In March 2023, UCAS began a project to allocate UCAS Tariff points to UK Level 3 (and SCQF Level 6) apprenticeships. As part of this project, they ran a public consultation in May and June 2024.
The first UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) Tariff was introduced in 2001, initially for a narrow range of qualifications such as A Levels and SQA (Scottish Qualification Authority) Highers. Over time, the range of qualifications that attracted UCAS Tariff points expanded.
UCAS have now announced that apprenticeships will be allocated UCAS Tariff points from next year, 2025. This initiative forms part of UCAS’ aim to support a diverse range of progression routes into university or college.
The initiative will see:
- Tariff points awarded to apprenticeships at Level 3 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and SCQF Level 6 (Scotland) for those applying for 2026 entry onwards
- the number of Tariff points determined by the expected amount of time spent in study and work, and competency (achieving a ‘pass’ grade/band 8)
- size bands and grade bands aligned across all four UK nations, meaning an apprenticeship expected to last 24 months will get the same number of points regardless of where it was taken
Jane Hadfield, National Lead, Talent for Care and NHS Apprenticeships at Workforce, Training and Education, NHS England had the following to say about this announcement:
‘I am delighted that the Level 3 pathway has been recognised in this way – it sets out the intention for support for talented individuals to progress their career the aim being to establish progression routes to higher education, in partnership with employers, and to assist with ‘opening doors’ to the registered professions in healthcare.’
You can visit the UCAS website to access an FAQ and a summary of responses from the consultation.