For the 2026 cycle, we are introducing a new Tariff points structure that now includes Level 3 apprenticeships alongside A-levels, T Levels, and other post-16 qualifications. These changes aim to support apprentices' progression to higher education by creating a unified system that helps universities and colleges evaluate apprenticeship qualifications against traditional academic routes.
This guide provides an overview of the recent changes, including the new calculation method, key points for providers, and the impact on apprenticeship pathways into higher education.
What are UCAS Tariff points?
UCAS Tariff points are assigned to qualifications to help institutions make comparisons during admissions. Now, for the first time, Level 3 and SCQF Level 6 apprenticeships can also earn these points, creating a consistent measure that enables apprenticeships to be evaluated alongside other qualifications.
Key elements of the updated Tariff points system include:
Standardised
A standardised way for apprenticeships to receive UCAS Tariff points based on duration, improving alignment with traditional qualifications like A Levels.
Support
Support for admissions teams as they evaluate apprenticeships alongside A Levels and T Levels for university entry.
Access
Ensure students are aware of all the pathways available into higher education and support a diverse range of progression routes into university or college.
It's worth noting that while most institutions use Tariff points, around 30% of courses may still have alternative entry requirements.
Tariff Points calculation for apprenticeships
The updated Tariff model for apprenticeships calculates points based on program duration, establishing a clear, comparable framework. This model provides the following structure for apprenticeship Tariff points:
| Duration |
SCQF Credits |
Size band |
Grade |
Grade band |
Tariff points |
| 36 months |
150+ |
14 |
P |
8 |
112 |
| 24 months |
100-149 |
12 |
P |
8 |
96 |
| 18 months |
72-99 |
8 |
P |
8 |
64 |
| 12 months |
<71 |
6 |
P |
8 |
48 |
Note: A 2-year apprenticeship now aligns with grades AA (or CCC) at A Level, and Pass (with A*-C in the Core) at T Level, reflecting its value in preparing students for higher education.
Public support and feedback on the changes
The changes introduced by UCAS were informed by extensive feedback from universities, employers, and apprenticeship providers. This public input has been crucial in refining the new model to reflect the needs of both the education sector and the workforce.
Key findings from public engagement include:
- 75% of respondents supported the model, indicating broad support for aligning apprenticeships with Tariff points.
- 56% agreed with using duration as a measure of apprenticeship size, while 44% saw potential in alternative measures.
- 67% confirmed that the updated model aligns with UCAS’s principles, creating a balanced and fair system for apprenticeships and academic qualifications.
These insights have shaped a Tariff model that better supports apprentices’ educational pathways and enhances recognition of apprenticeship qualifications in the UK.
Key Information for Providers on the updates
Understanding and applying the UCAS Tariff changes is essential for providers to effectively guide apprentices. Here''s some key information you need to know:
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Apprenticeship Listings
All active apprenticeship pathways across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland will be listed in the Tariff tables from May 2025.
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Credits Included
Durations and SCQF Credits will be included in the Tariff tables alongside the Tariff point allocation, so you do not need to calculate the points yourself, simply locate the correct pathway.
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Filter Results
It will be possible to filter the list of apprenticeships by UK-nation to narrow done the results.
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Tariff Guidance
UCAS encourages you to list Tariff points in your entry criteria to help apprentices understand if they have sufficient Tariff points to apply for your course.
FAQs
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The model does not give additional Tariff points to English apprentices that have achieved above a pass grade. Why is UCAS not recognising those that have achieved a merit or distinction grade?
UCAS recognises that apprentices that have achieved above pass may wish to be recognised as such. However, the potential grade outcomes for apprenticeships at End Point Assessment in England vary across the different standards, therefore not all apprentices in England will have the opportunity to achieve a merit or distinction at their End Point Assessment. Apprentices in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland also do not have the opportunity to achieve anything other than a pass grade in their apprenticeship. This disparity could create a sense of unfairness in terms of outcome.
Guidance provided by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is that ‘pass’ in an apprenticeship is the ‘gold standard’ and the outcome that determines an individual’s occupational competence, therefore this grade should be the only recognised grade in the UCAS Tariff.
Apprentices will still be encouraged to advise HE providers of the grade they achieved in their apprenticeship as part of the admissions process and recognition of any grade beyond ‘pass’ can be evidenced via the certificate provided by IfATE. UCAS will work with providers to determine the exact process and guidance for this.
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The Tariff points in the model are set too low to facilitate access to some higher education courses. Why are the points allocated not higher?
The modelling did not show any significant difference in the outcome of Tariff points, when using credit compared to recommended duration.
UCAS understands the concerns around the number of Tariff points proposed, and appreciates the significant learning, experience and preparedness for higher education that an apprenticeship can bring. However, UCAS has a responsibility to ensure that the UCAS Tariff does not indicate that an apprentice is necessarily better prepared for higher education than those that have completed an A-Level, T-Level, Scottish Highers, or other equivalent programmes of study. Guidance provided by the Department of Education in the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) specification relating to prior attainment lists a ‘full Level 3’ achievement as ‘two or more advanced level passes’. In the UCAS Tariff, a ‘full Level 3’ is a 24 month, full time programme of study. Based on this guidance, the proposed model gives the same number of Tariff points to a 24 month Level 3/SCQF Level 6 apprenticeship as is given to two A Levels at Grade A.
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Using recommended duration as a measure of size does not fairly represent the amount of learning that takes place on an apprenticeship. Has UCAS considered using other measures, such as credit?
After engagement over 14 months with 60 organisations, recommended duration was chosen as the best method of measuring the size of an apprenticeship to present in the public engagement exercise in Summer 2024. UCAS recognises that recommended duration is set by regulators, differs across the four nations of the UK and cannot reflect the amount of learning and experience gained from a Level 3/SCQF Level 6 apprenticeship. However, alternative measures such as guided learning hours and credit were explored and ruled out.
The use of a credit system was suggested by a small number of stakeholders. UCAS explored the possibility of using a credit system, but decided not to proceed on the following basis:
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Credit is not consistently applied to apprenticeships in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is not within the remit of UCAS to establish a system of credit for apprenticeships, this would lie with regulators.
UCAS believes that use of recommended duration in the proposed model is the best and only viable method of measuring the size of an apprenticeship to promote clearer pathways into higher education for apprentices.
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Some SCQF Level 6 apprenticeships in Scotland have SCQF Level 7 elements embedded. Will the Level 7 elements be included in the UCAS Tariff?
No. In line with the purpose and principles of the UCAS Tariff, only SCQF Level 6 programmes of study are awarded Tariff points. Similar approaches are taken in the other UK nations where only RQF Level 3 elements receive points. There are currently no plans to broaden the scope of the Tariff beyond these levels.
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Will guidance be created for stakeholders prior to the launch of Level 3/SCQF Level 6 apprenticeships in the UCAS Tariff?
Yes. Guidance for students, universities, schools and colleges will be published to support preparation for the launch.
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Some apprenticeships have an embedded mandatory qualification. Will Tariff points be allocated to the apprenticeship and the qualification?
It may be the case that both the apprenticeship and the qualification will be included in the UCAS Tariff. Students and universities will be advised only to consider the larger programme of study in applications.