IBDP student with outstanding results at an IBDP school in Bangalore

By Knowledgeum Academy

Published: 13-09-2024 | 12:00 am

Last Updated: 26-06-2026 | 03:06 pm

Converting IB Diploma Scores to UCAS Points: Everything You Need to Know

IB to UCAS Points Converter

Higher Level Subjects

Subject 1:

Subject 2:

Subject 3:

Standard Level Subjects

Subject 1:

Subject 2:

Subject 3:

IB Core

Extended Essay:

Theory of Knowledge:

Total UCAS Points: 0

Assessment and Grading in IBDP
Good Scores in IBDP
Understanding the UCAS Tariff
Conversion of IBDP points to UCAS points
University Entry Requirement

Assessment and Grading in IBDP

For IBDP the course requirement includes:

6 subjects to be selected from 6 subject groups
At least three subjects must be taken at a Higher Level (HL) and the rest at a Standard Level (SL)
DP Core which includes:
- Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)

Each subject is scored out of 7 points, with 4 being the minimum passing grade for that subject. DP core is graded, but these are converted into points and a student can score 1 point for each of the elements. Thus, the highest one can score in IBDP is 45 and 24/45 is the passing grade. Further, students have to complete all the course requirements to earn the IBDP diploma. In the IBDP assessments, 80% of marks are assigned to external assessments and 20% to internal assessments. So, though the major chunk of your scoring will be from the final exams at the end of the second year of IBDP, the 20% of internal marks is for attendance, internal assessments, participation in activities, projects etc.

Good Scores in IBDP

Based on the requirement for earning an IB Diploma, the best scores possible in each component of IB are:

Higher Level: 21 IB points
Standard Level: 21 IB points
IB Core: 3 IB points

Additional subjects or more than 3 HL subjects are considered extra credit.

Understanding the UCAS Tariff

The UCAS Tariff provides universities and colleges with a way to compare different qualifications against the more common UK high school qualifications which are the A levels. This aids in fair decision-making for admissions and awarding scholarships. Some UK universities and colleges have UCAS points as an entry requirement so the conversion is pertinent.

Conversion of IBDP Points to UCAS Points

To work out your IB to UCAS tariff, you’ll need each component’s score and your total points. Higher level points are often viewed by both UCAS and universities as the most important score. Thus, you earn the most UCAS tariff points for these. Here is a matrix for score conversion.

Higher Level		Standard Level		IB Core
Grade	UCAS Points	Grade	UCAS Points	Grade	UCAS Points
1 and 2	0	1 and 2	0	A	12
3	12	3	6	B	10
4	32	4	12	C	8
5	32	5	16	D	6
6	48	6	24	E	4
7	56	7	28

University Entry Requirement

Each university will specify its entry requirement and the UCAS score that they will accept. The IBDP is a focused pre-university course and the syllabus and curriculum are designed to ensure that students learn the foundation theories and concepts of the subjects and essential skills to do well in college. If a student scores 140 points in Higher Level, 54 from Standard Level, and 26 from DP Core, they gain 220 UCAS points. These scores will determine their eligibility for university admissions. If you are applying from India, you will have to additionally submit IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

112 UCAS points can be enough for entry into many university courses, but it depends on the specific entry requirements of the course and university you are applying to.

You can achieve 104 UCAS points by obtaining grades like BBC at A-Level or Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in BTEC qualifications. Various qualifications contribute to different UCAS points based on the grading scale.

144 UCAS points typically equate to AAA at A-Level, or equivalent high grades in other qualifications like BTEC or Scottish Highers.

UCAS points are earned by completing qualifications like A-Levels, Scottish Highers, BTECs, and some other international qualifications. Higher grades generally give you more points.

Yes, 138 UCAS points are considered a strong score and can qualify you for a variety of university courses, depending on the institution's requirements.

The current UCAS Tariff system does not use points like 240, as the system was updated in 2017. However, this amount would have been considered good under the old system.

The maximum UCAS points you can achieve in one sitting is 168, which equates to 3 A* grades at A-Level.

For Indian students, UCAS points are usually calculated by converting Indian qualifications (such as ISC, CBSE, or HSC results) into their UCAS equivalent using the official UCAS Tariff Table. Some Indian qualifications like the International Baccalaureate (IB) also directly contribute to UCAS points.

UCAS points for Indian students are calculated based on the qualifications they hold, such as A-Levels, IB Diploma, or equivalent Indian certifications converted into the UK?s UCAS Tariff.

UCAS points are a system used by universities in the UK to measure and compare the value of different qualifications. They help students understand how their qualifications translate into the university admissions process.

120 UCAS points are roughly equivalent to grades BBB at A-Level or equivalent qualifications in other educational systems.

An A* grade at A-Level is worth 56 UCAS points.

Indian students can fill out UCAS by creating an account on the UCAS website and following the application process. You'll need to provide your personal details, academic qualifications, a personal statement, and references.

No, UCAS is not only for UK students. International students, including those from India, use UCAS to apply to undergraduate courses in the UK.

UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

You may submit a UCAS application without IELTS if you meet the English language requirements through other qualifications or exemptions, but most UK universities will require proof of English proficiency for international students.

Yes, some universities accept direct applications without using UCAS, especially for postgraduate courses, but for most undergraduate programs, UCAS is the main route.

UCAS is compulsory for applying to most undergraduate courses at UK universities. However, some alternative pathways may exist, particularly for direct applications or certain specific institutions.

You can apply to up to five universities or courses through UCAS in a single application cycle.

The English language requirements vary by university, but most will ask for a recognized English qualification such as IELTS or equivalent. Some universities accept other qualifications like TOEFL or a high score in English in school exams.

A "good" UCAS score depends on the course and university. Competitive universities like Oxford and Cambridge often require high UCAS points, typically over 160. For other universities, 112?144 UCAS points are common entry requirements.

UCAS points are calculated based on your qualifications and the grades you achieve. Each grade in a qualification like A-Level or BTEC is assigned a specific number of points.

AAA at A-Level is worth 144 UCAS points.

It?s not possible to get 360 UCAS points under the current system. The maximum you can achieve is 168 points with three A* grades at A-Level.

ABC at A-Level would be worth 128 UCAS points.

Oxford does not typically use the UCAS points system and prefers specific grade requirements, such as AAA or equivalent, rather than focusing on points.

You can apply for UCAS in India by registering online on the UCAS website, filling out your details, uploading necessary documents, and submitting your application along with a personal statement.

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