UCAS Tariff
Confused about the UCAS Tariff? Our guide explains all.
What is the UCAS Tariff?
The UCAS tariff is a points system that measures achievement across a range of qualifications.
It means higher education institutions can differentiate between applicants for the same subject, with different types and numbers of qualifications.
Universities and colleges can also use the Tariff to set minimum entry requirements for their courses. For example, to study Biology at Cardiff University, you need a minimum of 320 UCAS Tariff points to secure a place on the course. This is equivalent to ABB in A level grades.
You will sometimes be asked to hold a certain number of points in a particular subject. For example, if you are applying for a Mathematics degree, you may be asked to hold at least 80 points in that subject, i.e. a grade C minimum.
While the number of Tariff points you gain is important to a certain extent, the institutions you have applied to will also be taking into account other aspects of your application, such as your personal statement and your references.
Therefore, don’t worry if your qualifications do not carry Tariff points – there is still a good chance you will be accepted on to your chosen course.
Not all universities and colleges use the UCAS Tariff when making offers to prospective students, but if you’re concerned about whether you will be accepted, it’s best to get in touch with the university or college directly for more details on their entry requirements.
What qualifications are covered by the UCAS Tariff?
You can find a full list of the qualifications covered by the UCAS Tariff on this page at the UCAS website.
New qualifications are always being added to the UCAS Tariff, so keep checking the UCAS site for updates if you are studying a course that isn’t on there yet.
How do I find out how many points my qualifications are worth?
To see how many points each of your qualifications are worth, take a look at the UCAS Tariff tables on the UCAS website. They also have a list of FAQs if you want to know more details on the UCAS Tariff.
