Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth.
Using the Tariff Calculator
- Not all qualifications are included in the Tariff, so don’t worry if you can’t find your qualification in this calculator – make sure you check the entry requirements in our search tool for the courses you’re interested in.
- Universities and colleges set their own entry requirements and do not have to accept a qualification simply because it is included in the Tariff tables.
- Universities and colleges don’t have to accept the Tariff value assigned by UCAS either. For example, if a university feels the content of the qualification is not fully relevant for the course you are applying to, they may tell you it's worth fewer points than UCAS has suggested, although most of the time the full Tariff points will be accepted.
- The best advice is to check the entry requirements listed in UCAS' search tool, or with the course provider, to find out if your qualifications are accepted.
- UCAS Tariff points only apply to Level 3/SCQF Level 6 qualifications, not Level 2 qualifications such as GCSEs. This calculator covers Level 3 UK qualifications regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications in Wales, CCEA and QAA, as well as SCQF Level 6 qualifications accredited by SQA and SCQF.
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What is the purpose of the UCAS Tariff?
The UCAS Tariff provides a way for universities and colleges to draw comparisons between the wide range of qualifications they see on their applications. Being able to compare qualifications they are less familiar with against more common ones such as A levels encourages a fairer decision-making process when it comes to making offers.
Some universities and colleges also use UCAS points in their entry requirements and offers, so you may need to know how many points your qualifications are worth.
Please note, the UCAS Tariff calculator is an indicative guide only. The university of college offering the course will have the final say on entry requirements.
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What else do I need to know about the UCAS Tariff?
- Not all universities and colleges use the Tariff when making offers – many use qualifications and grades instead.
- Some universities and colleges limit the qualifications they accept. For example, they may only accept Tariff points from the highest scoring three A levels or Scottish Highers.
- Some universities and colleges may exclude qualifications if content is duplicated in other qualifications.
- Universities and college generally only count the highest level of achievement. For example, they may not count a BTEC Award if you have achieved the BTEC Certificate in the same subject, or an AS level if you have an A level in the same subject.
- Qualifications may change over time. We aim to update the Tariff calculator annually to reflect these changes and to add new qualifications.
- The Tariff is based on a finite scale, so it is not possible to get more than a certain number of points for a single award qualification. In some instances, you may see top grades of qualifications getting the same number of points.
- There are lots of different BTEC qualifications listed, and not all BTEC qualifications include a D* grade. Speak to your teacher or adviser if you’re not sure which BTEC you’re studying.
- The AS is positioned at 40% – or as close to 40% as possible – of the A level at each grade:
- AS grade A is aligned to A level grade B
- AS grade C is aligned to A level grade D
- AS grade E is below A level grade E
- Not all universities and colleges use the Tariff. It’s therefore really important to check the entry requirements for the course(s) you’re interested in. If you have any questions, talk to the university or college you’re applying to, or your teacher/adviser.
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How to use this calculator
- Search for your qualification by its title or, where available, by its number: This is usually found in qualification registers or on your certificate.
- Enter the subject you're studying (optional).
- Select your grade from the drop-down list – the Tariff points for this qualification will display automatically next to your grade.
- When you've entered all your qualifications, click 'Next'.
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Advice to help to you find your qualification
Most qualification titles have been entered in the following format:
- Awarding body + Level + Type (Certificate/Diploma etc.) + Subject
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Business
You can search for your qualification by its awarding body (i.e. Pearson), its type (i.e. certificate) or it’s subject (i.e. business). All qualifications included in the Tariff Calculator are Level 3/SCQF Level 6. Alternatively, you can search for a qualification by its unique number. Your teacher or your school’s exams officer may be able to confirm this. The unique number will not be visible in the calculator below but it can still be entered, following this format:
- Three numbers/four numbers/one number or letter
- 601/7161/3
If you hold two or more qualifications which follow on or have duplicated content, such as a Certificate in Childcare and a Diploma in Childcare, you only receive Tariff points for the highest level achieved (the Diploma) unless your university says otherwise.
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How do I calculate points for the IB Career-Related Programme?
There are several components of the Career-Related Programme which attract Tariff Points. You will need to search for these separately in the Tariff calculator and then add your points together to get a final score.
The components of the programme which receive Tariff points are:
- IBO Reflective Project
- IBO Certificate in Higher Level
- IBO Certificate in Standard Level
If you completed a BTEC or AAQ as part of the programme you can also search for this in the Tariff calculator and add these points on to your total.
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