Australian Grading System Explained: A Complete Guide
The academic grading system varies from one country to the other. In Australia, international students may find the grading system complicated to understand.
Many overseas students often get stressed about the ‘D’ grade, which they consider a bad grade. Though actually, it means a distinction grade.
It’s essential to understand that every university, institute, or state, may have a different grading system in Australia.
We always suggested to check with the specific educational institute or university about the grading systems they follow.
Our blog discusses the grading systems used in universities across Australia, including colleges, high schools, and vocational education and training (VET) institutes.
Additionally, you'll gain insights into GPAs (Grade Point Averages), ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank), and more.
University Grading System In Australia
First, let's examine the university grading system in Australia.
While most universities use similar grading scales (F - HD), some might employ different percentage scales (49 -100). The grading scale in the table below is the most common one. It applies to undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree Programs) and postgraduate courses (Master's Degree Programs) in Australia.
You will also find equivalent American (US) and British (UK) grades mentioned next to the Australian grades. It's important to note that these universities might have minor variations in their grading scales.
We will discuss the specific grading systems and scales used in each university location in Australia further down below in this blog.
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale (%) | GPA | US Equivalent | UK Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD | High Distinction | 85 - 100 | 7 | A + | First Class |
| D | Distinction | 75 - 84 | 6 - 6.99 | A | Second Class - Upper Division |
| C | Credit | 65 - 74 | 5 - 5.99 | B | Second Class - Lower Division |
| P | Pass | 50 - 64 | 4 - 4.99 | C | Third Class |
| F | Fail | 49 and below | 0 - 3.99 | F | Fail |
Honors Degree Grading
The grades differ if you want to pursue an honours degree. Compared to a standard undergraduate degree (Bachelor's Degree Program), an honours degree involves an additional year of study.
To earn an honours degree, you must do independent research in your field after finishing your third year of a bachelor's degree, with supervision.
Here's what the honours degree grades look like:
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale (%) |
|---|---|---|
| H1 | First Class Honours | 80 and above |
| H2A | Second Class Honours - (Division A) | 74 - 79 |
| H2B | Second Class Honours - (Division B) | 70 - 74 |
| H3 | Third Class Honours | 65 - 69 |
| P | Pass | 50 - 64 |
| N | Fail | 49 and below |
What Is a GPA (Grade Point Average) Scale in Australia?
Before enrolling in an Australian course, it's essential to understand the concept of GPA (Grade Point Average).
For those unfamiliar with GPA, it's a numerical tool to assess a student's academic performance during a study period or throughout their entire course.
You can calculate the GPA using this formula: GPA = (Sum of (Grade Point x Credit Points) ÷ (Sum of Credit Points)
In Australia, universities use two different GPA scales: one goes from 1 to 4, and the other from 1 to 7. To convert your GPA, you must find out which scale your university uses.
If your university uses a 4-point GPA scale, and you reach a 4.0, it means you have achieved the highest GPA possible on that scale. (GPA of 4.0).
On the other hand, if your university uses a 7-point GPA scale, the best score you can get is 7.0 (GPA of 7.0), and 0 is the lowest score.
This standardised system helps compare and measure students' academic performance in Australia.
Here's a table that shows how GPAs work in Australia on both scales:
| Grade Scale (%) | 7 - Point GPA Scale |
4 - Point GPA Scale |
US Equivalent | UK Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 - 100 | 7 | 4 | A + | First Class |
| 75 - 84 | 6 - 6.99 | 3 | A | Second Class - Upper Division |
| 65 - 74 | 5 - 5.99 | 2 | B | Second Class - Lower Division |
| 50 - 64 | 4 - 4.99 | 1 | C | Third Class |
| 0 - 49 | 0 - 3.99 | 0 | F | Fail |
University Grading Systems as per Australia's States and Territories
1. New South Wales (NSW)
The state of New South Wales is a popular study destination in Australia.
It is home to several famous universities like the University of New South Wales, University of Newcastle, University of Sydney, and Macquarie University.
The table below shows the grade scale followed by the educational institutions of New South Wales:
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale (%) | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD | High Distinction | 85 - 100 | A + |
| D | Distinction | 75 - 84.99 | A |
| CR | Credit | 65 - 74.99 | B |
| P or PW | Pass | 50 - 64.99 | C |
| F | Fail | 00 - 49.99 | F |
Note: There is another grade known as Pass Conceded (PC), which allows progression to some other course under mitigating circumstances.
2. Victoria (VIC)
Victoria is known for its renowned education system worldwide.
It boasts around 9 different universities that include Monash University, Deakin University, Swinburne University of Technology, the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University.
The table below shows the grading system followed by the educational institutions of Victoria:
| Grade | Grade Name | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| A | Highest Grade | A + |
| B | A | |
| C | B | |
| D | C | |
| E | Lowest grade needed to pass | D |
| F | Fail | F |
3. Queensland (QLD)
Queensland has some of the top-ranking universities in the world including Griffith University, University of Queensland, and Griffith University.
The table below shows the grade scale followed by the educational institutions of Queensland:
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD | High Distinction | 7 | A + |
| D | Distinction | 6 - 6.99 | A |
| CR | Credit | 5 - 5.99 | B |
| P | Pass (the lowest passing grade) | 4 - 4.99 | C |
| F | Fail | 1 - 3.99 | F |
4. South Australia (SA)
The state of South Australia has some of the best universities in Australia, which includes the University of Adelaide, Carnegie Mellon University, Flinders University and the University of South Australia.
The table below shows the grade scale followed by the educational institutions of South Australia:
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale (%) | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD | High Distinction | 85 - 100 | A + |
| D | Distinction | 75 - 84.99 | A |
| C | Credit | 65 - 74.99 | B |
| P1 | Pass Level 1 | 55 - 64.99 | B - |
| P2 | Pass Level 2 | 50 - 54.99 | C |
| F1 | Fail Level 1 (the lowest passing grade) | 40 - 49.99 | C - |
| F2 | Fail Level 2 | 30 - 39.99 | F |
5. Western Australia (WA)
The state of Western Australia consists of several universities.
Some of them are: University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, and Murdoch University.
The table below shows the grade scale followed by the educational institutions of Western Australia:
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale (%) | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD | High Distinction | 80 - 100 | A |
| A | Excellent Achievement | 80 - 100 | A |
| B | High Achievement | 70 - 79.99 | B |
| C | Sound Achievement | 60 - 69.99 | C |
| D | Limited Achievement (lowest grade needed to pass) |
50 - 59.99 | D |
| E | Fail | 0 - 49.99 | F |
6. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The two prominent universities in the Australian Capital Territory are the University of Canberra and the Australian National University.
The table below shows the grade scale followed by universities in the Australian Capital Territory.
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale (%) | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Extremely High Standard of Achievement | 85 - 100 | A |
| B | High Standard of Achievement | 70 - 84.99 | B |
| C | Acceptable Standard of Achievement | 50 - 69.99 | C |
| D | Limited Standard of Achievement | 25 - 49.99 | D |
| E | Very Limited Performance | 0 - 24.99 | F |
Note: There is also an ‘S’ grade, which is used when unavoidable circumstances prevent students from being granted A to E grading scale percentages in Australia.
7. The Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory in Australia has two prestigious universities: Charles Darwin University and Flinders University.
The below table shows the grading system followed by both institutions.
| Grade | Scale 1 | Scale 2 | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 5 | 17 - 20 | A |
| B | 4 - 4.99 | 14 - 16.99 | B |
| C | 3 - 3.99 | 11 - 13.99 | C |
| D | 2 - 2.99 | 8 - 10.99 | D |
| E | 1 - 1.99 | 0 - 7.99 | F |
8. Tasmania (TAS)
The island state of Tasmania is home to only one University, the University of Tasmania (UTAS), but it also hosts the famous TasTAFE.
The table below shows the grade scale, followed by the University of Tasmania.
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA | Excellent Achievement | 4 | A + |
| HA | High Achievement | 3.5 - 3.99 | A |
| CA | Commendable Achievement | 3 - 3.49 | B |
| SA | Satisfactory Achievement | 2.5 - 2.99 | C |
| PA | Preliminary Achievement | 2 - 2.49 | D |
VET Education (Vocational Education & Training) Grades
The Australian Vocational Education System offers various qualifications such as Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, and Certificates (ranging from I to IV).
In this system, most VET qualifications are characterised by a binary grading system, indicating whether a student is competent (Pass) or not competent (Fail) in their studies.
While some institutes may provide graded scores similar to university grades, vocational courses' primary focus is assessing competency levels.
The table below outlines the grading scale employed by Vocational Education Institutes.
| Grade | Grade Name | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| NYC | Not Yet Competent (Fail) | 0% |
| C | Competent (Pass) | 100% |
What Are ATAR Scores In Australia?
ATAR scores play a crucial role in the Australian education system when you are a high school or secondary school student.
For instance, if a student receives an ATAR score of 80, it means they have outperformed 80% of all other students in their final year across Australia.
The ATAR, or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, is a score ranging from 0 to 99.95, increasing by increments of 0.05. The highest rank is 99.95, followed by 99.90, and so on. Any rank below 30.00 is not specifically reported and is indicated as 'less than 30'.
Furthermore, exceeding a certain ATAR level can provide students with Government-sponsored opportunities.
The ATAR represents a student's performance compared to their peers and opens doors to various opportunities.
High School (Secondary School) Grading System in Australia
In Australia, the education system encompasses Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary levels, covering Years 1 to 12. While each state and territory may have minor variations in their high school grading systems, grades typically range from A to F.
International students can commence their education in Australia from age 6, and student result reports are typically provided to parents at least twice a year.
Whether you are a domestic or overseas student pursuing studies at the primary, secondary, or senior secondary level (high school), the following grades apply.
| Grade | Grade Name | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Excellent | 85% and above |
| B | Good | 70% to 84% |
| C | Satisfactory | 51% to 69% |
| D | Limited | 31% to 50% |
| E | Very Low | 26% to 30% |
| F | Fail | Below 25% |
What is Australia’s Education System?
The Australian education system encompasses School Education (kindergarten to grades 6-7, secondary school to grades 7-10/8-10, and senior education to grades 11-12) and Tertiary education (higher education and vocational training).
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) unifies accredited institutions, allowing for easy transfers. Study durations vary:
-
Foundation years (1 year)
-
Vocational education (1-4 years)
-
Undergraduate programs (3 years, with an optional fourth year for honours)
-
Postgraduate programs (1-3 years)
-
Doctoral studies (3 years with a review year)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Is A Good GPA In University Australia?
What GPA is considered good in Australian universities depends on the grading scale used by each university.
In universities following a GPA scale of 4, a GPA between 3 and 4 is exceptional, equivalent to a Distinction or Higher Distinction grade.
In universities following a GPA scale of 7, a GPA between 6 and 7 is excellent, also equivalent to a Distinction or Higher Distinction.
2. What Is The Highest GPA In Australia?
The highest GPA achievable depends on the grading scale implemented by your university.
To determine the highest GPA at your university, it is essential to consult with the institution. In Australia, there are two distinct GPA scales, one ranging up to 4 and the other up to 7.
Below are the highest GPAs for each grading scale:
- If You Study at a University With a GPA Scale of 4: A GPA of 4 corresponds to the highest grade (HD), while 0 represents the lowest grade (Fail).
- If You Study at a University With a GPA Scale of 7: A GPA of 7 signifies the highest grade (HD), and 0 signifies the lowest grade (Fail).
To determine which grading scale applies to your academic program, it is crucial to inquire with your school.
3. What Is a 4.0 GPA in Australia?
When the university in Australia follows the GPA scale of 4, then a GPA of four is the highest grade point average attainable, indicating outstanding academic achievement.
4. Is A GPA of 5.5 Good In Australia?
In Australia, a GPA of 5.5 is regarded as excellent and above the average level. It falls within the upper and higher range when compared to lower GPAs.
5. Is There a GPA Calculator?
Yes, there are GPA calculators available in Australia. Many universities and educational institutions provide online tools or calculators that allow students to calculate their GPA based on the grading system used by their specific institution.
These calculators consider each course's credit hours or weightage and help determine the overall GPA.
6. What Are The Grades at University In Australia?
You can find below the most common grades for universities in Australia:
- HD (High Distinction): To achieve this grade, you must attain a score between 85 and 100%. It signifies an exceptional level of learning outcomes..
- D (Distinction): Falling within the score range of 75 to 84% earns you a Distinction. This grade indicates a very high standard of learning outcomes.
- CR (Credit): Scoring between 65 and 74% grants you a Credit grade. It reflects an excellent level of learning outcomes.
- P (Pass): When you demonstrate an acceptable standard of learning outcomes for a unit, you receive a Pass grade. The score range for this grade is between 50 and 64%.
- FA (Fail): If you fail to meet the satisfactory learning outcomes for a course or assignment, you will receive an "FA" grade. The score range for this grade is between 0 and 49%.
7. What is a High Distinction (HD) at Uni in Australia?
A High Distinction (HD) mark or grade in Australia is awarded for outstanding academic performance, often with a percentage grade of 85% or above. It is considered a top-level grade indicating excellent mastery of the subject matter.
8. What is a Distinction (D) at Uni in Australia?
A Distinction is granted to students in Australia who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, usually with a percentage grade ranging from 75% to 84%. This grade signifies a commendable accomplishment and reflects a firm grasp of the subject.
9. Is 50% a Passing Grade in Australia?
In Australia, a passing grade is generally 50%. However, passing grade requirements may vary among institutions and courses.
It's advisable to check the grading policies of the institution or course in question, as they may have different thresholds for passing grades.
10. Can You Convert ATAR To GPA?
No. ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) and GPA (Grade Point Average) are different grading systems used for different purposes and cannot be directly converted.
The ATAR is used primarily for university admissions in Australia, while GPA measures academic performance based on a specific grading scale.
11. What Grade Is 60% In Australia?
In most Australian states, attaining a score of 60% in a course or assignment is considered a passing grade (P).
However, it differs in Western Australia, where earning 60% results in a credit grade (C - Sound Achievement).
12. What Grade Is 70% In Australia?
In Australian universities and colleges, scoring 70% typically corresponds to a Credit (C), Distinction (D), or High Achievement (B) grade. However, it's important to note that the grading system in Australia may vary across different states.
Below are the grades assigned to each state of Australia for achieving a score of 70%:
-
New South Wales (NSW) - Grade: CR (Credit)
-
South Australia (SA) - Grade: CR (Credit)
-
Western Australia (WA) - Grade: B (High Achievement)
-
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) - Grade: B (High Standard of Achievement)
13. What Grade Is 70% in High School?
In Australia, for Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary education (High Schools), obtaining a minimum score of 70% in a course, subject, or assignment is considered a "B" grade (Good).
14. Is 80% an "A" in Australian High Schools?
In high schools throughout Australia, a grade of "B" (Good) is awarded for attaining a minimum score of 80%. To receive an "A" grade (Excellent), students must score 85% or higher in any given subject, course, or assignment.
15. What Percentage is an "A" in Australia?
Generally, an A grade in secondary or high school in Australia falls between 85% to 100%.
16. Is 75 % an "A" Grade In Australia?
For primary, secondary, or senior secondary schools (high schools), achieving 75% is a "B" grade (Good). For most universities or colleges, earning a grading score between 75 and 84 per cent is a Distinction (D) grade, the second-best Grade.
17. Is a "C" Grade a Pass in Australia?
In Australian high schools, a "C" grade is considered satisfactory.
However, in universities, the grade is called a "Credit", reflecting an excellent learning outcome. This applies to New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia universities.
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the "C" grade is known as the "Acceptable Standard of Achievement." Meanwhile, in Western Australia (WA), it is called a "Sound Achievement."
Conclusion
So far, this is all that you need to remember, but if you want to learn more about the Australian grading system, you can visit the website of each educational institution.
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