Why don't all post-16 qualifications get Tariff points?
There are many reasons that not all qualifications have Tariff points. For example:
- the Tariff came into effect in 2002 so qualifications offered before then may not get Tariff points
- the Tariff only includes qualifications recognised as level 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (level 5/6 in Scotland) or equivalent. Courses at lower or higher levels are not included, apart from in exceptional circumstances
- UCAS does not actively market the UCAS Tariff to awarding organisations. Awarding organisations make requests for UCAS to consider the inclusion of their qualifications in the Tariff
- universities and colleges in the UCAS scheme may not consider particular qualifications to be suitable for entry to their higher education courses. Any level 3 qualifications that do not help students progress to higher education will not attract points
- UCAS is constantly reviewing and updating the Tariff. Any qualification not currently in the Tariff, but which helps prepare students for higher education study, may be included in the future.
« Back to list of questions