Are you planning to study in Australia or just curious about how their education system works? Understanding the grading system in Australia can help you set realistic goals and excel in your studies. In this blog, we will break down the Australian grading system, compare it to the Nepali system, and provide tips on how to adapt and succeed. Whether you’re a prospective student or a curious parent, this guide will give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs

Understanding the structure of undergraduate and postgraduate courses is crucial for making informed decisions about your academic journey.

Undergraduate courses in Australia typically lead to a bachelor's degree and are designed for students who have completed their secondary education.

Postgraduate courses are for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree and wish to specialize further.

The grading scale in the table below is the most commonly used in Australia for undergraduate courses (Bachelor's Degree Programs) and postgraduate courses (Master's Degree Programs).

Grade Grade Name Grade Scale(%) GPA
HD High Distinction  85 - 100 7
D Distinction 75 - 84 6 - 6.99
C Credit 65 - 74 5 - 5.99
P Pass 50 - 64 4 - 4.99
F Fail 49 and below 0 - 3.99

Comparison of grading system between Nepal and Australia

For Nepali students considering studying in Australia, understanding the differences between the grading systems in Nepal and Australia is essential. Here’s a comparative table to help you grasp these differences clearly.

Grade Division Nepal Australia
High Distinction  N/A HD: 85% - 100%
Distinction 80% and above D: 75% - 84%
First Distinction 60% - 79% C (Credit): 65% - 74%
Second Distinction 50% - 59% P (Pass): 50% - 64%
Third Distinction 40% - 49% N (Fail): Below 50%
Fail below 40% F (Fail): Below 50%

State-wise Grading Systems

Understanding the grading systems in different Australian states is crucial for students aiming to study in specific regions. Here's a comparative table for the grading systems in major Australian states and territories.

Key Points:

  • High Distinction (HD): Awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional knowledge and skills, achieving a score between 85% and 100%.
  • Distinction (D): Indicates excellent understanding and application of course material, with scores ranging from 75% to 84%.
  • Credit (C): Reflects a good performance that is above average, with a percentage range of 65% to 74%.
  • Pass (P): Represents satisfactory completion of course requirements, with scores from 50% to 64%.
  • Fail (F): Given to students who score below 50%, indicating that the minimum course standards were not met.

New South Wales (NSW)

If you're considering studying in New South Wales (NSW), it's important to grasp the local grading system to set realistic academic goals. NSW universities, such as the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), use a specific grading scale to evaluate student performance. This guide will help you understand how grades are awarded and what they signify about your academic achievements.

Grade Grade Name Grade Scale (%)
HD High Distinction  85 - 100
D Distinction 75 - 84.99
CR Credit 65 - 74.99
P or PW Pass 50 - 64.99
F Fail 0 - 49.99

Victoria(VIC)

Victoria’s top universities, such as the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT University, use a distinct grading scale to assess student performance. This guide will help you navigate the grading system and set clear academic goals.

Grade Grade Name Grade Scale (%)
HD High Distinction  80 - 100
D Distinction 75 - 79
CR Credit 60 - 69
P or PW Pass 50 - 59
F Fail Below 50

Queensland(QLD)

Before you hit the books, it's key to understand how your grades will be calculated. Queensland's top universities, like the University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and Griffith University, each use a unique grading system to evaluate your academic performance. Let's decode the grading scale so you can aim high and shine bright!

Grade Grade Name Grade Scale (%)
HD High Distinction  7
D Distinction 6 - 6.99
CR Credit 5 - 5.99
P Pass (or the lowest passing grade) 4 - 4.99
F Fail 1 -3.99

Western Australia(WA)

Top universities like the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, and Murdoch University use a unique grading system to measure your academic success. Let's break down the grading scale so you can ace your studies and enjoy the adventure!

Grade Grade Name Grade Scale (%)
HD High Distinction  90 - 100
A Excellent Achievement 80 - 89.99
B High Achievement 75 - 79.99
C Sound Achievement 60 - 69.99
D Limited Achievement
(lowest grade needed to pass)
50 - 59.99
E Fail 0 - 49.99

South Australia (SA)

Planning to study in the lively and picturesque South Australia? It's time to get familiar with the local grading lingo. Top universities such as the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia (UniSA) have their own unique grading systems to assess your academic performance. 

Grade Grade Name Grade Scale (%)
HD High Distinction  85 - 100
D Distinction 75 - 84.99
C Credit  65 - 74.99
P1 Pass Level 1 55 - 64.99
P2 Pass Level 2 50 - 54.99
F1 Fail Level 1 40 - 49.99
F2 Fail Level 2 0 - 39.99

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Top institutions like the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Canberra use their own grading scales to measure your brilliance. Let’s decode the grading system so you can shine brightly and ace your studies in the ACT!

Grade Grade Name Grade Scale (%)
A Extremely High Standard of Achievment  85 - 100
B High Standard of Achievement 70 - 84.99
C Acceptable Standard of Achievement 50 - 69.99
D Limited Standard of Achievement 25 - 49.99
E Very Limited Performance 0 - 24.99

Tasmania (TAS)

Thinking about studying on the beautiful island of Tasmania? Before you dive into your studies, it's key to understand how grades work here. Tasmania's top universities, including the University of Tasmania (UTAS), have their own unique grading system to measure your academic performance. 

Grade Grade Name 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

The Northern Territory (NT)

It’s essential to grasp how your performance will be evaluated. Top universities like Charles Darwin University (CDU) utilize a unique grading system to assess your academic achievements. Let’s decode the grading scale so you can set sail for success and explore the wonders of the Northern Territory!

Grade  Scale 1 Scale 2
A 5 17 - 20
B 4 - 4.99 14 - 16.99
C 3 - 3.99 11 - 13.99
D 2 - 2.99 8 - 10.99
E 1 - 1.99 0 - 7.99

Frequently Asked Questions

The Australian education system comprises primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, offering diverse pathways including vocational training, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees, all emphasizing practical skills, critical thinking, and globally recognized qualifications.

Top universities in Australia include the University of Melbourne, Australian National University (ANU), University of Sydney, University of Queensland (UQ), and University of New South Wales (UNSW).

A High Distinction (HD) usually represents a percentage range of 85% to 100%, indicating exceptional performance.

Conversion methods vary, but generally, a High Distinction (HD) converts to a 7.0 or 4.0 (depending on the scale), a Distinction (D) to around 6.0 or 3.5, and so on.

Entry requirements vary by course and university but typically include completion of secondary education, specific subject prerequisites, and English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Australian grades can be compared to international systems using percentage ranges or letter grades. For example, a High Distinction (HD) is akin to an A+ in the US or a First Class in the UK.

Yes, many Australian universities and government programs offer scholarships for international students based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria.