Australian Grading System: University and Secondary Education Standards
The Australian education system uses a distinctive grading scale that differs from many international standards. This guide explains the Australian grading system across various educational levels, with a focus on university grades and their international equivalents.
Key Takeaways
- Australian universities use HD (High Distinction) to F (Fail) grading scale
- Passing grades start at 50% (P - Pass)
- Each state may have slight variations in secondary education grading
- ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) determines university admission
- International grade conversions are standardized across Australian institutions
University Grading Scale
| Grade | Mark Range | Grade Point | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD | 85-100% | 7.0 | High Distinction |
| D | 75-84% | 6.0 | Distinction |
| CR | 65-74% | 5.0 | Credit |
| P | 50-64% | 4.0 | Pass |
| F | 0-49% | 0.0 | Fail |
Secondary Education Grading
Year 7-10 Grading Scale
| Grade | Description | Achievement Level |
|---|---|---|
| A | Outstanding Achievement | 90-100% |
| B | High Achievement | 75-89% |
| C | Sound Achievement | 60-74% |
| D | Limited Achievement | 50-59% |
| E | Very Limited Achievement | 0-49% |
ATAR System
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that indicates a student's position relative to all the students in their age group. For example:
- ATAR 90.00 means you performed better than 90% of your peers
- Most competitive university programs require ATAR scores above 90
- ATAR calculation varies by state but considers final year subjects
- Some universities have additional entry requirements beyond ATAR
International Grade Equivalents
| Australian Grade | US Equivalent | UK Equivalent | GPA (4.0 Scale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD (85-100%) | A/A+ | First | 4.0 |
| D (75-84%) | A-/B+ | Upper Second | 3.7 |
| CR (65-74%) | B/B- | Lower Second | 3.0 |
| P (50-64%) | C | Third | 2.0 |
State-by-State Variations
| State/Territory | Senior Certificate | Grading Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | HSC | Band 6 (90-100) to Band 1 (0-49) |
| VIC | VCE | Study scores out of 50 |
| QLD | QCE | 1-100 scale with Sound Achievement standards |
| WA | WACE | A-E grade scale |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a good grade in Australian universities?
A Distinction (D) or High Distinction (HD) is considered excellent. Credits (CR) are good grades, while Passes (P) are satisfactory but may not be sufficient for honors or postgraduate programs.
How does the ATAR system work?
ATAR ranks students on a percentile scale from 0.00 to 99.95, indicating their position relative to their age group. It's calculated from final year subject scores and is used for university admissions.
Do all Australian universities use the same grading system?
While most universities use the HD, D, CR, P, F system, some variations exist. Some institutions may use additional grades like PC (Pass Conceded) or have slightly different percentage ranges.
How do Australian grades compare to international standards?
Australian grades are generally comparable to major international systems, with HD/D roughly equivalent to A/A- in the US system or First/Upper Second class honors in the UK system.