South Korean Grading System: Academic Standards and Evaluation
South Korea's education system is renowned for its high standards and competitive nature. The grading system varies between high schools and universities, with specific criteria for both domestic and international students.
Key Takeaways
- 4.5 or 4.3 scale commonly used in universities
- Percentage-based system in high schools
- Relative grading system widely implemented
- Strict grade distribution policies
- Different standards for language and regular courses
University Grading Scale
| Letter Grade | 4.5 Scale | 4.3 Scale | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.5 | 4.3 | 95-100 |
| A0/A | 4.0 | 4.0 | 90-94 |
| B+ | 3.5 | 3.3 | 85-89 |
| B0/B | 3.0 | 3.0 | 80-84 |
| C+ | 2.5 | 2.3 | 75-79 |
| C0/C | 2.0 | 2.0 | 70-74 |
| D+ | 1.5 | 1.3 | 65-69 |
| D0/D | 1.0 | 1.0 | 60-64 |
| F | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0-59 |
High School Grading System
Korean high schools use a relative grading system with percentile ranks. Use our Percentage to GPA Calculator to convert between different scales.
| Grade Level | Percentile Rank | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1등급 (Level 1) | Top 4% | Exceptional |
| 2등급 (Level 2) | 4-11% | Excellent |
| 3등급 (Level 3) | 11-23% | Very Good |
| 4등급 (Level 4) | 23-40% | Good |
| 5등급 (Level 5) | 40-60% | Average |
| 6등급 (Level 6) | 60-77% | Below Average |
| 7등급 (Level 7) | 77-89% | Poor |
| 8등급 (Level 8) | 89-96% | Very Poor |
| 9등급 (Level 9) | Bottom 4% | Failing |
Grade Distribution and Relative Grading
Most Korean universities follow a strict relative grading system. Use our Grade Calculator to understand your standing.
Typical Grade Distribution
- A grades: 20-30% of students
- B grades: 30-40% of students
- C grades: 20-30% of students
- D or F grades: 10-20% of students
International Grade Equivalency
| Korean Grade | US GPA | ECTS Grade |
|---|---|---|
| A+ (4.5/4.3) | 4.0 | A |
| A0 (4.0) | 3.7 | A |
| B+ (3.5/3.3) | 3.3 | B |
| B0 (3.0) | 3.0 | B |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the relative grading system work in Korean universities?
Korean universities use a curve-based system where grades are distributed according to predetermined percentages. This means your final grade depends not only on your performance but also on how you compare to your classmates.
What is a good GPA in South Korea?
On a 4.5 scale, a GPA above 4.0 is considered excellent, while anything above 3.5 is good. However, due to the relative grading system, these standards can vary by university and department.
How do Korean high school grades work?
Korean high schools use a 9-level system (1등급 to 9등급) based on percentile ranks. Level 1 represents the top 4% of students, while Level 9 represents the bottom 4%. Check our international grade conversion guide for more details.
What is the minimum passing grade in South Korea?
In most universities, a D grade (60-64%) is the minimum passing grade. However, many programs require students to maintain a higher GPA (typically 2.0 or C average) to remain in good academic standing.