If you’re applying to UK universities, you may have come across UCAS Tariff Points. They’re part of the way universities measure academic qualifications, but many students aren’t sure how they work. For IB students, it’s especially important to understand how IB grades convert into tariff points and how universities use them in admissions.
What Are UCAS Tariff Points?
- UCAS Tariff Points are a system for converting qualifications into a points score.
- They allow universities to compare applicants with different qualifications (e.g., IB vs. A-Levels).
- Not all universities use tariff points—some prefer specific grade requirements instead.
How UCAS Tariff Points Work
Each grade or qualification is assigned a certain number of points. For example:
- An A-Level A grade = 48 tariff points.
- An IB Higher Level grade 7 = 56 tariff points.
You add up your points from all relevant qualifications to calculate your total.
IB to UCAS Tariff Conversion
Here’s how IB grades typically convert:
- HL 7 = 56 points
- HL 6 = 48 points
- HL 5 = 32 points
- HL 4 = 24 points
- HL 3 = 12 points
SL subjects have lower values. For example, an SL 7 = 28 points.
This means an IB student predicted 38 points overall might have up to 400+ tariff points, depending on the subject mix.
Do All Universities Use UCAS Points?
- Some universities, like certain post-1992 institutions, frame entry requirements in tariff points.
- Many Russell Group and highly selective universities (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial) prefer specific IB point totals rather than tariff points.
Example:
- University A may ask for 120 UCAS points, which could be achieved through IB or A-Level equivalencies.
- University B may ask for 36 IB points including 6,6,5 at Higher Level, which doesn’t use tariff points at all.
Why UCAS Tariff Points Matter for IB Students
- Helps you check eligibility across different universities.
- Shows how your IB grades compare to A-Level requirements.
- Useful for less selective universities where tariff points are standard.
Conclusion: Tariff Points Simplified
UCAS Tariff Points convert IB grades into a numerical system that some universities use for offers. While not all institutions rely on them, knowing how your IB grades translate into UCAS points can help you compare courses and understand eligibility.