Grading Scales by Country
Grading systems look similar on the surface but differ in what the numbers mean. Here is a plain-language comparison of five common systems.
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Percentage scores map to letter grades and 4.0 GPA points (A=4.0 down to F=0.0). Honours courses often add weight (AP/IB can count 5.0).
United Kingdom
University degrees use degree classifications: First Class (70%+), Upper Second 2:1 (60–69%), Lower Second 2:2 (50–59%), Third (40–49%). Schools use First–Third for GCSE/A-levels and degree classes at university.
Australia
Universities use High Distinction (HD, 80–100), Distinction (D, 70–79), Credit (C, 60–69), Pass (P, 50–59), Fail (below 50). A 7-point GPA scale is common (7 = HD).
China
Common university scale: 90–100 = A/Excellent, 80–89 = B/Good, 70–79 = C/Satisfactory, 60–69 = D/Pass, below 60 = F. Many transcripts use a 5.0 or 100-point scale rather than 4.0.
India
Widely varied: percentages, 10-point CGPA (often 8.5+ = excellent) and letter grades all appear. University boards set their own mapping, so check your transcript legend.
Key point: there is no universal conversion. When applying abroad, use your institution’s official scale or a recognised evaluation service rather than guessing.