The method of academic grading varies from one country to another. International students in Australia can find the grading system very complex and difficult to comprehend at first. The ‘D’ grade, which they consider to be a low grade, is also emphasized by many overseas students. But literally, it means a grade of distinction. It is very important to note that every single entity or state in Australia may have a different grading system. Therefore, it is often recommended that they review the grading systems they adopt with the particular educational institute or university. What is the grading system in Australia? This article will highlight the common grading scale university grading system in Australia for colleges, high schools, and providers of vocational education around the nation are discussed in this blog.
Simple University Grading System In Australia
“How does the grading system work in Australia? The table below illustrates the general grading system common among most universities in Australia, specifically in the context of grades at uni. It’s important to note that while these universities generally follow this grading scale, there might be slight variations. This university grading system in Australia is applicable to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Additionally, similar American and British grades are provided for reference.
| Australian Grade | Grade Name | Percentage (%) | GPA Scale | US Equivalent | UK Equivalent |
| HD | High Distinction | 83 to 100 | 7 | A+ | First Class |
| D | Distinction | 73 to 82.99 | 6 to 6.99 | A | Second Class – Upper Division |
| C | Credit | 63 to 72.99 | 5 to 5.99 | B | Second Class – Lower Division |
| P | Pass | 50 to 62.99 | 4 to 4.99 | C | Third Class |
| N | Fail | 0 to 49.99 | 0 to 3.99 | F | Fail |
Honors Degree Grading
In addition to this, while pursuing an honors degree, the grades can look different. The honors degree requires an extra year of study as opposed to a regular undergraduate degree. Here’s what the grades for honors degrees look like:
| Grade | Grade Name | Percentage (%) |
| H1 | First Class Honours | 80 and above |
| H2A | Second Class Honours – A Division | 74 to 79 |
| H2B | Second Class Honours – B Division | 70 to 74 |
| H3 | Third Class Honours | 65 to 69 |
| P | Pass | 50 to 64 |
| N | Fail | 49 and below |
Systems Of Grading In Various Australian States And Territories:
1. New South Wales | University Grading System In Australia
A popular study destination in Australia is the state of New South Wales. It is home to many well-known universities, such as University of New South Wales, Newcastle University, Sydney University, and Macquarie University. The following table shows the grade scale adopted by New South Wales’ educational institutions:
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale (%) | US Equivalent |
| HD | High Distinction | 85 to 100 | A + |
| D | Distinction | 75 to 84.99 | A |
| CR | Credit | 65 to 74.99 | B |
| P or PW | Pass | 50 to 64.99 | C |
| F | Fail | 0 to 49.99 | F |
2. Victoria
Worldwide, Victoria is recognized for its renowned education system. There are roughly nine separate universities, including Monash University, Deakin University, Melbourne University of Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, and La Trobe University. The following table shows the ranking system adopted by Victoria’s educational institutions:
| Grade | Grade Name | US Equivalent |
| A | A+ | |
| B | A | |
| C | B | |
| D | C | |
| E | Lowest grade needed to pass | D |
| F | Fail | F |
3. Queensland
Queensland has some of the world’s top-ranking colleges, including Griffith University and Queensland University. The following table shows the grade scale adopted by Queensland’s educational institutions:
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale | US Equivalent |
| HD | High Distinction | 7 | A+ |
| D | Distinction | 6 to 6.99 | A |
| CR | Credit | 5 to 5.99 | B |
| P | Pass (the lowest passing grade) | 4 to 4.99 | C |
| F | Fail | 1 to 3.99 | F |
4. Southern Australia
The state of South Australia, which includes the University of Adelaide, Carnegie Mellon University, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia, has some of the best universities in Australia. The table below shows the grade scale adopted by South Australia’s educational institutions:
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale | US Equivalent |
| HD | High Distinction | 85 to 100 | A+ |
| D | Distinction | 75 to 84.99 | A |
| C | Credit | 65 to 74.99 | B |
| P1 | Pass Level 1 | 55 to 64.99 | B- |
| P2 | Pass Level 2 | 50 to 54.99 | C |
| F1 | Fail Level 1 (the lowest passing grade) | 40 to 49.99 | C- |
| F2 | Fail Level 2 | 30 to 39.99 | F |
5. Western Australia
Several universities such as the ones mentioned above, are there in the state of Western Australia. Some of them are Western Australia University, Edith Cowan University, Curtin University, and Murdoch University. The following table shows the university grading system harder in Australia:
| Grade | Grade Name | Grade Scale | US Equivalent |
| HD | High Definition | 80 to 100 | A |
| A | Excellent Achievement | 80 to 100 | A |
| B | High Achievement | 70 to 79.99 | B |
| C | Sound Achievement | 60 to 69.99 | C |
| D | Limited Achievement (lowest grade needed to pass) | 50 to 59.99 | D |
| E | Fail | 0 to 49.99 | F |
FAQs
Q1. What is the grading system in Australian universities?
Ans: The grading system in Australian universities typically uses letters, with ‘HD’ indicating a high distinction, followed by ‘D’ for distinction, ‘C’ for credit, ‘P’ for pass, and ‘F’ for fail.
Q2. How is a high distinction (HD) grade achieved?
Ans: A high distinction (HD) grade is achieved by demonstrating exceptional understanding and performance in coursework or assessments, often requiring a score above 85% or equivalent.
Q3. What is the significance of a distinction (D) grade?
Ans: A distinction (D) grade represents a strong level of achievement, indicating a thorough understanding and above-average performance in the subject.
Q4. What does a credit (C) grade indicate?
Ans: A credit (C) grade reflects a satisfactory level of understanding and performance, showing competence in the subject without reaching the highest levels of excellence.
Q5. What is a pass (P) grade in the Australian grading system?
Ans: A pass (P) grade signifies a satisfactory performance, indicating that the student has met the minimum requirements for the subject, although not achieving higher levels of distinction or credit.
