What is GPA, and which countries use it for admissions?
GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a numerical measure of your academic performance over a term or cumulatively across all coursework. Universities in the USA, Canada, Australia and other international systems use it, and many ask international applicants to submit it. Common scales are 4.0, 4.33, 5.0 and 7.0.
GPA is a number that summarises your grades across the courses you completed in a semester or term, or cumulatively across all your coursework. It is widely used by universities in the USA, Canada, Australia and other international education systems. Many universities ask international students to submit it with their application.
Common GPA Scales
| GPA scale | Commonly used in |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | USA and many Canadian universities |
| 4.33 | Some Canadian institutions |
| 5.0 | Some universities with weighted grading systems |
| 7.0 | Some Australian universities |
How GPA Is Used
A term GPA covers a shorter period, so it can change after each semester, while a cumulative GPA moves more slowly. Universities commonly consider it for:
- Admissions
- Scholarships and financial aid
- Academic progression
- Internships and job applications
A higher GPA generally signals stronger performance, but always check which grading scale a university uses before comparing scores.
My Advice
Find the scale your target universities use and write it next to your own grades before you compare yourself with their expectations. A 3.5 on a 4.0 scale means something very different from a 3.5 on a 5.0 scale.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which Australian universities you still qualify for.
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