), Computer Science (128-136), Engineering (128-144)

🎓 Excellent UK Universities (96-120 points)

BBB to BBC equivalent (104-120 points)

• Lancaster, York, Bath, Loughborough
• University of East Anglia, Leicester, Surrey
• Keele, Sussex, Essex
• Swansea, Aberystwyth, Stirling

Popular Courses: Business (96-112), Psychology (104-120), Nursing (96-112)

📚 Many UK Universities (64-96 points)

CCC to BCC equivalent (80-96 points)

Over 100 UK universities accept students with these points. Great options for:

• Foundation degrees with progression routes
• Vocational degrees (Creative Arts, Media, Hospitality)
• Joint honors programs
• Universities with excellent teaching quality in specific subjects

🔄 Clearing & Adjustment (48+ points)

If you have 48+ UCAS points, you still have excellent university options through Clearing:

• Clearing: Available in August if you don't meet your offer or have no offers
• Adjustment: If you exceed your predicted grades, you can "trade up" to better universities
• Foundation Years: Many universities offer foundation years for students with lower points
• Alternative Routes: Consider Access to HE courses or HNCs/HNDs

💡 Pro Tips for University Applications

• Check Specific Requirements: Some courses require specific subjects (e.g., Chemistry for Medicine)
• Personal Statement Matters: UCAS points aren't everything - your personal statement is crucial
• Predicted Grades: Universities make offers based on predicted grades, not just current points
• Contextual Offers: Some universities give lower offers if you're from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Apply Early: UCAS opens in May, deadline is January 15th (Oxbridge: October 15th)

Example 1: Classic 3 A-Levels (AAB)

✅ Qualifies for: Most Russell Group universities, Engineering courses

Example 2: BTEC Extended Diploma (D*DD)

✅ Equivalent to: A-Level ABB | Qualifies for: Russell Group universities

Example 3: Mixed A-Levels with EPQ

✅ EPQ bonus: Boosted from 128 to 156! Qualifies for top universities

Example 4: A-Level + BTEC Combination

✅ Perfect for: Science degrees at good universities (equivalent to AAA)

Example 5: Scottish Highers (5 subjects)

✅ Scottish system: 5 Highers = strong application for Scottish & UK universities

Example 6: 3 A-Levels + 1 AS-Level

✅ Smart strategy: AS-Level boosts from 128 to 148 points

Example 7: Access to HE Diploma

✅ Perfect for mature students: Equivalent to AAA at A-Level

Example 8: Top Grades (A*A*A)

✅ Oxbridge level: Qualifies for Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial

Example 9: T-Level (Vocational Alternative)

✅ New qualification: T-Levels = same points as A*A*A*

Example 10: Lower Points But Still University!

✅ Still great options: Creative Arts courses, foundation years, many universities via Clearing

📅 UCAS Application Timeline 2025

• May: UCAS applications open (for 2026 entry)
• October 15th: Deadline for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary
• January 15th: Main deadline for most courses
• February-May: Universities send offers
• June: Reply to offers (firm & insurance choices)
• August (Results Day): A-Level results, Clearing opens
• August-September: Adjustment period (if you exceed grades)

🔮 Understanding Predicted Grades

Universities make offers based on predicted grades from your teachers, not your current UCAS points:

• Be Realistic: Teachers predict based on mock exams and coursework
• Discuss Early: Talk to teachers in Year 12 about target grades
• Mock Results Matter: Strong Year 12 mocks = better predictions
• If Predictions Are Low: Consider retakes, foundation years, or alternative qualifications

❓ What If You Don't Meet Your Offer?

Don't panic! You have options:

• Clearing: Thousands of university places available from August
• Insurance Choice: Always accept a lower insurance offer (e.g., firm = 136 points, insurance = 112 points)
• Re-Apply Next Year: Many students take a gap year and reapply with actual grades
• Foundation Year: Some universities offer foundation years for students who miss entry requirements
• Resit Exams: You can resit A-Levels in November or next May/June

🔄 Clearing Strategy

Clearing is NOT a last resort - over 70,000 students find places through Clearing each year:

• Preparation: Research backup universities BEFORE results day
• Be Proactive: Call universities directly on results day (don't wait!)
• Have Your Info Ready: UCAS ID, grades, personal statement prepared
• Quality Universities: Even Russell Group universities use Clearing
• Act Fast: Popular courses fill up within hours on results day

⬆️ Adjustment (If You Exceed Predictions)

If your results are better than expected and meet/exceed your firm choice:

• 5-Day Window: You have 5 days after results to "trade up" to a better university
• Keep Your Offer: You keep your firm choice while exploring better options
• Higher-Tier Universities: Contact universities you wanted but didn't originally apply to
• No Guarantee: Adjustment isn't guaranteed - universities may be full
• Risk Assessment: Only use if you're confident you can get a significantly better place

✍️ Personal Statement Tips

Your personal statement is 47 lines (4,000 characters) where you explain:

• Why This Subject? Show genuine passion and interest (50% of statement)
• What Have You Done? Work experience, reading, projects related to your subject (30%)
• Extra-Curricular: Leadership, volunteering, sports (20%)
• Avoid Clichés: "Since I was a child..." is overused!
• Proofread: Get teachers, parents, friends to review it

💎 Final Pro Tips

• Apply Early: Don't wait until January 15th deadline - apply October/November
• Choose Wisely: You have 5 UCAS choices - use them strategically (2 reach, 2 realistic, 1 safety)
• Check Subject Requirements: Some courses need specific A-Levels (e.g., Maths for Engineering)
• Attend Open Days: Visit universities before applying - it helps your personal statement
• Student Finance: Apply for student loans in March (don't wait!)

⚠️ Important: This calculator provides UCAS point equivalents only. Always check specific university course requirements, as many universities specify exact grades (e.g., "AAB") rather than total points. Use this tool as a guide for university applications.