T-Level UCAS Points Table 2026

Quick answer: A whole T-Level is worth UCAS Tariff points equal to three A-levels — Distinction* = 168, Distinction = 144, Merit = 120, and Pass = 96 (with a core grade A*–C) or 72 (core D–E). Use the calculator above to confirm yours, then carry on reading to see exactly how your grade converts.

That one number is the whole headline, so let's make it clear and simple. A T-Level is a single, full-size qualification — not three separate subjects — and it sits right beside A-levels and BTECs on the full UCAS points calculator. Below, you'll find the complete table, a worked example, and a realistic look at what your total actually means for university.

How to use the T-Level points tool

The calculator above does the maths for you in a couple of taps. Here's the clear, three-step version:

1. Pick your overall T-Level grade — Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, or Pass.
2. If you got a Pass, set your core grade — choose whether your core component was A*–C or D–E. This is the only grade that changes your Pass total.
3. Read your total instantly — the points appear on screen straight away, ready to compare with course requirements.

One important note: a T-Level is one whole qualification, not three separate subjects. So you enter a single overall grade, not three. If you want to play with different scenarios, the dedicated T-Level UCAS points calculator lets you do exactly that.

How many UCAS points is a T-Level?

A T-Level is worth 168, 144, 120, 96, or 72 UCAS points, depending on your grade: Distinction* = 168, Distinction = 144, Merit = 120, and Pass = 96 (core A*–C) or 72 (core D–E). A whole T-Level is sized as three A-levels, so at the top end it scores exactly the same — Distinction* matches A*A*A* and Distinction matches AAA. If you want to see how that stacks up, take a quick look at the compare with A-level points table.

T-Level UCAS points table (every grade)

Here is every overall grade, what it's worth, and the A-level grade combination that earns the same total. There are only four overall T-Level bands, so this table is complete — there are no hidden in-between grades to worry about.

The Distinction* row is the maximum a single T-Level can reach, and it lines up with the highest A-level combination most students aim for. If your result is a Distinction*, that's the same 168 points covered on our A*A*A* points explained page. A Distinction lands you on exactly 144 UCAS points — a strong, in-range total for a wide spread of courses.

Why a Pass can be worth 96 or 72

First, the reassuring part: most university offers quote your overall grade (Distinction, Merit, or Pass), so that's usually the number admissions tutors look at first. The 96-versus-72 split only matters when a course states a points total instead.

Here's how it works. A T-Level Pass comes in two flavours depending on your core (exam) grade. If your core was graded A*–C, your Pass is worth 96 points. If your core was D or E, your Pass is worth 72 points. The overall "Pass" label is the same either way — it's the core grade underneath that decides the figure. So if a course asks for a points total, check your core grade before you assume which Pass value applies to you.

What each T-Level grade is made of

Your overall T-Level grade is built from two parts, and it helps to picture them in plain English first: the exam part and the hands-on part.

• The core component (the exam part) — graded A* to E. This covers the underpinning knowledge and theory for your subject area.
• The occupational specialism (the hands-on part) — graded Pass, Merit, or Distinction. This is the practical, on-the-job skill that makes a T-Level different from a classroom-only course.

Those two results are combined into your single overall grade — Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, or Pass. That's why one T-Level can carry the same weight as three A-levels: it covers both deep theory and serious practical skill in one qualification. If you'd like the complete breakdown of how T-Levels are built and assessed, our T-Levels explained in full guide walks through every part.

Worked example: turning your grade into points

Let's turn three real-looking results into points so the process is crystal clear.

Student A — Distinction overall. No core split to worry about at this grade, so the conversion is direct: Distinction = 144 points. That's the same as AAA at A-level. Done.

Student B — Pass, with a core grade of B. A core grade of B sits inside the A*–C band, so this Pass is worth the higher figure: 96 points (the same as CCC).

Student C — Pass, with a core grade of D. A core grade of D falls in the D–E band, so this Pass converts to the lower figure: 72 points.

The pattern is always the same: read your overall grade first, and only check your core grade if you landed a Pass. For the full method across every qualification, see see all grade-to-points conversions.

How T-Level points compare to A-levels and BTEC

A T-Level carries the same weight as three full A-levels, so the top grades line up neatly with the other big Level-3 routes. Here's the side-by-side at the two highest bands:

This is genuinely good news if you're on a T-Level and worried about being treated differently. On points, a T-Level Distinction* is identical to A*A*A* and to a BTEC D*D*D* — all three reach 168. A Distinction matches AAA and DDD at 144. If you're comparing routes, the BTEC UCAS points table lays out every BTEC grade, and DDD BTEC points shows that same 144 from the BTEC side. The qualification name changes, but the points are the points.

Do all universities use T-Level UCAS points?

Many universities accept T-Levels and use the Tariff points, which means your Distinction or Merit is treated just like the equivalent A-level total. That's the realistic, encouraging picture for most courses.

That said, not every university works on points, and not every course accepts a T-Level for its particular route. Some ask for specific grades instead of a points total, and a few competitive courses — medicine and certain Russell Group programmes among them — may not accept a T-Level for a given pathway. None of that means a closed door; it simply means you check each course before you apply. Our do all universities use UCAS points? guide explains how to spot which approach a course takes.

How many points do you need?

Now you know what your grade is worth, the next question is what you actually need. Most courses publish a target — often somewhere between 96 and 144 points — and your T-Level slots straight into that scale. A Distinction (144) or Merit (120) puts you in range for a wide spread of degrees.

To work backwards from a target, use the how many UCAS points do I need? page, or flip it around and see what can I study with my points? to match your total to real courses.

See what you can study with your points

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Next steps if your points are below your target

If your total comes in under your target, take a breath — this is common, and there are clear routes forward. You have real options:

• Clearing — thousands of places open up, and many accept solid T-Level totals. Start with our UCAS points for Clearing guide.
• Boosting your points — a separate qualification, like an EPQ, can top up your total without retaking your T-Level.
• Rethinking your shortlist — a slightly different course or university may put you back in range straight away.

The full plan lives on our not enough UCAS points? page, which walks you through each option in order.

Helpful for T-Level students starting uni

Frequently asked questions

How many UCAS points is a T-Level Distinction*?

A T-Level Distinction* is worth exactly 168 UCAS Tariff points — the same as A*A*A* at A-level, and the maximum a single T-Level can score.

How many UCAS points is a T-Level Pass?

A T-Level Pass is worth 96 UCAS points if your core component grade is A*–C, or 72 points if your core grade is D or E. The overall grade alone does not set the value — the core grade decides which Pass figure you get.

Is a T-Level worth the same as three A-levels?

Yes. A whole T-Level is sized as three A-levels, so it earns the same top-end points: Distinction* = 168 (A*A*A*) and Distinction = 144 (AAA). That puts you in range for the same courses on points.

How many UCAS points is a T-Level Merit?

A T-Level Merit is worth 120 UCAS Tariff points, which is equal to BBB at A-level.

Do universities accept T-Levels for UCAS points?

Many universities accept T-Levels and use the Tariff points, but not all do, and some courses ask for specific grades or won't accept a T-Level for that route. Always check each course's entry requirements before you apply.

Can I add EPQ or other points to my T-Level?

You can add separate qualifications like an EPQ (A* = 28) on top of your T-Level, as long as they are not double-counting the same learning. Use the calculator to total everything up.