How are grades in the USA, Canada, UK and Australia different from my 10-point CGPA?
India uses a 10-point CGPA, but other countries differ. The USA uses a 4.0 GPA, Canada varies by university, the UK uses percentages and degree classifications such as First Class and 2:1, and Australia uses GPA, percentages and grades like High Distinction. Always check the university's own policy.
The 10-point CGPA used by many Indian colleges does not travel unchanged to other countries. The USA uses GPA, Canada varies by university, the UK uses degree classes and Australia mixes GPA with grade bands. The safest approach is to follow the grading rules of the university you are applying to.
How each country grades
| Country | Common grading approach |
|---|---|
| India | 10-point CGPA across all subjects, with rules that differ by university |
| USA | GPA, often on a 4.0 scale, built from letter grades A to F with grade points |
| Canada | No single system; a 4.0 scale, a 4.3 scale or percentages depending on the university |
| UK | No CGPA; percentages and degree classes such as First Class, Upper Second (2:1), Lower Second (2:2), Third Class or Pass |
| Australia | GPA on a 4-point or 7-point scale, percentages or grade bands such as High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, Pass and Fail |
Key points to remember
- There is no single CGPA-to-percentage rule that works for every university.
- The same grade can carry different values at different Canadian universities.
- Read the official grading guidance of your target university before converting any marks.
My Advice
Collect the grading policy of each university you apply to and keep your official transcript handy. If an application asks for a converted score, use the method that the university itself recommends rather than a formula from the internet.
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