Russian Grading System: Understanding the 5-Point Scale and EGE

Russia's education system uses a distinctive 5-point grading scale and includes standardized state examinations. This comprehensive guide explains the Russian grading system across all educational levels and provides essential information for international students.

Key Takeaways

  • 5-point scale (5 being the highest grade)
  • Unified State Exam (EGE) required for university admission
  • Additional entrance exams for some programs
  • International equivalency standards
  • Specialized technical education grading

The Russian 5-Point Grading Scale

Russian GradeDescriptionPercentageUS Equivalent
5 (Отлично)Excellent90-100%A
4 (Хорошо)Good70-89%B
3 (Удовлетворительно)Satisfactory50-69%C/D
2 (Неудовлетворительно)Unsatisfactory30-49%F
1 (Плохо)Poor0-29%F

Unified State Examination (EGE)

The Unified State Exam is Russia's standardized university entrance test. Compare your scores using our International GPA Calculator.

SubjectMaximum ScorePassing Score
Russian Language10036
Mathematics10027
Other Subjects100Varies

Educational Levels and Assessment

Primary and Basic Secondary Education

  • Grades 1-4: Primary Education
  • Grades 5-9: Basic Secondary Education
  • Continuous assessment using 5-point scale
  • State final attestation after grade 9

Complete Secondary Education

The Russian complete secondary education comprises grades 10-11. Learn more about international grade comparisons in our guide on calculating GPA for different countries.

Education LevelDurationFinal Qualification
Complete Secondary2 yearsAttestat
Technical Secondary3-4 yearsDiploma

Higher Education Grading

Russian universities use both the 5-point scale and percentage scores. Calculate your GPA using our Grade Calculator.

University Assessment Methods

  • Regular coursework evaluation
  • Midterm examinations (зачёт)
  • Final examinations (экзамен)
  • Thesis defense for graduation

International Grade Equivalents

Converting Russian grades requires understanding both the 5-point scale and percentage scores. Use our Percentage to GPA Calculator for precise conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good EGE score?

Competitive EGE scores vary by university and program. Top universities typically require scores above 80 in relevant subjects, while most programs accept scores above 65.

How is the Attestat grade calculated?

The Attestat grade is calculated as an average of final grades in all subjects studied in grades 10-11, plus the results of state examinations.

What grades do international students need?

International students typically need a secondary education certificate equivalent to the Russian Attestat and must pass a Russian language test unless the program is taught in English.

How do Russian grades convert to GPA?

Russian grades typically convert as follows: 5 ≈ 4.0, 4 ≈ 3.0, 3 ≈ 2.0. For precise conversions, use our International GPA Calculator.