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If you are planning to study in Australia, you might be wondering how the Australian grading system works. Unlike some other countries that use a single grading scale for all levels of education, Australia has different grading systems for different states, territories, and institutions. This can be confusing for international students who are not familiar with the diverse grading standards and expectations.
In this article, we will explain the common Australian grading systems used in universities, high schools, and vocational education and training (VET) courses. We will also discuss the concepts of GPA (Grade Point Average) and ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank), which are important measures of student performance in Australia. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to interpret your grades and compare them with other students.
Australian University Grading System
The Australian grades system in universities is designed to assess students’ performance across various subjects and courses. It provides a standardized way to evaluate academic achievement and progress. Each grade carries its own significance and reflects the level of mastery attained by the student in a particular course.
1. Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs
In undergraduate and postgraduate programs, grades are typically assigned based on a combination of assessments, including exams, assignments, presentations, and participation. The most common grades awarded are:
- High Distinction (HD): Represents exceptional performance and mastery of the subject matter.
- Distinction (D): Indicates above-average performance and a solid understanding of the material.
- Credit (C): Reflects satisfactory performance and a basic understanding of the course content.
- Pass (P): This signifies that the student has met the minimum requirements to pass the course.
- Fail (F): Indicates that the student has not met the requirements and will need to retake the course or seek alternative options.
| Grade | Grade Description | Grade Scale (%) | GPA |
| HD | High Distinction | 100 – 85 | A+ |
| D | Distinction | 84 – 75 | A |
| C | Credit | 74 – 65 | B |
| P | Pass | 64 – 50 | C |
| F | Fail | 49 and below | F |
These grades are often accompanied by percentage scales, which provide a more precise measure of the student’s performance. For example, a High Distinction might correspond to a score above 85%, while a Pass could range from 50% to 64%.
2. Honours Degree
For students pursuing an Honours degree, the grading scale may differ slightly. Instead of the traditional HD, D, C, P, and F grades, Honours degrees often use a scale that includes grades such as H1, H2A, H2B, H3, P, and N. The H1 grade represents the highest level of achievement, followed by H2A, H2B, and H3. A Pass (P) indicates that the student has met the minimum requirements, while an N (Non-Completion) signifies that the student has not completed the necessary work for the course.
| Grade | Grade Description | Grade Scale (%) |
| H1 | First Class Honours | 100 – 80 |
| H2A | Second Class Honours | 79 – 75 |
| H2B | Second Class Honours | 74 – 70 |
| H3 | Third Class Honours | 69 – 65 |
| P | Pass | 64 – 50 |
| N | Fail | 49 and below |
GPA and ATAR
While GPA (Grade Point Average) is commonly used in other countries, its use is limited in Australia. Instead, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is the primary measure of student performance for entry into university. The ATAR is a rank that compares a student’s performance against their peers and is based on their performance in specific subjects during their final years of secondary school.
State-wise Grading Systems
Each Australian state may have its own grading system, adding another layer of complexity for students. For example, in New South Wales, the grading system for universities includes descriptors such as High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, Pass, and Fail, each with its own percentage range. Similarly, other states like Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia have their own unique grading structures and scales, which students need to familiarize themselves with.
1. Australian Capital Territory:
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), grades are given based on a percentage scale. For example, a score of 85% or above might correspond to a High Distinction, while a score between 75% and 84% could be a Distinction, and so on.
| Grade | Grade description | Grade scale % |
| A | Extremely High Standard of Achievement | 100 – 85 |
| B | High Standard of Achievement | 84 – 70 |
| C | Acceptable Standard of Achievement | 69 – 50 |
| D | Limited Standard of Achievement | 49 – 25 |
| E | Very Limited Performance | 24 – 0 |
2. New South Wales:
In New South Wales (NSW), grading includes High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, Pass, and Fail. High Distinction is awarded for outstanding performance, while a Pass indicates meeting minimum requirements.
| Grade | Grade description | Grade scale % |
| A | High Distinction | 100 – 85 |
| B | Distinction | 84 – 70 |
| C | Credit | 69 – 50 |
| D | Pass | 49 – 25 |
| E | Fail | 24 – 0 |
3. Northern Territory:
The Northern Territory (NT) uses two scales with corresponding grade descriptions. Students receive grades based on their performance, with one scale focusing on achievement levels and the other on competency.
| Australian Grade | Scale 1 | Scale 2 |
| A | 5 | 17-20 |
| B | 4-4.9 | 14-16 |
| C | 3-3.9 | 11-13 |
| D | 2-2.9 | 8-10 |
| E | 1-1.9 | 0-7 |
Queensland:
Queensland follows a grading system with grades like HD (High Distinction), D (Distinction), C (Credit), P (Pass), and F (Fail). These grades indicate different levels of achievement and performance in courses.
| Australian Grade | Grade Description | Grade Scale Percentage |
| HD | High Distinction | 7 |
| D | Distinction | 6-6.99 |
| CR | Credit | 5-5.99 |
| P | Pass | 4-4.99 |
| F | Fail | 1-3.99 |
1. South Australia:
South Australia (SA) uses grades such as HD, D, C, P1, P2, F1, F2. These grades represent varying levels of achievement, with HD indicating the highest level and F2 indicating a fail.
| Australian Grade | Grade Description | Grade Scale |
| HD | High Distinction | 85-100 |
| D | Distinction | 75-84 |
| C | Credit | 65-74 |
| P1 | Pass Level 1 | 55-64 |
| P2 | Pass Level 2 | 50-54 |
| F1 | Fail Level 1 | 40-49 |
| F2 | Fail Level 2 | 30-39 |
2. Tasmania:
Tasmania’s grading scale includes descriptors like Excellent Achievement, High Achievement, Commendable Achievement, etc. These descriptors reflect different levels of performance and achievement in courses.
| Australian Grade | Grade Description | Grade Scale |
| EA | Excellent Achievement | 4 |
| HA | High Achievement | 3.5-3.99 |
| CA | Commendable Achievement | 3-3.49 |
| SA | Satisfactory Achievement | 2.5-2.99 |
| PA | Preliminary Achievement | 2-2.49 |
3. Victoria:
Victoria employs a grading structure using letters A to E. Grades range from A (excellent) to E (unsatisfactory), providing a clear indication of performance.
4. Western Australia:
Western Australia (WA) uses a grading system with descriptors like HD, A, B, C, D, E. These descriptors indicate different levels of achievement, with HD representing the highest level and E indicating a fail.
| Australian Grade | Grade Description | Grade Scale |
| HD/ A | High Distinction/ Excellent Achievement | 80-100 |
| B | High Achievement | 70-79 |
| C | Sound Achievement | 60-69 |
| D | Limited Achievement | 50-59 |
| E | Fail | 0-49 |
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Grading System
In addition to university education, Australia also offers Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs, which have their own grading system. VET programs focus on providing practical skills and training for specific industries and occupations. While similar in some respects to university grading, VET programs may use different descriptors, such as Competent/ Satisfactory (C/S) or Not Yet Competent/Not Satisfactory (NYC/NS), to assess students’ performance.
| Grade | Grade Description | Grade Scale (%) |
| C/S | Competent/Satisfactory | 100% |
| NYC/NS | Not Yet Competent/Not Satisfactory | 0 |
Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary Grading
The grading system in Australian primary and secondary schools can vary by region, with some states using letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) and others using numerical scales. Regardless of the system used, the aim is to provide a fair and accurate assessment of student achievement at each level of education. Teachers use a combination of assessments, including tests, assignments, projects, and class participation, to evaluate students’ progress and performance.
FAQs Regarding the Australian Grading System
How are grades like HD, D, C, P, and F interpreted in Australian universities?
These Australian grading system percentages are indicative of a student’s performance and understanding of the course material. HD (High Distinction) signifies exceptional achievement, while D (Distinction) reflects above-average performance. C (Credit) indicates satisfactory completion of the course, P (Pass) denotes meeting the minimum requirements, and F (Fail) signifies that the student has not met the necessary standards for passing.
Are there specific criteria used to determine grades?
Yes, grades are typically determined based on various assessments, including exams, assignments, projects, and class participation. Each assessment contributes to the overall grade, with higher weights often assigned to major assessments such as exams and final projects.
Can students appeal their grades if they believe there has been a mistake?
Yes, most universities have procedures in place for students to appeal their grades if they feel there has been an error in grading. Students should follow the designated process outlined by their institution and provide evidence to support their appeal.
What is the pass mark for universities?
The majority of universities consider a mark above 50% as a pass grade. However, this is considered a below-average score and you should be aiming to get over 65-70% in each course you take up.
Conclusion
Understanding the Australian grading system is essential for international students to navigate their academic journey successfully. By familiarizing themselves with the various grading scales used in universities, VET programs, and schools across different states, students can ensure they meet the requirements for their chosen courses.
Additionally, seeking guidance from educational institutions can provide further clarity and support in interpreting grades and assessing academic progress. Adapting to and comprehending diverse grading systems is a crucial step towards academic success in Australia.
For more in-depth assistance and tailored advice on navigating the Australian academic landscape, visit International Students Australia. This platform is dedicated to supporting international students in Australia, offering resources and guidance for a successful and enriching educational experience. Don’t let the complexities of the Australian grading system overwhelm you – explore the resources available at International Students Australia today.
