Generally, the highest grades awarded by French professors are a 14 or 15. Grades of - 25 - 9 or 10 are satisfactory. Students work to pass a course rather than to earn a high grade. French students need an overall average of 10/20 to pass the year. International students may be given a little more flexibility in this area. ISEP-France generally regards an 8 as a passing grade for ISEP students.
The French educational system uses a unique grading scale that spans from high secondary education to college/university level. This system is based on a scale of 0 to 20, where a higher score indicates better performance. Below are tables that outline the main grade scales used in France, their comparable English terms, equivalent percentage ranges, and approximations to the GPA system used in the United States.
High School Grade Scale
France Grade | Comparable English Terms | Equivalent Percentage Range | Approximate GPA (US 4.0 Scale) |
---|---|---|---|
16-20 | Excellent | 90-100% | 4.0 |
14-15.9 | Very Good | 80-89% | 3.5 |
12-13.9 | Good | 70-79% | 3.0 |
10-11.9 | Satisfactory | 60-69% | 2.0 |
8-9.9 | Fair | 50-59% | 1.0 |
0-7.9 | Poor/Fail | Below 50% | 0.0 |
College / University Grade Scale
The grading scale for higher education often follows the same structure but interpretations can vary, particularly in the context of more competitive environments like grandes écoles and universities.
Understanding Grades in France
Each grade in the French system reflects a student’s academic performance with specific nuances:
- 16-20 (Excellent) 🌟: Signifies outstanding achievement well above the standard requirements.
- 14-15.9 (Very Good) 👏: Represents very good performance, demonstrating strong knowledge and skills.
- 12-13.9 (Good) 👍: Indicates good performance with a solid understanding and application of subjects.
- 10-11.9 (Satisfactory) 😊: Denotes satisfactory performance, meeting basic requirements.
- 8-9.9 (Fair) 🤔: Reflects fair performance, showing a need for further improvement to meet standards.
- 0-7.9 (Poor/Fail) ❌: Signifies poor performance or failure to meet the minimum academic criteria.
France Grade Comparison
Comparing French grades to those of other countries helps in understanding how academic performance translates internationally:
France Grade | US Grade | UK Grade | India Grade (%) | Australia Grade | Canada Grade | China Grade (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16-20 | A | First-class Honours | 75-100 | HD (High Distinction) | A+ | 85-100 |
14-15.9 | A- | Upper Second-class | 60-74 | D (Distinction) | A | 75-84 |
12-13.9 | B | Lower Second-class | 50-59 | C (Credit) | B | 65-74 |
10-11.9 | C | Third-class Honours | 40-49 | P (Pass) | C | 60-64 |
8-9.9 | D | – | Below 40 | F (Fail) | D | Below 60 |
0-7.9 | F | Fail | Below 40 | F (Fail) | F | Below 60 |
FAQs
Q: How can I convert my French grades to a US GPA?
A: To convert French grades to a US GPA, map the French grade out of 20 to the closest US grade equivalent and then calculate the GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note that conversions may vary slightly depending on the institution.
Q: Are French university grades evaluated differently when applying for international programs?
A: Yes, international programs may evaluate French grades using their conversion scales or criteria. It’s important to consult with the specific program for their evaluation methodology.
Q: Can a ‘satisfactory’ grade in the French system be considered good in other educational systems?
A: A ‘satisfactory’ grade (10-11.9) in France might equate to a ‘C’ in the US system, which is considered average. However, interpretation can vary based on the context and the competitiveness of the field or program.
Q: What is the minimum passing grade in French universities?
A: The minimum passing grade in French universities is generally 10 out of 20, which is considered satisfactory and equates to meeting the basic requirements.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the French grading system, offering insights into grade meanings, international comparisons, and addressing common questions about grade conversion.