January 2027 Alert: Some UK universities offer January starts with lower tariff requirements (typically 8 to 16 points below their September threshold). If you missed the September intake or want to start sooner, check your points total below and speak to our team about January options.
Quick Answer
UCAS Tariff points turn your qualifications into a single number that universities use to set entry requirements. An A* at A-level gives you 56 points, an A gives you 48, and a B gives you 40. Three Bs (BBB) total 120 points. You can combine different qualifications, so two A-levels plus a BTEC, or A-levels plus an EPQ, all count together. The tables below cover every qualification type and every grade, so you can calculate your exact total in under a minute.
Table of Contents
- What Are UCAS Points?
- A-Level to UCAS Points
- AS-Level to UCAS Points
- BTEC to UCAS Points
- T-Level to UCAS Points
- EPQ to UCAS Points
- Access to HE Diploma to UCAS Points
- Common UCAS Point Milestones (What 112, 120, 128 and 144 Actually Mean)
- Mixing Qualifications: How to Combine Different Types
- January 2027 Intake: Lower Points, Fresh Start
- What If You Do Not Have Enough Points?
- How NZ Associates Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are UCAS Points?
UCAS Tariff points are a standardised scoring system that converts your post-16 qualifications into a single number. Universities across the UK use this number to set entry requirements and compare applicants who hold different types of qualifications.
Think of it as a common currency. Whether you studied A-levels, BTECs, T-levels, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma, the tariff system translates your grades into points that sit on the same scale. This means a student with three A-levels and a student with a BTEC Extended Diploma can both be compared fairly against the same entry requirement.
Only Level 3 qualifications carry tariff points. GCSEs, functional skills, and other Level 2 qualifications do not contribute to your UCAS point total, although universities may still require specific GCSE grades (typically Maths and English at grade 4/C or above) alongside your tariff score.
Not every university uses tariff points. Some, particularly Oxbridge and other highly selective courses, specify exact grades instead (for example, “A*AA in specific subjects”). However, most universities outside the top 10 to 15 set at least some of their entry requirements as a tariff total, which gives you more flexibility in how you reach it.
A-Level to UCAS Points
A-levels are the most common qualification used for university entry in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each grade carries a fixed number of UCAS Tariff points:
| A-Level Grade | UCAS Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
Quick examples: AAA = 144 points. ABB = 128 points. BBB = 120 points. BBC = 112 points. CCC = 96 points. Three A*s give you the maximum of 168 points from three A-levels.
AS-Level to UCAS Points
AS-levels carry roughly 40% of the points value of a full A-level at each grade. They can top up your total if you studied an AS alongside your full A-levels, but universities will not count an AS and a full A-level in the same subject together.
| AS-Level Grade | UCAS Points |
|---|---|
| A | 20 |
| B | 16 |
| C | 12 |
| D | 10 |
| E | 6 |
BTEC to UCAS Points
BTEC qualifications come in different sizes, each equivalent to a different number of A-levels. The three most common are the Extended Diploma (3 A-levels), Diploma (2 A-levels), and Extended Certificate (1 A-level). Your BTEC points depend on both the size and your overall grade.
BTEC Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-levels):
| Grade | UCAS Points | A-Level Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| D*D*D* | 168 | A*A*A* |
| D*D*D | 160 | Above AAA |
| D*DD | 152 | A*AA |
| DDD | 144 | AAA |
| DDM | 128 | ABB |
| DMM | 112 | BBC |
| MMM | 96 | CCC |
| MMP | 80 | CCD |
| MPP | 64 | DDE |
| PPP | 48 | EEE |
BTEC Diploma (equivalent to 2 A-levels): D*D* = 112, D*D = 104, DD = 96, DM = 80, MM = 64, MP = 48, PP = 32.
and BTEC Extended Certificate (equivalent to 1 A-level): D* = 56, D = 48, M = 32, P = 16.
T-Level to UCAS Points
T-levels are the newer technical qualifications equivalent to three A-levels in size. They carry substantial tariff points:
| T-Level Grade | UCAS Points | A-Level Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction* | 168 | A*A*A* |
| Distinction | 144 | AAA |
| Merit | 120 | BBB |
| Pass (C or above on core) | 96 | CCC |
| Pass (D or E on core) | 72 | Below CCC |
EPQ to UCAS Points
The Extended Project Qualification carries roughly half the points of a full A-level. Many universities value the EPQ highly, and some make reduced offers to students who complete one alongside their A-levels. For example, a university that normally asks for ABB might accept ABC plus an A in the EPQ.
| EPQ Grade | UCAS Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 28 |
| A | 24 |
| B | 20 |
| C | 16 |
| D | 12 |
| E | 8 |
Access to HE Diploma to UCAS Points
The Access to Higher Education Diploma carries tariff points based on the grades you achieve across your 45 Level 3 credits. Each credit carries points individually:
| Grade Per Credit | UCAS Points Per Credit |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 12 |
| Merit | 6 |
| Pass | 3 |
With 45 graded credits, a student who achieves all Distinctions earns 540 UCAS points, which far exceeds what three A*s at A-level give you. In practice, however, universities set Access course entry requirements as a specific credit profile rather than a points total. For example, “30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit” rather than “360 points.” Always check the specific Access course requirements on your chosen university’s course page.
If you completed your Access course through an Advanced Learner Loan, remember that the loan gets written off entirely once you finish a university degree. That makes the Access route one of the most cost-effective ways into higher education.
Common UCAS Point Milestones
When universities say “we require 112 points” or “our offer is 128 points”, here is what those numbers translate to in real grades:
| Points | A-Level Equivalent | BTEC Ext. Diploma | University Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 168 | A*A*A* | D*D*D* | Top Russell Group (Oxbridge tier) |
| 144 | AAA | DDD | Russell Group / competitive courses |
| 128 | ABB | DDM | Mid-range Russell Group / strong post-92 |
| 120 | BBB | Between DDM and DMM | Mid-range universities |
| 112 | BBC | DMM | Wider access universities |
| 96 | CCC | MMM | Open access / foundation year entry |
| 64-80 | CCD to DDE | MMP to MPP | Foundation year routes |
A tariff-based offer like “112 points from at least two A-levels or equivalent” gives you more flexibility than a grade-specific offer like “BBC.” With a points total, you could reach 112 with BBC at A-level, or a BTEC Diploma at DD plus a C at A-level, or other combinations. Always check whether your university specifies a minimum number of A-levels alongside the point total.
Mixing Qualifications: How to Combine Different Types
One of the most useful features of the tariff system is that you can add points from different qualification types together. For example:
2 A-levels (AB) + 1 BTEC Extended Certificate (D) = 48 + 40 + 48 = 136 points (equivalent to AAB)
3 A-levels (BBC) + EPQ (B) = 40 + 40 + 32 + 20 = 132 points (pushing a BBC profile into ABB territory)
BTEC Diploma (DD) + 1 A-level (C) = 96 + 32 = 128 points (equivalent to ABB)
The rule is simple: add up the points from each qualifying qualification, and the total is your tariff score. Universities generally accept mixed qualifications, though some courses may specify a minimum from a particular type. Always check the exact wording of the offer, and if you are unsure, contact the admissions team directly or speak to our team for free advice.
Not sure if your points are enough?
NZ Associates can check your tariff total, match you with courses that fit your points, and help you apply. Every service is completely free.
January 2027 Intake: Lower Points, Fresh Start
Did You Know?
Many UK universities offer January 2027 start dates, and the tariff requirements for January entry are often 8 to 16 points lower than the September equivalent. Application deadlines typically fall between August and November 2026, so if you are reading this now, you still have time to apply.
January intake is not as well known as the September start, but it offers real advantages. Class sizes tend to be smaller, competition for places is lower, and graduation timing can align well with spring hiring cycles. Subjects commonly available for January 2027 entry include business and management, computing, health and social care, engineering, and accounting.
If you missed the September 2026 intake, or if your UCAS points fall just below a course’s September threshold, a January start could be your way in. Some universities accept direct applications for January entry (outside of UCAS), while others use UCAS as usual.
Our team at NZ Associates tracks which universities are accepting January 2027 applications and can help you identify courses that match your tariff total. This is particularly relevant if you completed an Access course in the summer, received your results after the main UCAS cycle, or are coming through Clearing and want a fresh start in January rather than waiting until next September.
What If You Do Not Have Enough Points?
If your tariff total falls short of the entry requirements for the course you want, you have several options:
A foundation year adds an extra introductory year to the start of a degree. Entry points are typically 48 to 64 UCAS points, and student finance covers the full cost. You graduate with the same degree as direct-entry students.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a one-year qualification for adults (19+) that most universities accept as meeting their entry requirements. The loan for the course gets written off entirely once you complete a degree.
Clearing and UCAS Extra can connect you with courses that accept lower points than their published requirements, particularly when places remain unfilled.
A degree apprenticeship is an alternative route that does not rely on tariff points at all. You earn a salary while studying towards a full degree, and your employer covers the tuition fees.
If you have no formal qualifications at all, our guide on applying to university without A-levels or GCSEs covers every available route.
How NZ Associates Can Help
Working out your UCAS points is the easy part. The harder question is knowing which courses match your total, which universities are realistic, and how to put together the strongest possible application with the points you have. That is exactly what NZ Associates helps with.
As a registered UCAS centre in Stratford, East London, we help students calculate their tariff, choose the right university, write their UCAS personal statement, and sort their student finance. We also identify bursaries and scholarships you might qualify for. Every service is completely free.
Know Your Points. Find Your Course.
Book a free consultation and we will match your tariff total to the best courses available, including January 2027 starts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are UCAS Tariff points?
UCAS Tariff points convert your post-16 qualifications (A-levels, BTECs, T-levels, Access diplomas, and others) into a single numerical score. Universities use this score to set entry requirements and compare applicants with different types of qualifications.
How many UCAS points is an A worth?
An A at A-level gives you 48 UCAS points. An A* gives you 56, and a B gives you 40.
How many UCAS points do I need for university?
It depends on the university and course. Competitive Russell Group courses typically ask for 128 to 144 points (ABB to AAA). Mid-range universities often require 96 to 120 points (CCC to BBB). Foundation year entry can start from 48 to 64 points.
Do GCSEs count towards UCAS points?
No. Only Level 3 qualifications (A-levels, BTECs, T-levels, Access to HE Diplomas, EPQ, and equivalents) carry UCAS Tariff points. However, universities may still require specific GCSE grades, typically Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.
Can I combine different qualifications?
Yes. You can add points from A-levels, BTECs, EPQ, T-levels, and other tariff-bearing qualifications together. For example, two A-levels plus a BTEC Extended Certificate all contribute to your total.
How many UCAS points is a BTEC worth?
It depends on the size and grade. A BTEC Extended Diploma at D*D*D* gives you 168 points (same as A*A*A*). A BTEC Extended Certificate at D* gives you 56 points (same as an A* at A-level). See the full BTEC tables above.
What is the EPQ worth in UCAS points?
An A* in EPQ gives you 28 points, and an A gives you 24. Many universities make reduced offers to students who complete an EPQ alongside their A-levels.
How do Access to HE courses convert to UCAS points?
Each Level 3 credit on an Access diploma carries 12 points at Distinction, 6 at Merit, and 3 at Pass. With 45 graded credits, all Distinctions give you 540 points. However, universities typically set Access requirements as a specific credit profile rather than a tariff total.
Can I start university in January 2027 with my current points?
Many universities offer January starts with tariff requirements 8 to 16 points below their September thresholds. If you missed the September intake or your points are slightly below, a January start could work for you. Book a free consultation and we can check your options.
What if I do not have enough UCAS points?
A foundation year (from 48 points), an Access to HE Diploma (for adults 19+), or a degree apprenticeship are all routes into university that work around lower tariff totals.
Written by George Turner, UK Student Finance and University Admissions Specialist with over a decade of experience guiding students through UCAS, SFE, SAAS, SFW, and SFNI applications.
Reviewed by a Senior Student Finance Consultant and UK Higher Education Specialist with hands-on experience in undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
Last updated: September 2026
Further Reading
- UCAS Personal Statement 2026
- UCAS Extra 2027
- UCAS Clearing 2026
- A-Level Results Day 2026: What to Do Next
- Foundation Year UK 2026
- Access Courses to University UK 2026
- How to Apply to University Without Qualifications
- Degree Apprenticeships UK
- How to Choose a University UK
- University Bursaries and Scholarships UK 2026/27
- How to Apply for Student Finance England 2026
- UK Student Finance Criteria 2026/27
- Business Management Degree UK
- Nursing Degree UK
- Law Degree UK
- Digital Marketing Degree UK
- Accounting and Finance Degree UK
- Graphic Design Degree UK
- Education Consultant vs Applying Yourself
- Free UCAS Help in London
