UCAS POINTS FOR APPRENTICESHIPS
On an apprenticeship or are about to start one? Also considering attending university later on? There’s some exciting news…
If you’re on an apprenticeship or are about to start one, but you’re also considering attending university later on, there’s some exciting news.
From September this year, apprenticeships will earn UCAS Tariff points. This significant change means your apprenticeship will officially count towards university and higher education entry requirements, just like A-levels and other qualifications.
Whilst some universities already embrace apprenticeships as a route into their courses, they haven’t been recognised in the UCAS system for applying to university until now.
What are UCAS tariff points?
UCAS Tariff points are a system that translates your qualifications into a number or score. Universities and other higher education institutions use these scores to assess whether you meet their entry requirements. This points system provides a simplified way of valuing different qualifications using the same scale. It makes it easier for universities to judge your achievements fairly, whether they are academic or vocational.
What does this mean for apprentices?
Giving apprenticeships UCAS tariff points will do several things. First, it will make it much simpler for apprentices to apply for university places. Second, it will give apprentices access to a broader range of higher education courses. Third, it will put apprenticeships on a level playing field with academic qualifications in practical terms. Most people already know that apprenticeships are a tried-and-tested route to developing a successful career. Counting apprenticeships in the UCAS system confirms this for anyone who still doubts this.
Apprentices will earn UCAS points and also be able to include work experience and end-point assessment achievements in their personal statements.
How many points are apprenticeships worth?
Only level 3 apprenticeships will be eligible for UCAS tariff points, and the number of points you’ll earn depends on the duration of your apprenticeship. So, 12-month apprenticeships earn 48 points, 18-month apprenticeships are worth 64 points, 24-month apprenticeships are worth 96 points, and 36-month apprenticeships are worth 112 points.
For example, an early year educator apprenticeship, which lasts 18 months, will give you 64 UCAS points. And if you do a building services engineering service and maintenance engineer apprenticeship, it’ll take you four years, but it will earn you 112 UCAS points.
Recognition of hard work
It has long been argued that apprenticeships undervalue hands-on learning and skills development compared to traditional academic routes. Including apprenticeships in the UCAS Tariff system officially acknowledges the commitment, effort, and expertise apprentices have demonstrated.
Rightly so, this change dramatically broadens the pathways available to apprentices. The UCAS Tariff points from your apprenticeship mean that on completion, apprentices will be eligible to apply to a wider range of opportunities. Of course, there is always the option to progress to a higher-level apprenticeship, and for many who understand the benefits of the vocational route, this may be the preferred choice. However, apprenticeships’ inclusion in the UCAS system means that the option is available for those who want to go into higher education.
Make UCAS tariff points work.
If you’re considering applying for a degree after your apprenticeship, remember that you can combine UCAS Tariff points if you hold multiple eligible qualifications. For example, you might mix points from your apprenticeship with A-levels or a T Level and create a competitive application.
Anyone who has applied for university knows that the personal statement is crucial. Use it to showcase the practical skills and knowledge you’ve gained during your apprenticeship. Universities appreciate applicants who can balance hands-on expertise with theoretical learning, so highlight specific projects and achievements demonstrating how your apprenticeship has prepared you for their course.
The new system will apply to those applying for courses starting in September 2026 and beyond. If you complete your level 3 apprenticeship and pass your End-Point Assessment (EPA) by the deadline, you’ll be able to include your tariff points in your university application. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the following year.
Apprenticeships vs traditional qualifications
Remember, not all universities use tariff points as the only way of considering applications for admission. Many also consider your grades, experience, interviews, and all of them value the personal statement. Apprenticeships offer a distinct advantage here, as they demonstrate practical skills, resilience, problem-solving abilities, and qualification achievement.
