The Australian grading system uses a unique HD to F scale, with High Distinction representing the highest achievement. Used across all Australian universities and many institutions in New Zealand.
Understanding the HD-F grading system used across Australian universities
Convert between Australian grades and percentages
Different GPA scales used across Australian universities
Most commonly used across Australian universities including Group of Eight.
Used by some universities for international compatibility.
For Honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas.
Group of Eight and other leading Australian institutions
Victoria • Go8 Member
New South Wales • Go8 Member
ACT • Go8 Member
Queensland • Go8 Member
New South Wales • Go8 Member
Victoria • Go8 Member
Western Australia • Go8 Member
South Australia • Go8 Member
How Australian grades compare to other grading systems
| Australian Grade | Percentage | US GPA | UK Class | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD | 85-100% | 4.0 (A+) | First Class | A |
| D | 75-84% | 3.7 (A) | First Class | A/B |
| C | 65-74% | 3.0 (B) | Upper Second (2:1) | B/C |
| P | 50-64% | 2.0 (C) | Lower Second (2:2) | C/D |
| F | 0-49% | 0.0 (F) | Fail | F |
Australia uses a 7-point GPA scale, with 7 being the highest grade (High Distinction), different from the US 4.0 scale.
Understanding the Australian HD-D-C-P-F grading system and GPA scale
High Distinction (HD, 85%+) is excellent. Distinction (D, 75-84%) is very good. Credit (C, 65-74%) is above average and considered solid. Pass (P, 50-64%) meets requirements. Employers typically prefer C average or above.
Multiply each course grade point by its credit points, sum these, then divide by total credits. Most use a 7-point scale: HD=7, D=6, C=5, P=4, F=0. Some universities use 4.0 scales similar to US.
Standard passing grade is 50%. Some professional courses (Medicine, Law) require higher. Supplementary pass (45-49%) may allow exam retakes at some institutions. Fail is below 50%.
HD (85%+) ≈ 4.0 GPA. D (75-84%) ≈ 3.5-3.9 GPA. C (65-74%) ≈ 2.7-3.4 GPA. P (50-64%) ≈ 2.0-2.6 GPA. WES and other credential services provide official evaluations for US applications.
WAM (Weighted Average Mark) is your percentage average (0-100). GPA converts marks to a point scale (usually 0-7). Both are used; some universities prefer WAM, others GPA. Check your university's system.
Most use the 7-point GPA scale and HD-D-C-P-F grades, but thresholds may vary slightly. Some universities (like those in Queensland) traditionally used 7-point, while others use 4-point scales. Always verify with your institution.
First Class Honours typically requires 80%+ or GPA 6.0+. Second Class Division 1: 70-79% (GPA 5.5). Second Class Division 2: 60-69% (GPA 5.0). Third Class: 50-59% (GPA 4.5). Requirements vary by university.
NZ and Australia have similar systems. NZ A+ (90%+) ≈ AU HD. NZ A/A- (80-89%) ≈ AU D. NZ B+/B (70-79%) ≈ AU C. NZ B-/C+ (60-69%) ≈ AU P. Most universities accept grades directly.