Easy Guide for International Students
The UK stands among the top 5 destinations for higher education and is one of the top choices for international students. UK’s education helps students get global recognition and high-quality education under a top-notch academic infrastructure. Students may feel a daunting experience in understanding the UK grading system and adapting accordingly. Unlike other countries that perform percentage-based systems, the UK grading system follows a classification-based approach towards the grading of students performances. So understanding the grading system of UK becomes more important to the students who are planning on studying in UK.
Many international students find the grading system in the UK a bit fascinating. Understanding the local grading system used by the country and university that you are trying to apply to becomes an essential part of knowledge. If not, you will atleast need while converting the percentage into grade to check and meet the academic requirements of the university that you are trying to enroll in.
To solve the problem of not knowing the grading system of UK universities, we have prepared this blog to provide you with essential grading knowledge that, as an international student, you will need in the UK.
The UK universities apply a grading system to evaluate student’s performance based on various factors such as assessments, assignments, and final exams. While the topic of grading may vary slightly across the grading scale, it remains constant for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The grading system in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is very similar to each other; the Scottish grading system is slightly different from all.
In the UK, undergraduate programs are classified into following classes:
Each of the classifications has its own percentage range, which reflects the student’s academic achievements. Postgraduate programs, however, use grades like Pass, Merit, and Distinction, making the system slightly different than undergraduate programs.
This system ensures that the performance of the students is evaluated comprehensively, which helps to take account of their ability to grasp the knowledge of the subject and ability to apply concepts practically. As the UK’s system emphasizes academic rigor, rewarding both knowledge depth and critical thinking skills of a student.
It is crucial for international students to understand the classification of the grading system in the UK; it is divided into 4 parts—here is a table showing the classification:
| Grade Classification | Description | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| First-class Degree (1st) | Exceptional performance with outstanding subject knowledge and critical analysis. (A) | 70% and above |
| Upper Second-class Degree (2:1) | High-quality work showing strong academic understanding and application skills. (B) | 60%–69% |
| Lower Second-class Degree (2:2) | Competent understanding of the subject with minor areas for improvement. (C) | 50%–59% |
| Third-class Degree (3rd) | Satisfactory performance meeting the minimum academic requirements. (D) | 40%–49% |
| Fail | Performance below the required standard to pass the course. | Below 40% |
A First-class degree is the highest level of the degree; it is equivalent to an “A” grade, and it is awarded to the students who have achieved 70% or more than that in their given tests. Likewise, Upper second class, or "2:1," is the most common classification for entry in most universities and is a benchmark for entry to postgraduate programs or competitive jobs in UK.
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a grading system used by European countries. If a student is planning to study or transfer credits within Europe, one should understand how the UK grading system aligns with ECTS. Here is the table below corresponding UK grading system to ECTS system:
| UK Degree Classification | ECTS Grade | Percentage Score |
|---|---|---|
| First-class Degree | A | 70% - 100% |
| Upper Second-class Degree | B | 60% - 69% |
| Lower Second-class Degree | C | 50% - 59% |
| Third-class Degree | D | 40% - 49% |
| Fail | E/F | 0 - 39% |
This equivalence helps the international students to evaluate their score with the UK grading system providing international mobility and opportunity maximization. However, universities in the UK are free to apply their own sets of evaluations besides ECTS. Most of the time, the student’s grade transcripts in Europe contain additional columns for ECTS grades alongside local grades.
Check out the FAQs about studying in the UK
The grading system in Nepal predominantly relies on percentages, making it distinct from the UK's classification-based approach. For Nepali students aspiring to study in the UK, understanding this difference is crucial to align academic expectations and goals.
| UK Degree Classification | Percentage (UK) | Percentage (Nepal) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-class Degree | 70% and above | 80% and above | Exceptional performance |
| Upper Second-class Degree | 60%–69% | 70%–79% | Strong academic achievement |
| Lower Second-class Degree | 50%–59% | 60%–69% | Competent understanding |
| Third-class Degree | 40%–49% | 50%–59% | Minimum satisfactory level |
| Fail | Below 40% | Below 50% | Does not meet requirements |
Nepali students often need to adjust their expectations when transitioning to the UK grading system, where achieving a First-class degree signifies exceptional performance and is less common than scoring high percentages in Nepal.
If you get to understand the grading systems of the country, it is beneficial for getting realistic academic goals and meeting the university's expectations. Many of the UK’s universities require a minimum of a 2:1 (Upper Second-class) for postgraduate admission. Also, the employers of the UK and every other abroad country consider a degree as a medium of choosing and hiring graduates. Moreover, having clarity about the grading system helps international students align their study habits and strategies to excel in their courses.
Top UK Universities for Internatinal Students
International students may find the UK grading system a bit complex at first, but it offers a structured and accurate way to evaluate academic performance. If you are pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, understanding how your performance is evaluated will help you stay on track of your academic goals.
For students from Nepal who intend to study in the UK, understanding the UK grading system turns out to be necessary. Bizz Education specializes in guiding international students through the nuances of the UK education system, from selecting the right universities to understanding grading criteria. With personalized support, Bizz ensures students make informed decisions that pave the way for academic and professional excellence.
