The Australian university grading system is transparent and fair. One key aspect of this system is its grading structure, which gives a clear and consistent way to assess student performance across different educational levels. It uses both numerical and letter grades, each with specific significance.
If you need to calculate your grade, use the Online Grade Calculator, select the Australian Grading System, enter your data, and receive your grade based on that system.
Australian Grades and Their Significance
Types of Grading Scales
Different universities may use varied grading scales, but they generally follow these two common systems:
HD/CR/P/F System
In this system:
Numerical Grading Scale
This grading scale is more accurate:
Grading Variations in Education Levels
The Australian education system has some interesting differences in how grades are given, depending on the level of schooling. Go through the following section for a detailed discussion:
Primary and Secondary Education
Australia's education system encompasses Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary levels spanning Years 1 to 12. While slight variations exist between states and territories, grades generally range from A to F. The grading system outlined below applies to both domestic and international students across all levels:
University Grading System
Australia boasts top-tier universities across states and territories, each with distinct grading systems tailored to their academic standards and requirements. While fundamental components remain consistent nationwide, specific scales vary between institutions, whether public or private. Let's break down how grading scales might vary across different states and territories:
Australian Capital Territory
Key universities in the Australian Capital Territory, including the Australian National University and the University of Canberra, adopt a uniform grading system. ANU utilizes a seven-point GPA scale, ensuring standardized assessment across these institutions.
New South Wales
Renowned universities like the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales adhere to a grading system akin to Victoria's, with minor post-graduation award scale differences.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory, home to universities such as Charles Darwin University, follows a consistent grading system, ensuring parity in assessment methods. The grading system is similar as shown below:
Queensland
Premier universities like the University of Queensland employ a numerical grading approach, offering detailed assessments of academic performance, particularly in distinguishing honors attached to bachelor's degrees.
South Australia
Elite universities in South Australia, including the University of Adelaide and Flinders University, maintain standardized grading systems, fostering academic rigor and comparability.
Tasmania
Unique among Australian states, Tasmania's University of Tasmania implements a distinctive grading system reflecting the state's only one university:
Victoria
Victoria's prestigious universities, such as Monash University and the University of Melbourne, utilize a precise numerical grading scale, enabling nuanced evaluation of student achievements. See the chart below:
Western Australia
Leading universities like the University of Western Australia employ varying grading systems, with UWA utilizing a seven-point GPA scale akin to Victoria's.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Grading System
In the VET sector, including TAFE, assessment centers on competency rather than traditional grades, reflecting proficiency or lack thereof in specific skills and knowledge domains. The following table shows the grades provided by the VET Institutions:
How to Calculate Your GPA in Terms of HD/CR/P/F?
Each course grade is associated with specific GPA points in the Australian grading system:
Now, to calculate your GPA:
Assign GPA points to each course grade.
Multiply GPA points by the course's credit value.
Sum total weighted points.
Sum total credit values.
Divide total weighted points by total credit values.
So taking into account the credit value of each course the formula for calculating the weighted grade average is:
GPA = Total Weighted Points/Total Credit Value
Step-by-Step Calculation
Suppose you completed four courses with the following grades and credit values:
Course A: High Distinction (HD), 3 credit points
Course B: Distinction (D), 4 credit points
Course C: Credit (CR), 3 credit points
Course D: Pass (P), 2 credit points
Now follow the following step-by-step GPA calculation process for the given data:
First, assign GPA points:
Course A (HD): 7.0 points
Course B (D): 6.0 points
Course C (CR): 5.0 points
Course D (P): 4.0 points
After that, multiply GPA points by credit value:
Course A: 7.0×3=21.0 weighted points
Course B: 6.0×4=24.0 weighted points
Course C: 5.0×3=15.0 weighted points
Course D: 4.0×2=8.0 weighted points
Now, sum the total weighted points: 21.0+24.0+15.0+8.0=68.0 total weighted points
Then, sum the total credit value:
3+4+3+2=12 total credit points
Finally, calculate the GPA:
GPA= Total Weighted Points/Total Credit Value
= 68.0/12
≈ 5.67
Result: The calculated GPA for this example is approximately 5.67.