Understanding the SQA UCAS Tariff in 2026

As the January 29th UCAS deadline approaches, thousands of Scottish students are asking the same question: “How many UCAS points are my Highers worth?”. While the UCAS Tariff system is standardized across the UK, the way SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) grades translate into points often causes confusion among applicants and parents.

At #NoWrongPath, we believe that clarity is the first step toward a successful career. Our 2026 UCAS Points Calculator is designed specifically for the Scottish curriculum, ensuring that every Higher, Advanced Higher, and Foundation Apprenticeship you’ve earned is accounted for.

Why Scottish Highers Have Different Points

It is a common misconception that Scottish qualifications are “worth less” because a Higher “A” earns 33 points while an A-Level “A” earns 48. In reality, the systems are designed differently. In Scotland, students typically study 4-5 Highers in one year, whereas A-Level students study 3 subjects over two years. Our calculator helps you visualize how your broader range of subjects adds up to a competitive total Tariff score.

Beyond Highers: HNC, HND, and Apprenticeships

The path to university in Scotland is rarely a straight line. Many students move from college to university via HNC (48 points) or HND (96 points) qualifications. Furthermore, the Foundation Apprenticeship, now recognized by all Scottish universities, carries a heavy weight of 42 UCAS points—equivalent to a Higher grade between A and B. Our tool is one of the few that allows you to mix and match these different qualifications in one single calculation.

1. Does every Scottish university use UCAS points for offers?

No. This is a critical point. While many universities in England and some modern Scottish universities (like Edinburgh Napier or UWS) make offers based on a total number of UCAS points, traditional universities (like Edinburgh, Glasgow, or St Andrews) usually make offers based on specific grades (e.g., ABBB or AAAA). Always check the “Entry Requirements” on the university’s official page.

2. Can I use my National 5 results for UCAS points?

Generally, no. UCAS points are typically awarded for Level 6 (Highers) and Level 7 (Advanced Highers/HNC) qualifications. While National 5s are vital for meeting the “essential subjects” criteria (like English or Maths), they rarely contribute to your total Tariff score.

3. How many points is a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) worth in 2026?

A Foundation Apprenticeship is officially worth 42 UCAS points. All 19 Scottish universities now recognize the FA as a Higher equivalent, making it a powerful addition to your application, especially for vocational courses.

4. Do Advanced Highers “stack” with Highers in the same subject?

This depends on the university. Some institutions will only count the points from your highest qualification in a single subject (e.g., if you have Higher and Advanced Higher Maths, they only count the Advanced Higher). Our calculator allows you to input both, but we recommend checking if your chosen uni “double counts” or not.

5. Is a 120-point offer hard to achieve with SQA Highers?

A typical 120-point offer can be met with approximately four Bs at Higher (27 x 4 = 108) plus a bit extra, or one A and three Bs (33 + 81 = 114). If you have a Foundation Apprenticeship (42 pts) or an Advanced Higher, reaching 120 points becomes much easier.

6. What if I am applying after a gap year or from college?

There is #NoWrongPath. If you are applying with an HNC, you already start with 48 points. If you finish an HND, you have 96 points, often allowing you to enter the 2nd or 3rd year of a degree directly (Advanced Entry).

7. Does it matter if I get my Highers in one sitting or two?

While your total UCAS Tariff points remain the same regardless of when you earned them, many competitive Scottish universities (like the University of Glasgow) have different entry requirements for “S5 only” vs “S5 and S6” sittings. For example, a course might require AAAA in one sitting but AAABBB if you take two years to get your grades. Always check if the university has a “resit policy” for your specific subject.

8. What are “Contextual Admissions” and can I get a lower point offer?

Yes! Scotland is a leader in fair access to education. If you live in a specific postcode (SIMD20), have experience in the care system, or attend a school with low progression rates, you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer. This means the university might ask for 100 points instead of the standard 132 points. Use our calculator to see your current total, then check the university’s “Access” page to see if you qualify for a lower threshold.

9. Is the Scottish Baccalaureate worth extra UCAS points?

Absolutely. The Scottish Baccalaureate (available in Science, Languages, Arts, and Social Sciences) includes an Interdisciplinary Project (IP) which is a Level 7 qualification. An ‘A’ in the IP is worth 28 UCAS points, while a ‘C’ earns 16 points. When added to your Advanced Highers, this can significantly boost your tariff, making you a very strong candidate for English Russell Group universities.

10. Can I get UCAS points for “Core Skills” or Music grades?

Many students don’t realize that Trinity or ABRSM Music exams (Grade 6 and above) carry UCAS points. For instance, a Grade 8 Distinction in Piano can add 30 points to your total. However, most Scottish universities prioritize your SQA Highers and may not include these “extra” points in their minimum entry requirements, even if they help your overall UCAS Tariff.

11. What is “Advanced Entry” and how do HNC/HND points help?

If you have an HNC (48 points) or HND (96 points) from a Scottish college, you might not have to start university from Year 1. Many “articulation” agreements allow students to move from college straight into the 2nd or 3rd year of a degree. This is a brilliant way to save on living costs while still earning a full degree from a top university—proving there truly is #NoWrongPath.

12. What if my points are lower than the “Minimum Entry Requirements”?

Don’t panic! The January 29th deadline is for “equal consideration,” but it’s not the end of the road. If your results in August are lower than expected, you can enter Clearing. Universities often lower their point requirements during Clearing to fill remaining spots. Additionally, you could consider a Foundation Apprenticeship or a year at college to bridge the gap; both are highly respected by employers and admissions officers alike.