Converting international grades can be challenging because grading systems vary widely by country. This guide explains how country-specific grading scales are commonly interpreted when converted to a GPA, helping students, applicants, and institutions compare academic performance across countries.
Country-Specific Grade Conversion Pages
Select your country to see how local grades map to GPA ranges commonly used by U.S., Canadian, or UK institutions.
Popular Country Grade Conversions
Convert Grades from India to GPA
Convert Grades from the UK to GPA
Convert Grades from Germany to GPA
Convert Grades from France to GPA
Convert Grades from China to GPA
Convert Grades from Brazil to GPA
Convert Grades from Russia to GPA
Convert Grades from Japan to GPA
Convert Grades from South Korea to GPA
Convert Grades from Italy to GPA
Why Grade Conversion Matters
Different countries use distinct grading systems, including percentage-based scales, letter grades, and numerical point systems. Because of these differences, grades earned in one country may not be directly comparable to those used elsewhere.
U.S.-based colleges and universities often require international grades to be converted into a standardized GPA when evaluating applications, transfers, or academic standing. Some institutions may instead require an official credential evaluation from services such as WES or ECE rather than relying on informal grade conversions.
How the International Grade Conversion Works
When international grades are evaluated, percentages, classifications, or numeric scores are often mapped to approximate GPA ranges on a 4.0 scale to help standardize academic performance across different systems. These ranges are not universal and may vary by institution.
| Grade Range (Typical) | Letter Grade | Approximate GPA |
|---|---|---|
| 90%–100% | A / A+ | 3.7 – 4.0 |
| 80%–89% | B | 3.0 – 3.6 |
| 70%–79% | C | 2.0 – 2.9 |
| 60%–69% | D | 1.0 – 1.9 |
| Below 60% | F | 0.0 |
Note: These GPA ranges are provided for reference only and do not replace official evaluations required by universities or credential agencies. Percentage ranges shown are illustrative and may not reflect grading scale in all countries.
Challenges with International Grade Conversion
- Different Scales – Some countries use a 1–10 scale, others use percentages, and others use letter grades
- Varying Expectations – A 70% score in the U.S. might be a C, but in some European countries, it would be considered a high score
- Grade Inflation/Deflation – Some systems are more lenient or stricter than others
- Subjective Weighting – Certain countries weigh coursework and exams differently when assigning final grades
Sample International Grade Conversion Examples
Below are sample examples showing how grades from different countries are commonly interpreted when converted to a GPA scale for comparison purposes.
| Country | Grading Scale | Typical GPA Interpretation* |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | First-Class (70%+), Upper Second (60–69%), Lower Second (50–59%) | 4.0, 3.3–3.7, 2.7–3.0 |
| Germany | 1.0 (best) to 5.0 (fail) | 1.0 ≈ 4.0, 2.0 ≈ 3.7, 3.0 ≈ 3.0 |
| India | 10-point scale or percentage | 9–10 ≈ 4.0, 7–8 ≈ 3.3–3.7, 5–6 ≈ 2.0–2.5 |
| France | 20-point scale | 16–20 ≈ 4.0, 14–15 ≈ 3.5, 12–13 ≈ 3.0 |
| China | 100-point scale | 90–100 ≈ 4.0, 80–89 ≈ 3.0, 70–79 ≈ 2.0 |
| Brazil | 0–10 scale | 9–10 ≈ 4.0, 7–8 ≈ 3.0, 5–6 ≈ 2.0 |
| Russia | 5-point scale | 5 ≈ 4.0, 4 ≈ 3.0, 3 ≈ 2.0 |
*GPA interpretations are approximate and provided for reference only.
How to Convert International Grades to GPA
Step 1: Identify the country’s grading system
Each country uses its own grading scale, classifications, and academic standards.
Step 2: Use the country-specific conversion guide
Select your country to see how local grades map to GPA ranges commonly used by U.S., Canadian, or UK institutions.
Step 3: Review grading rules and weightings
Some systems weigh exams, coursework, or final classifications differently.
Step 4: Confirm institutional requirements
Universities and employers may apply their own evaluation policies.
How Converted GPAs Are Used in Admissions
GPAs help admissions teams compare academic performance across different international grading systems, but they are rarely evaluated in isolation. Universities typically use GPA as one reference point within a broader review process.
In addition to GPA, admissions decisions often consider:
- The rigor of the curriculum and grading standards in the student’s home country
- Course difficulty, level, and subject relevance
- Academic trends over time (improvement or consistency)
- Supporting materials such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores
Some institutions recalculate GPAs internally or rely on official credential evaluations instead of externally converted GPA values. As a result, grade conversions are best viewed as a comparative tool, not a final determination of admission outcomes.
International Grade Conversion FAQs
How accurate are international grade conversions?
International grade conversions are estimates based on common country-specific grading standards. Universities and employers may apply their own evaluation policies, so final GPA decisions rest with the receiving institution.
Do U.S. universities accept international GPA conversions?
Most U.S. universities accept international GPA conversions, but some require an official credential evaluation from recognized agencies such as WES or ECE.
What if my transcript does not include a GPA?
If a GPA is not listed, universities may calculate an internal equivalent or request an official credential evaluation based on your country’s grading system.
What if my country’s grading system isn’t listed?
If your country is not listed, refer to a general international conversion guide or consult the receiving institution or a credential evaluation service.
When is an official credential evaluation required?
Some universities and employers require an official evaluation when grading systems differ significantly or when standardized GPA equivalencies are not provided.
Are online international GPA conversion tools reliable?
Online tools provide reasonable estimates for international grade conversion, but institutional policies may differ. Always confirm requirements with the receiving school or employer.
How do universities evaluate international grades beyond GPA?
In addition to GPA, universities often consider course difficulty, grading rigor in the home country, academic trends, and supporting documents such as transcripts and recommendations.
Last updated: December 2025