How does grading work in Swiss higher education, and what will my grades mean?
02 Nov 2026 · Answered by Rakshitha Muthukumar · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
Most Swiss higher education institutions use grades from 1 to 6, with 6 the highest and 1 the lowest. A scale from 1 to 10 is also used. Under the international scale, grade E corresponds to 4, which is the minimum passing grade. Scales can vary by institution.
Most Swiss higher education institutions use a grading scale from 1 to 6, where 6 is the highest and 1 is the lowest. Some institutions also use a scale from 1 to 10.
Swiss Scale Against the International Scale
| International grade | Swiss scale |
|---|---|
| A (excellent) | 6 |
| B (very good, with few errors) | 5.5 |
| C (good, with some errors) | 5 |
| D (satisfactory, with many errors) | 4.5 |
| E (sufficient, the minimum passing grade) | 4 |
Points to Remember
- The 1 to 6 scale is the most common, with 6 the highest.
- A 1 to 10 scale is also used by some institutions.
- Grade 4 on the Swiss scale matches grade E, the minimum pass.
My Advice
When you convert your own results or read a Swiss transcript, first confirm which scale the institution uses. Check the official university grading guide for exact conversions.
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