UCAS Points Now Reward Apprenticeships
In a groundbreaking move, UCAS is now awarding Tariff Points to learners completing Level 3 and above apprenticeships, finally putting them on par with traditional A-Levels.
What does that mean in real terms? If you’re completing a Level 3 apprenticeship and achieve a pass or above, your success could now be worth the same UCAS points as a CCC or AA at A-Level.
For apprentices in healthcare, especially those thinking about careers in dentistry, pharmacy, or science, this could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
A New Era of Fairness
Until now, UCAS points were largely the domain of academic pathways. Which meant apprentices, who were gaining hands-on skills, undergoing rigorous assessments, and often juggling real-world responsibilities, weren’t seen through the same lens. That ended up narrowing choices for many passionate, capable learners.
Now, in partnership with Skills England, UCAS is reshaping what success looks like. It’s not just about classroom hours or written exams, it’s about real learning, real achievement, and real futures.
What This Means for You
If you're training in a practical field like dentistry, this news isn’t just important; it’s personal.
Take Skills4Dental, for example. Our Level 3 Dental Nursing Practitioner Diploma Apprenticeship, approved by City & Guilds, has always helped learners start strong careers in clinics, surgeries, and with the NHS.
However, now those same learners can progress to university, transforming what was once seen as an endpoint into a new beginning.
Powering the Future of Healthcare
At Skills4Group, we believe apprenticeships aren't just an alternative - they’re an advancement. They're shaping tomorrow’s dental nurses, pharmacy techs, and healthcare professionals from the ground up.
With UCAS’s new Tariff system, there’s no longer a ceiling on what an apprentice can become. Instead, there's a ladder, built on skills, passion, and hard-earned success.
One System. Endless Possibilities
This change creates a more unified education system where universities and colleges can compare vocational qualifications with traditional ones, opening more doors for apprenticeship learners than ever before.
No more choosing between "practical" or "academic." Now, it's about what fits your goals, and both paths can lead to the same destinations.
Explore the full UCAS Tariff points announcement online.