Understanding European Grading Systems

Contents

European grading systems overview
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)
UK grading system
German grading system
France's grading system
Spain's grading system
Italy's grading system
The Netherlands grading system
Sweden's grading system
Finland's grading system
Switzerland's grading system
Poland grading system
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When looking for a diverse and enriching educational experience with access to top universities, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant student communities, Europe is the place to go. Studying in Europe is an exciting adventure, especially because student mobility is largely encouraged, but each country has its own grading system to measure student performance, which can be confusing.

Let’s make things clearer for you by explaining how European grading systems work and how they are different from (or similar to) other grading systems in the US or other popular student destination countries.

European grading systems overview

European grading scales are expressed in letters (from A to E-F) or numbers (most commonly either from 1 to 5 or 1 to 10). These scales reflect how well student performance meets the school’s standards. Each grade basically stands for a level of performance from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Failure’, with some variations depending on the country.

This isn’t that complicated, is it? But you can imagine it starts to be when you need to ‘translate’ the grades from your home country to the grade system of another country where you plan to study abroad. And it can be annoying if you have several university options in different countries and plan to apply to all to see where you are admitted. Here are some key particularities of the European grading systems.

Diversity: Unlike the US, which has a more standardized system, European universities have greater freedom in their grading schemes. These can range from a simple three-point scale in Sweden (Pass, Fail, Pass with Distinction) to a two-tiered system in Italy with separate scales for courses and the final degree.
Honors with Distinction: Several European countries, like the UK and Italy, award honours with distinction (First Class Honours in the UK, and Lode in Italy) for exceptional performance. This recognition goes beyond a simple high grade and signifies a deeper understanding and accomplishment.
Strictness: The grading systems in some countries, like Germany and France, are known for being stricter. A grade of "Gut" (Good) in Germany or 10 out of 20 in France might be considered a solid achievement, whereas in other systems, it might be closer to an average grade.

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)

A while back, European countries started working together to better align their grading systems and make it easier for each other to recognise the academic performance of international students. This is how the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) was born.

The ECTS is adopted by universities from European Higher Education Area countries it and makes it easier to convert grades from one country into grades used in another country. Such a tool contributes to student mobility, as it makes it easier for you to transfer to a university in another European country.

The ECTS doesn’t replace local grade systems, but it is used simultaneously to "translate" and "transcript" a grade from one institution to another.

The ECTS scale is built according to the following rule:

grade A means ‘outstanding performance without errors’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the best 10% of students, and it means;
grade B means ‘above the average standard but with minor errors’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the next 25%;
grade C means ‘generally sound work with some errors’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the next 30%;
grade D means ‘fair but with significant shortcomings’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the next 25%;
grade E means ‘performance meets the minimum criteria’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the final 10%.
grade F means “Fail”.

University grading systems in top European student destinations

To understand the need for a system like ECTS, let’s examine the grading systems of the most popular European countries on Mastersportal.com. We'll explore how grades are awarded in countries like the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, and Poland. We’ll align these European grading scales to the American one, providing you with a roadmap to navigating academic success in these regions.

UK grading system

Studying in the UK offers a world-class education and a vibrant student life. The UK countries of England, Wales and Northern Ireland use A to D grades to evaluate study results, with D being the lowest to pass. Scotland has a different way of grading study results. However, all of them, at the end of a Bachelor’s programme, use a percentage scale (called the honours classification system) to evaluate graduates. Another European country using this grading system is Ireland. The UK grading system is also adopted in countries like Canada, Australia, and India, with some changes tailored to the local context.

Degree Classifications:

First-Class Honours (1st or First): 70% and above (Exceptional performance)
Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1 or 2.i): 60-70% (Strong performance)
Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2 or 2.ii): 50-60% (Satisfactory performance)
Third-Class Honours (3rd or Third): 40-50% (Minimum passing grade)
Fail: Below 40%

The UK grading system vs ECTS grading system:

First-Class Degree (70-100%) = A (in ECTS grading)
Upper Second-Class Degree (60-69%) = B (in ECTS grading)
Lower Second-Class Degree (50-59%) = C (in ECTS grading)
Third Class Degree (40-49%) = D (in ECTS grading)
Fail (0-39%) = E/F (in ECTS grading)

The UK grading system vs the US grading system:

First-Class Degree (70-100%) = A
Upper Second-Class Degree (60-69% = A-, B+
Lower Second-Class Degree (50-59%) = B, B-
Third Class Degree (40-49%) = C+, C, C-
Fail (0-39%) = F

Key points about the UK grading system:

The UK grading system is among the most rigorous in the world, and First-Class Honours are a significant achievement.
It is rare for students to achieve grades higher than 90%, though this can happen.
A 2:1 is generally viewed as a good grade, especially during your first student year. Moreover, it is often a requirement for postgraduate studies or certain jobs.

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University grading system in the UK

Germany grading system

Germany provides high-quality free education and excellent research opportunities. When studying in Germany, you are evaluated in a grading system from 1 to 5 (or 6) but with a twist: 1 is the highest grade, and 5 (or 6) is a failing mark. This means that if you get a 1, you completed your assignment almost perfectly, while if you get a 5, your performance didn’t meet the minimum requirements. Law schools in Germany have a different grading system, from 0 to 18. German grades include decimals.

The German grading scale:

1.0-1.4 (Sehr gut): Very good (Excellent achievement)
1.5-2.4 (Gut): Good (Achievement exceeding standard requirements)
2.5-3.4 (Befriedigend): Satisfactory (Achievement meeting standard requirements)
3.5-4.0 (Ausreichend): Sufficient (Achievement barely meeting minimum requirements)
4.1-5.0 (Mangelhaft): Not sufficient / Failed (Achievement not meeting minimum requirements)
6 (Ungenügend): Inadequate / Failed (Lacking understanding of basic concepts)

Note: Some universities or faculties grade by jumping three decimals: 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, 2.3, etc.

German university grades vs ECTS

1-1.5 (Exzellent): Outstanding = A (in ECTS grading)
1.6-2.0 (Sehr gut): Very good = B (in ECTS grading)
2.1-3.0 (Gut): Good = C (in ECTS grading)
3.1-3.5 (Befriedigend): Satisfactory = D (in ECTS grading)
3.6-4.0 (Ausreichend): Sufficient = E (in ECTS grading)
4.1-5.0 (6.0) (Nicht ausreichend): Fail = F (in ECTS grading)

German Grading system vs US Grading system (simplified)

1.0-1.5 = A
1.6-2.5 = B
2.6-3.5 = C
3.6-4.9 = D
5.0-6.0 = F

German Law Schools grading system:

Law schools in Germany have a different grading system than other universities, starting from 0 (lowest) to 18 (highest):

16-18 Sehr gut (Very good) – particularly outstanding
13-15 Gut (Good) – well above average
10-12 Vollbefriedigend (Fully satisfactory) – performance above average requirements
7-9 Befriedigend (Satisfactory) – meets requirements
4-6 Ausreichend (Sufficient) – meets requirements, but with some shortcomings
1-3 Mangelhaft (Deficient) – considerable weaknesses and unacceptable as a whole
0 Ungenügend (Inadequate) – a poor performance overall

Key Points about the German grading system:

The grading system is considered stricter compared to some other countries. A grade of 2.0 (Befriedigend) is generally considered an average grade.
Some universities might provide more granular details within each grade category.

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University grading system in Germany

France grading system

Immerse yourself in rich culture while receiving a top-tier education by studying in France. The French university grades range from 0 (worst) to 20 (best). To pass a subject and receive the credits for that subject, you must score at least 10 points. Your grade average across all courses needs to be at least 10 out of 20 to move on to the next year of study.

20 is the perfect grade and is virtually never granted (estimates show about 1% of students earn this grade), while scores of 19 and 18 are also rare. Depending on the subject, a score of 16 would be an excellent grade.

French grading system vs ECTS:

18-20 (Très bien): Excellent (Exceptional performance) = A (in ECTS grading)
16-17 (Très bien): Very good (Exceptional performance) = B (in ECTS grading)
14-15 (Bien): Good (Performance exceeds expectations, but some mistakes made) = C (in ECTS grading)
12-13 (Assez bien): Satisfactory (Satisfactory performance, but many mistakes made) = D (in ECTS grading)
10-11 (Passable): Sufficient (The level of performance is sufficient) = E (in ECTS grading)
0-9 (Ajourné): Fail (Level of performance does not reach expectations) = F (in ECTS grading)

French Grading system vs US Grading system

Although the French and US grading systems are not entirely equivalent, this is how grades correspond between the two:

15-20 = A
14.5-14.99 = A-
13.5-13.99 = B
13.0-13.49 = B-
14.0-14.49 = B+
11.5-11.99 = C
11.0-11.49 = C-
12.0-12.99 = C+
10.0-10.49 = D
10.5-10.99 = D+
Lower than 10 = F

Key points about the French grading system:

Grading in French universities tends to be stricter than in high school. So, a student might not receive grades as high in university as they did in secondary school.
A grade of 10 is considered sufficient to pass.
Scores above 16 are uncommon and reflect exceptional achievement, while perfect scores of 20 are virtually unheard of.
Some universities in France may award honours mentions based on your grade average. These typically range from "Très bien" (Very good) for scores between 16 and 20 to "Assez bien" (Fairly good) for 12 to 13.9.

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University grading system in France

Spain grading system

Experience sunny weather and lively culture while studying in Spain's excellent universities. Spanish universities utilise a 0 to 10-point grading scale to assess student performance, where 10 represents the highest possible grade and a 100% achievement of your learning goals. There is a tendency in Spanish universities for fewer students pursuing degrees in sciences, health and engineering to receive grades from the higher ranks of the grading scale.

9-10 (Sobresaliente): Outstanding – Some students who receive grades higher than 9, depending on their number, receive a Matrícula de Honor (MH) distinction.
7-8,9 (Notable): Remarkable
5-6,9 (Aprobado): (Pass)
0-4,9 (Suspenso): Fail

Spanish Grading Scale vs ECTS (simplified):

10 = A
9-9.9 = B
7-8.9 = C
6-6.9 = D
5-5.9 = E
0-4.9 = F

Spanish Grading Scale vs US grades:

10 (Matricula de Honor): Matriculation with Honours = A+
9.00-9.99 (Sobresaliente): Outstanding = A
7.00-8.99 (Notable): Very Good = B+
6.00-6.99 (Aprobado): Pass = B
5.50-5.99 (Aprobado): Pass = B-
5.00-5.49 (Aprobado): Pass = C
0.00-4.99 (Suspenso): Fail = F

Key points about the Spanish grading system:

Students with a grade of 9 or higher can be awarded "Matrícula de Honor" (Honors). However, the number of students receiving this distinction is usually limited by regulations to ensure its exclusivity (typically less than 5% of the class).
Spanish universities are known for a demanding academic environment, so achieving high grades (above 8) can be challenging, especially in science or technical related courses.

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University grading system in Spain

Italy grading system

Home to some of the oldest universities in Europe, Italy combines historic sites and top-notch education for a dynamic student experience. If you choose to study in Italy, know that the Italian university grading system uses a two-tiered structure with different scales for individual courses and the overall degree award. Universities in Italy use a grading scale from 0 to 30 when it comes to exams. This scale can be divided into ‘Failing’ (0 to 17) and ‘Passing’ (18 to 30) grades.

A grade of 30 with lode (translates to "with distinction" from Latin) means the highest honour achievement, like "cum laude" in other countries. For your final assessment, at the end of your studies, you will be evaluated based on a 110-point scale, which includes course exams and your final thesis. Some Universities in Italy used a 100-point scale instead of 110. The minimum passing grade for the entire degree is 66/110 (or 66/100).

Italian Grading System vs ECTS

30 = A (Excellent)
29 = B (Very good)
27-28 = C (Good)
24-26 = D (Satisfactory)
18-23 = E (Sufficient)
17 or less = F (Fail)

Italian Grading System vs US / UK systems

29.00-30.00 lode: Excellent = A (US system) / First class (UK system)
25.00-28.00: Very good = B (US system) / Upper second class (UK system)
21.00-24.00: Good = C (US system) / Lower second class (UK system)
18.00-20.00: Adequate = D (US system) / Third class (UK system)
17.00 or less: Not adequate = F (US system) / Fail (UK system)

Key points about the Italian grading system:

The specific grading curve and distribution of marks can vary between universities and programs.
Some professors might use additional symbols like 5++ or 6-- within the 0-30 scale, although these don't have a standardized value.
There's a move towards a more uniform 0-10 point system in some universities, but the 0-30 system remains dominant.

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University grading system in Italy

The Netherlands grading system

Gain an innovative education in a forward-thinking and internationally-oriented country. The Dutch use the same 10-point scale grading system for all education levels, from elementary school to university. The lowest possible grade is 1, while 10 is awarded for exceptional performance and a deep understanding of the subject.

The minimum passing grade is generally considered to be 6. However, for some exams or in school leaving examinations, a 5 or even a 4 might be acceptable if compensated for by high grades in other subjects.

Dutch Grading Scale:

10 = Outstanding
9 = Very good
8 = Good
7 = More than satisfactory
6 = Satisfactory
5 = Almost satisfactory
4 = Unsatisfactory
3 = Very unsatisfactory
2 = Poor
1 = Very poor

Dutch Grading System vs ECTS

9-10 = A (Excellent)
8-9 = B (Very good)
7-8 = C (Good)
6.6-7 = D (Satisfactory)
6 = E (Sufficient)
5.5 = F (Fail)

Dutch Grading System vs US / UK systems

10 = A+ (US system) / A+ (First class, UK system)
9.5 = A+ (US system) / A+ (First class, UK system)
9 = A+ (US system) / A+ (First class, UK system)
8.5 = A+ (US system) / A (First class, UK system)
8 = A (US system) / A, A- (First class, UK system)
7.5 = A/A- (US system) / B+ (Upper second class, UK system)
7 = B+ (US system) / B (Upper second class, UK system)
6.5 = B (US system) / C+ (Lower second class, UK system)
6 = B-/C (US system) / C, D (Lower second class, UK system)
5.5 = D (US system) / D (Third class, UK system)
<5 (Fail) = F (US system) / F (Fail, UK system)

Key points about the Dutch grading system:

Unlike some other systems that might curve grades based on class performance, the Dutch system is considered an absolute grading system. This means a student's grade reflects their individual understanding of the material, not necessarily their performance compared to classmates.

The 1-10 scale might seem similar to systems in other countries, but the distribution of grades is different. A high grade in the Dutch system holds more weight due to the scarcity of 9s and 10s.

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University grading system in the Netherlands

Sweden grading system

Sweden offers cutting-edge education with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Higher education grading scales in Sweden vary, as universities and university colleges (högskolor) themselves decide what grading system to use. The most common grading system is a three-point scale.

The best way to determine the exact grading system used at a particular Swedish university is to consult their website or program information. They'll usually outline the grading scheme they use for their courses and degrees.

Swedish three-point grading scale (most common):

Väl godkänd (Passed with Distinction) - Excellent performance
Godkänd (Passed) - Satisfactory performance
Underkänd (Fail) - Not meeting minimum requirements

Other grading systems in Sweden:

Pass – Fail (Godkänd – Underkänd) – used in some Medical schools, Arts, Social Science faculties, and often used in vocational and distance education.
Pass with Distinction – Pass with Credit – Pass – Fail (Med beröm godkänd – Icke utan beröm godkänd – Godkänd – Underkänd) - Widely used by law faculties in Sweden.
Five – Four – Three – Fail (Fem – Fyra – Tre – Underkänd) - Widely used by engineering faculties in Sweden.

Key points about the grading system in Sweden:

Some universities might use a combination of these scales or even employ a different system altogether.
Unlike the US GPA system, Swedish universities typically don't calculate an overall grade for a degree or rank students.
Some Swedish universities adopted the ECTS system as their grading system.

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University grading system in Sweden

Finland grading system

Finland provides an excellent education system and a unique Nordic lifestyle. Finnish grading is based on individual performance. Universities primarily use a 0-5 point scale for assessing coursework and theses. Passing a course or exam typically requires obtaining at least 50% of the maximum points.

Finnish grading system vs US grades:

5 (Erinomainen): Excellent (Top performance) = A (US grade)
4 (Kiitettava): Very good (Strong performance) = B+ (US grade)
3 (Hyva): Good (Satisfactory performance) = B (US grade)
2 (Tyydyttava): Satisfactory (Passable performance) = C (US grade)
1 (Valttava): Passable (Minimal passing performance) = D (US grade)
0 (Hylsy): Fail (Not meeting minimum requirements) = F (US grade)

Key points about the grading system in Finland:

Finnish teachers assess students against the set learning objectives, not in relation to other students' performance. This can be a refreshing change for students used to competitive grading systems.

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Switzerland grading system

Study in Switzerland for a prestigious education amidst stunning natural landscapes. The Swiss university grading system utilizes a 6-point scale, with higher numbers indicating better performance. Here's a breakdown of the system:

Swiss university grading Scale:

6 (Excellent): This represents outstanding performance with no shortcomings, demonstrating exceptional achievement.
5.5 (Very Good): Signifies a strong performance with minor shortcomings. An achievement that surpasses largely the average standard.
5 (Good): Represents a generally good performance with minor shortcomings. An achievement that surpasses the average standard.
4.5 (Satisfactory): Indicates a generally good performance with multiple shortcomings. An achievement that fulfills the average standards despite deficiencies.
4 (Sufficient): This is the minimum passing grade. It signifies a passable performance with significant shortcomings. An achievement that fulfills the average standard despite deficiencies.
3 (Failed): This grade indicates insufficient performance and represents a failing grade.
Grades below 3 might be awarded in some cases for cheating, not submitting a paper, or not attending an exam without a valid reason.

Key points about the Swiss grading system:

The system focuses on rewarding excellent performance, with the highest grades (6 and 5.5) challenging to achieve. A grade of 4 (Sufficient) is the minimum passing grade.
Some universities might use a 10-point scale in specific cases, but the 6-point scale remains dominant.
The ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) is also used in Switzerland, and ECTS has a corresponding letter grade system (A to F) for the Swiss numerical grades.

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University grading system in Switzerland

Poland grading system

Poland offers high-quality education at affordable costs and a rich cultural history. The Polish university grading system is relatively straightforward compared to some other countries. It uses a streamlined 5-to-2 scale, with higher numbers indicating better performance. The lowest passing grade is 3, and grades sometimes have a subdivision (2, 3, 3½, 4, 4½ and 5, or 2, 3, 3+, 4, 4+ and 5).

The Polish university grading scale

5 (Bardzo dobry): very good - This represents exceptional achievement and in-depth mastery of the subject matter
4+ or 4½ (Dobry plus or Ponad dobry): Good plus or Above good - A strong understanding of the course material and above average performance
4 (Dobry): Good - Represents a solid grasp of the content and satisfactory completion of course requirements
3+ or 3½ (Dosc dobry or Dostateczny plus): Fairly good or Sufficient plus - Indicates a sufficient understanding of the material, meeting minimum passing standards
3 (Dostateczny): Sufficient - This is the minimum passing grade, signifying a marginal understanding that barely meets requirements.
2 (Niedostateczny): Insufficient - Represents a lack of sufficient knowledge or inadequate

Key points about the Polish grading system:

In some instances, courses might not use the numerical grading system. Instead, they may be evaluated on a simple "zaliczenie" (passed) or "niezaliczenie" (failed) basis, signifying successful completion or non-completion of course requirements.

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University grading system in Poland

This said…

It’s hard to deny it: understanding European grading systems can be challenging. With a bit of research and the right resources, however, you can navigate these differences successfully. Familiarise yourself with the grading system in the country you chose to study in. Know what’s expected of you, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Embrace the adventure of studying abroad, and you'll not only succeed academically but also enrich your overall experience. Good luck with your studies in Europe!

Other resources

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do European grading systems differ from the US grading system?

European grading systems vary significantly across countries. They often use a numerical or letter scale that ranges from 'Excellent' to 'Fail'. For example, the UK uses a percentage system alongside classifications like First-Class Honours, while Germany uses a 1.0 to 5.0 scale where 1.0 is the highest. The US system typically uses letter grades from A to F.

Q2: What is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)?

The ECTS is a standardised system adopted by universities in the European Higher Education Area. It helps convert grades from one country to another, facilitating student mobility and making it easier to transfer credits across European universities. The ECTS grading scale ranges from A (outstanding) to F (fail).

Q3: How does the UK grading system compare to the ECTS system?

The UK grading system uses percentage scores and degree classifications. For instance, a First-Class Honours (70-100%) translates to an A in the ECTS system. An Upper Second-Class (60-69%) corresponds to a B, a Lower Second-Class (50-59%) corresponds to a C, and a Third-Class (40-49%) corresponds to a D. Scores below 40% are considered failing and equate to an E or F in the ECTS system.