What the UCAS Tariff is
The UCAS Tariff turns post-16 qualifications into points so that different qualifications can be compared on one scale. It covers Level 3 qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and SCQF Level 6 qualifications in Scotland, such as A levels, Scottish Highers and many BTEC Nationals. GCSEs and other Level 2 qualifications don't carry Tariff points.
The current Tariff has applied since the 2017 admissions cycle. Points are calculated from a qualification's size (based on guided learning hours) and grade, which is why an A level and a Scottish Advanced Higher at the same grade are worth the same.
What common qualifications are worth
A level: A* 56, A 48, B 40, C 32, D 24, E 16. AS level: A 20, B 16, C 12, D 10, E 6. Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): A* 28, A 24, B 20, C 16, D 12, E 8. Scottish Higher: A 33, B 27, C 21, D 15. Scottish Advanced Higher: A 56, B 48, C 40, D 32.
These values come from UCAS's published Tariff tables. UCAS updates the tables every year to add new or revised qualifications, so check the official Tariff calculator on ucas.com for anything not listed here, including BTECs, the IB, T Levels and Access to HE Diplomas.
Worked examples
Three A levels at AAB: 48 + 48 + 40 = 136 points. Add an EPQ at grade A: 136 + 24 = 160. Three A levels at BBC: 40 + 40 + 32 = 112 points. Five Scottish Highers at AAABB: 33 × 3 + 27 × 2 = 153 points. You can add your own combination with our UCAS points calculator.
How universities use Tariff points
This is the part many students miss: not every university uses points. Many courses make offers in grades, such as AAB at A level, and some ask for specific subjects. Where points are used, universities set their own rules. They may count only your best three A levels or Highers, exclude AS levels in subjects you also took at A level, or ignore qualifications with overlapping content. UCAS itself points out that universities don't have to accept a qualification just because it's in the Tariff, and may count fewer points if they consider content less relevant.
So 136 points from AAB and 136 points from a different combination may not be treated the same by every course. Always read the entry requirements for each course on the university's own pages or UCAS course search.
AS levels and the EPQ
An AS level is positioned at about 40% of an A level at each grade, which is why an AS A (20 points) is less than half an A level A (48). AS points are most useful when you didn't continue the subject to A level. The EPQ is worth up to 28 points and some universities make reduced offers to students who complete it, but policies vary by course.
Tariff points versus grade offers
It helps to see how the two kinds of offer compare. A grade offer of ABB requires those specific grades, usually in three A levels, and may require a particular grade in a named subject. A points offer of 128 can be met by ABB (48 + 40 + 40), but also by AAC (48 + 48 + 32) or by BBB plus an EPQ at grade A (40 × 3 + 24 = 144), if the university counts the EPQ. A points offer gives more flexibility, but read the small print: many points offers still require a minimum grade in a key subject or set a cap on how many qualifications count.
If you're unsure how a university will treat your mix of qualifications, contact its admissions team before you apply. They answer this question all the time.
Keep a note of the exact wording of any offer you receive, because the conditions in the offer itself are what you need to meet.
Where to check official figures
The authoritative sources are the UCAS Tariff calculator and the annual Tariff tables, published by UCAS each spring. For any qualification not covered on this page, look it up there by title or qualification number.
Tariff points and your application
You don't need to put a points total on your UCAS application; you list qualifications and grades, and the university does the calculation. Knowing your likely total is still useful for shortlisting courses that publish points-based entry requirements. Our calculator gives an unofficial total; for anything that affects an offer, rely on the university and UCAS. For university-level grades, see UK degree classifications explained.
Try the calculator
Last reviewed 11 October 2026. Unofficial guidance; check official sources for decisions.
FAQ
How many UCAS points is AAA?
Three A levels at grade A are 48 × 3 = 144 Tariff points.
Do GCSEs count for UCAS points?
No. Only Level 3 / SCQF Level 6 qualifications carry Tariff points.
How many UCAS points is a Scottish Higher A?
33 points; a Scottish Advanced Higher A is 56.