Canada's grading system differs from province to province and from school to school, but it is generally based on a percentage system that is converted into letter grades and GPA. Below is a list of the most common grading systems used in Canadian colleges and universities.
GPA in Canada
Canada's grading system varies across provinces and institutions, making it complex. Grades are based on performance in courses, measured in credit hours, which are earned by meeting course requirements. The Grade Point Average (GPA) reflects overall performance and is calculated based on credits earned and credit hours completed. The final GPA is a weighted average calculated at graduation.
To calculate your GPA according to the Canadian grading system, use the GPA Calculator and choose the Canadian Grading System option.
GPA Assessment in Canada
The following GPA evaluation is widely utilized in Canada:
Popular Grading Systems in Canada
As the grading systems in Canada differ across provinces, here is a list of Provinces and how their grading system works:
Alberta
In Alberta, the post-secondary grading system typically uses a 4.0 GPA scale to evaluate student performance. This system assigns letter grades based on percentage ranges, with an "A" or "A+" (90-100%) representing a 4.0 GPA, indicating excellent academic achievement. While specific grading scales can vary slightly between institutions, the general structure remains consistent across the province.
British Columbia
The top universities in British Columbia include The University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and Simon Fraser University. These institutions, along with high schools in the region, use an alphabetical grading system that corresponds to specific percentage ranges. Here’s an overview of the grading scale commonly used in British Columbia:
Manitoba
Manitoba uses a standardized grading system with letter grades, percentages, and GPA values for both universities and high schools. Here's the typical scale:
Newfoundland & Labrador
The grading system in Newfoundland and Labrador, like many other Canadian provinces, employs a combination of letter grades, and percentages to evaluate student performance. Here's a brief overview of the grading scale commonly used in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Nova Scotia
The grading system for universities in Nova Scotia, such as Dalhousie University, Acadia University, and Saint Mary’s University, typically utilizes a distinct percentage range for letter grades. This system helps in the evaluation and comparison of student performance across different institutions within the province. Here is an overview of the common grading scale used in Nova Scotia:
Ontario
The grading system for universities in the Ontario region of Canada employs a combination of alphabetical grades, numerical grades, and percentage scores to evaluate student performance. Here’s an overview of the typical grading scale used:
Quebec & Brunswick
Both Quebec and New Brunswick use a grading system that converts percentage scores into letter grades and GPA values. Here’s a typical scale used in these provinces:
Saskatchewan
Universities in Saskatchewan have a straightforward grading system for determining GPAs, using percentages and letter grades to evaluate student performance. The University of Saskatchewan, the most favored university in the province, follows this simple and transparent method to assess academic achievements.
Conclusions
Overall, the Canadian grading system plays a vital role in evaluating academic achievements, facilitating communication between educators, students, and stakeholders, and informing decisions related to admissions, scholarships, and academic evaluations.