Everything You Need to Know About UCAS Points in 2026

So, you’ve decided on a university or college course (maybe even an apprenticeship!) but aren’t sure how to earn the UCAS points needed to get in. Today, we’ll answer your questions and get you on your way to achieving your goals. Join us as we work through key questions such as:

What are UCAS points? How to get UCAS points? How UCAS points are calculated? How many points are your qualifications worth? Find out below.

Table of Contents

• What is UCAS?
• What are UCAS points?
• How do UCAS points work?
• Different qualifications and UCAS points
• Apprenticeship tariff points (new for 2026)
• Other ways to gain UCAS points
• What do common UCAS point totals mean?
• Can I earn UCAS points at home?
• How to calculate UCAS points
• Frequently asked questions

What is UCAS?

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is an independent charity that serves as the UK’s admissions service for higher education. They assist young and adult learners in selecting higher education by offering information, advice, and assistance to inspire and promote educational progression to university, college, or degree apprenticeships.

Each year UCAS processes almost 3 million applications from around 700,000 individuals seeking undergraduate places at UK universities and colleges, helping millions more research higher education, jobs, and apprenticeships.

What are UCAS points?

UCAS points are a number that represents your qualifications and grades. Some qualifications (but not all of them) have a UCAS tariff value, which varies depending on the size of the qualification and the grade you received. Higher education (HE) course providers use these points to determine if you meet their entry requirements.

Your qualifications and the grades you have, whether you chose to study A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, International or Welsh Baccalaureates, are converted into a numerical value under the UCAS points system.

How do UCAS points work?

UCAS Tariff Points might be difficult to understand for those who are unfamiliar with them. In a nutshell, they let institutions quickly and easily quantify the value of your qualifications. The higher the grade you achieve, the higher the number of UCAS points you’ll have.

You may receive offers from universities and programmes depending on your point total. Usually, students are given predicted grades to use to apply to universities or colleges. These students will receive firm or conditional offers from their chosen institutions and, depending on their final results, will secure a place. However, students who already know their final qualification grades will be able to apply directly.

Different qualifications and UCAS points

There are a variety of qualifications that result in the student receiving UCAS points. AS levels, A Levels, T Levels, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, BTEC courses, Core Maths, and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) all result in UCAS points. You can find out your qualification’s equivalent in UCAS tariff points below.

A Levels

This table shows UCAS points earned for A Level grades:

AS Levels

This table shows UCAS points earned for AS Level grades:

AS Levels represent the first year of A Level study. In England, AS Levels are standalone qualifications and no longer contribute to A Level grades (they still do in Wales and Northern Ireland).

T Levels

This table shows UCAS points earned for T Level grades:

T Levels were introduced in 2020 as a technical alternative to A Levels, with each T Level equivalent in size to three A Levels.

Scottish Highers

This table shows UCAS points earned for Scottish Higher grades:

Scottish Highers are the main qualifications used for university entry in Scotland, typically taken in S5 (fifth year of secondary school).

Scottish Advanced Highers

This table shows UCAS points earned for Scottish Advanced Higher grades:

Advanced Highers are taken in S6 and are broadly equivalent to A Levels in terms of both depth and UCAS tariff value.

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate

This table shows UCAS points earned for Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate grades:

International Baccalaureate

This table shows UCAS points earned for International Baccalaureate grades:

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

This table shows UCAS points earned for BTEC Level 3 National Diploma grades:

The Diploma is equivalent in size to two A Levels.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

This table shows UCAS points earned for BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma grades:

The Extended Diploma is equivalent in size to three A Levels, making it a popular route to university for vocational learners.

Core Maths (Level 3 Mathematical Studies)

This table shows UCAS points earned for Core Maths grades:

Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification designed for students who want to continue developing their mathematical skills beyond GCSE but aren’t taking A Level Maths. It carries the same UCAS tariff value as an AS Level and is valued by universities, particularly for courses with a quantitative element such as psychology, geography, and business.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

This table shows UCAS points earned for EPQ grades:

The EPQ is a standalone qualification taken alongside A Levels and is equivalent in size to half an A Level. Many universities (including some Russell Group institutions) value it highly because it demonstrates independent research and project management skills.

Apprenticeship tariff points (new for 2026)

From the 2026 application cycle, UCAS has introduced tariff points for Level 3 apprenticeships (and SCQF Level 6 in Scotland). This is a significant change — for the first time, apprentices who have completed their End-Point Assessment (EPA) and received their apprenticeship certificate can use these achievements to earn UCAS tariff points when applying for higher education.

The number of points awarded depends on the expected duration of the apprenticeship and the EPA grade achieved. Points are calculated using size bands (based on guided learning hours) and grade bands, aligned across all four UK nations so that an apprenticeship expected to last 24 months earns the same number of points regardless of where it was taken.

This means that if you completed a Level 3 apprenticeship and are now considering university or a degree-level course, your apprenticeship can formally contribute to your application — just like an A Level, BTEC, or T Level would.

To check the exact tariff value for your specific apprenticeship, use the UCAS Tariff Calculator and select “Apprenticeship” from the qualification list.

Other ways to gain UCAS points

Some students want to know how to get more UCAS points on top of their qualifications, while others are looking for alternative routes into higher education. The good news is that the above qualifications aren’t the only way to achieve points. Other methods include:

• Studying for a Level 3 Diploma, Certificate, or Award:

  If you’re looking to gain some UCAS points and find that A levels and other access to HE qualifications aren’t for you, studying for a Level 3 qualification is an excellent option. These courses are often practical and result in learners qualifying to work in various industries. Some examples of level 3 qualifications are the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Health and Social Care (up to 28 UCAS points) and the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education (up to 28 UCAS points).

• Access to Higher Education Diploma:

  The Access to HE Diploma is designed for adult learners returning to education and is widely accepted by universities as a route into higher education. The Diploma is made up of 60 credits, of which 45 are graded at Distinction, Merit, or Pass level. The number of UCAS points awarded depends on the grades achieved across those 45 credits:

  Grade profile (45 graded credits)	UCAS Points
  45 credits at Distinction	144 (equivalent to AAA)
  30 Distinction + 15 Merit	128 (equivalent to ABB)
  45 credits at Merit	96 (equivalent to CCC)
  45 credits at Pass	48 (below standard offer range)

  It’s a particularly strong option if you’ve been out of education for a while and want a structured, recognised route back into higher education.

• Playing a musical instrument:

  If you’re musically inclined, you can actually use your skills to achieve UCAS points! The exams you do in music will give you extra UCAS points from grade 6 upwards. There is a wide range of possible points, from 5 for a pass at grade 6 to 75 for a distinction at grade 8.

• ASDAN Community Volunteering:

  Volunteering is an excellent way to gain some experience for your CV as a student, as well as develop new skills and help people in your community. On top of that, it can also help you secure a university spot, as you can earn UCAS points for it too. ASDAN is an educational charity that runs a number of community-based classes that you can use to earn extra UCAS points. Their Certificate of Personal Effectiveness, for example, takes roughly 150 hours and will give you 16 UCAS points to play with.

What do common UCAS point totals mean?

University course pages often list entry requirements as a UCAS point total rather than specific grades — for example, “120 UCAS points” rather than “BBB”. This gives you flexibility to mix and match qualifications to reach the target. Here are some of the most common point totals and what they’re equivalent to at A Level:

Remember, these totals can be reached with combinations of A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, an EPQ, or other qualifications — universities increasingly welcome mixed qualification profiles. Always check the specific entry requirements of your chosen course, as some universities specify exact grades rather than tariff points.

Can I earn UCAS points at home?

Yes! You can earn UCAS points from home by studying remotely — and you might already be in the right place to start. We offer a range of courses that carry UCAS tariff points and can be completed entirely online:

• Our A Levels carry the full standard tariff (up to 56 UCAS points per subject at A* grade)
• The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (PTLLS) carries 8 UCAS points
• The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Health and Social Care carries up to 28 UCAS points
• The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education carries up to 28 UCAS points

The only thing that separates our courses from traditional school is that you can study and finish your course on your own time and at your own pace, using the most up-to-date learning platform with professional tutor support all the way through. Browse our full NCFE CACHE courses and RQF qualifications to find a course that works for you.

How to calculate UCAS points

UCAS has made it as easy as possible for you to figure out your tariff total with their Tariff Calculator. Simply input your qualifications and let the calculator do the rest. It may be helpful for you to have the qualification numbers for your courses, as some titles vary. The calculator now includes apprenticeships alongside traditional academic qualifications for the 2026 cycle.

Frequently asked questions

How many UCAS points do I need for university?

It depends on the university and the course. Entry requirements typically range from 64 UCAS points (equivalent to DDE at A Level) for some courses up to 168 points (A*A*A*) for the most competitive programmes. Most undergraduate courses ask for somewhere between 96 and 128 points. Always check the specific entry requirements on the university’s course page or on the UCAS website.

Can I combine UCAS points from different qualifications?

Yes. You can combine points from A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, Scottish Highers, an EPQ, music grades, and any other tariff-bearing qualification. Universities increasingly welcome mixed qualification profiles, so a combination of A Levels and a BTEC, for example, is perfectly valid. The important thing is that your total meets or exceeds the entry requirement.

Do all universities use UCAS points?

Not all of them. Some universities — particularly those in the Russell Group — make offers based on specific grades in specific subjects rather than a tariff total. Others use a combination of both. It’s always worth checking whether a university’s offer is grade-based or points-based, as this affects how much flexibility you have in how you reach the requirement.

Do apprenticeships now earn UCAS points?

Yes, from the 2026 application cycle onwards. If you completed a Level 3 apprenticeship (or SCQF Level 6 in Scotland) and received your End-Point Assessment certificate, you can now convert that into UCAS tariff points. Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to check the exact value for your apprenticeship.

Can mature students get UCAS points?

Absolutely. The Access to Higher Education Diploma is specifically designed for adult learners and carries up to 144 UCAS points (equivalent to AAA at A Level). You can also earn points through Level 3 qualifications, many of which can be studied from home and at your own pace. Our NCFE CACHE courses and A Levels are popular choices for mature learners looking to progress into higher education.

How many UCAS points is a pass?

It depends on the qualification. At A Level, the lowest passing grade (E) is worth 16 UCAS points. At AS Level, an E grade is worth 6 points. A T Level pass is worth either 72 or 96 points depending on the core component grade, because a T Level is equivalent in size to three A Levels. For BTECs, a PPP at Extended Diploma level is worth 48 points.

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