How does the French grading system work, and what grade do I need to pass?
22 Oct 2026 · Answered by Tejaswini B · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
France uses a 0 to 20 scale, and the minimum passing grade is 10. Grades of 14 and above are generally treated as equivalent to an A on the World Education Services scale. UK degree classes map to different French grade ranges, so check each one.
The French grading system runs from 0 to 20, and the minimum passing grade is 10. A score of 14 or above is generally treated as equal to an A on the World Education Services scale, though evaluators may differ.
UK Master's Grades Compared With French Grades
| UK classification | French equivalent |
|---|---|
| First-Class Honours (70% or above) | Around 16 and above (varies by evaluator) |
| Upper Second, 2:1 (60% to 70%) | 14 to 15.9 |
| Lower Second, 2:2 (50% to 60%) | 12 to 13.9 |
| Third-Class Honours | 10 to 11.9 |
How to Read These Numbers
- Treat the 0 to 20 scale as its own system, not a percentage.
- Use the table only as a guide because each evaluator or university may apply its own conversion.
- Match your own classification to the right row before comparing.
My Advice
Do not convert grades by guesswork. Ask the university or the evaluation service you plan to use how it reads French marks, and check the official page for the latest rules.
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