If you’re an international student planning to study in the UK, it’s time to start preparing your UCAS application for the 2026/2027 academic year. The application window is officially open, giving you the perfect opportunity to take the first step toward your dream university.
Whether you’re applying for undergraduate programmes in London, Manchester, Birmingham, or any other UK city, one of the most important things to understand is UCAS Tariff Points. These points help you check whether your international qualifications meet the entry requirements for your chosen universities and courses.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about UCAS Tariff Points—from what they are and how to calculate them to what to do if your qualifications aren’t listed.
Preparing Your UCAS Application
Before you start filling out your UCAS form, you’ll need to:
- Gather your academic transcripts with past grades and predicted marks.
- Check your eligibility to ensure your qualifications meet UK entry requirements.
- Decide on your courses and universities – you can apply for up to five choices through UCAS.
If you’re following an international curriculum, verifying how your qualifications compare to UK standards is essential. This is where UCAS Tariff Points come in.
Prepare your UCAS Application
Before you submit your UCAS application, gather your school transcripts and calculate your UCAS Tariff Points with your grades.
If your qualifications are not listed on UCAS you can check out the University course pages. Contact Global Study UK for help.
What Are UCAS Tariff Points?
UCAS Tariff Points provide a standardised way for UK universities to compare different qualifications from around the world. UK students usually apply using A-level grades, and international students often follow different systems such as the IB Diploma, American High School Curriculum, or French Baccalaureate.
To ensure fairness, UCAS converts these diverse qualifications into a single points system, so universities can set clear, consistent entry requirements. For example, a university might require 120 UCAS Tariff Points for a particular degree. Students with A-levels, IB Diplomas, or American Advanced Placement (AP) exams can all reach this score through different qualifications.
How to Calculate Your UCAS Tariff Points
The easiest way to find out your points is to use the official UCAS Tariff Points Calculator. Here’s what to do:
- Select your qualification from the list.
- Enter your achieved or predicted grades.
- Get your total UCAS Tariff Points instantly.
Tip: If you don’t have your final grades yet, you can enter your predicted marks to see where you stand.
What If Your Curriculum Isn’t Listed?
Not all international curriculums are included in the UCAS Tariff Points system. If yours isn’t featured, don’t worry:
- Many universities list accepted international qualifications directly on their websites.
- Some may not require tariff points at all but instead have specific grade requirements.
- You can also contact the admissions team or speak to a Global Study UK counsellor for personalised guidance.
Popular International Qualifications Accepted by UK Universities
Most UK universities accept a wide range of international qualifications, including:
- A-Levels
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- American High School Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
- Canadian High School Diploma
- French and Lebanese Baccalaureate
If you are not studying any pf the above then your qualification might not provide direct entry to a UK degree. But don’t worry, if that’s the case you can explore foundation programmes or International Year One pathways to bridge the gap.
Why UCAS Tariff Points Matter for International Students
Understanding UCAS Tariff Points early in the application process helps you:
- Check eligibility before applying.
- Compare universities and courses easily.
- Avoid wasted applications to courses you may not qualify for.
It also helps you set realistic goals if you still have time to improve your grades before final exams.
Apply with Global Study UK
Applying with Global Study UK is the easiest and most effective way to submit a successful UCAS application. At Global Study UK, we support international students through every stage of the UCAS application process. We can:
- Help you calculate your UCAS Tariff Points accurately.
- Recommend suitable universities and courses based on your score.
- Assist with your UCAS application, visa, accommodation, and more.
With over 100+ partner universities across the UK, we give you the best possible chance of securing offers from top institutions.
Start Your Journey Today
The UCAS 2026/2027 application cycle is now open. Understanding UCAS Tariff Points is the first step toward a successful application and a smooth start to your academic journey in the UK.
Apply with Global Study UK today and take the first step towards your dream university.
