If you are a Filipino student interested in studying in Australia, you may have noticed the term GPA when checking university entry requirements.
But what is GPA, how is it calculated, and how does your academic record in the Philippines compare with an Australian grading system?
The short answer is that GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numeric value that reflects academic performance. It is generally calculated by converting grades into grade points and then taking an average, sometimes using the weight of each course or unit.
However, the GPA scale and method of calculation can differ between Australian universities. This is important to understand when you are applying from the Philippines.
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a number used to represent a student’s overall academic performance. Australian universities may use different GPA scales and calculation methods, so students should always check the requirements of their chosen institution and course.
Planning to Study in Australia?
Not sure how your Philippine academic results may be assessed for an Australian course? Speak with an APG education counsellor about your course options, academic requirements and application process.
Book Your Free Consultation →- What Is GPA? GPA Definition
- How Is GPA Calculated?
- Example of GPA Calculation
- Australian University Grading System Explained
- Is Australia’s GPA Out of 4 or 7?
- GPA vs WAM: What Is the Difference?
- How Is a Philippine GPA Considered by Australian Universities?
- What Documents May Help With GPA Assessment?
- Does Your GPA Affect Admission to Australia?
- Common GPA Calculation Mistakes to Avoid
- How Filipino Students Can Check Their Academic Eligibility
- GPA FAQs for Filipino Students
- Need Help Understanding Your Study Options?
What Is GPA? GPA Definition
GPA is the acronym for Grade Point Average. It is a number assigned to a student to represent their overall grade-level performance in a course or over a given period of study.
In Australia, GPA can be determined by the grade obtained in each unit and the associated grade point. If the credit values of the units differ, the calculation may be weighted based on the credit values.
Example of a 7-Point GPA Structure
| Grade | Typical Meaning | Example 7-Point Value |
|---|---|---|
| HD | High Distinction | 7 |
| D | Distinction | 6 |
| C | Credit | 5 |
| P | Pass | 4 |
| F/N | Fail | 0* |
The actual grades, classifications and consequences can differ between colleges and universities. Australian higher education guidelines also acknowledge that GPA systems are not necessarily scaled the same way, including 7-point and 4-point systems.
How Is GPA Calculated?
A common weighted GPA calculation uses the grade point achieved and the credit or unit value of each subject.
In simple terms, the calculation involves these steps:
Determine the grade earned in each class.
Convert the grade into its grade-point equivalent.
Multiply the grade point by the credit or unit value.
Add all the weighted points together.
Divide by the total credit or unit value.
Example of GPA Calculation
Suppose a student completes three units with the following grades and credit values:
| Unit | Credit Points | Grade | Grade Point | Weighted Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | 10 | HD | 7 | 70 |
| Accounting | 10 | D | 6 | 60 |
| Marketing | 20 | C | 5 | 100 |
| Total | 40 | — | — | 230 |
230 ÷ 40 = 5.75
Given this particular 7-point calculation method, the student’s GPA would be 5.75/7.00.
The key point is that the calculation can be weighted. It is not necessarily just a matter of adding all grade points and dividing by the number of subjects.
Australian University Grading System Explained
A number of Australian universities use classifications such as High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, Pass and Fail. One commonly seen structure is:
| Grade | Description | Common Mark Range | Example GPA Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD | High Distinction | 85–100% | 7 |
| D | Distinction | 75–84% | 6 |
| C | Credit | 65–74% | 5 |
| P | Pass | 50–64% | 4 |
| F/N | Fail | Below 50% | Varies |
These percentage ranges are not a single standard across Australia. For example, ANU uses HD for 80–100%, D for 70–79%, C for 60–69%, P for 50–59%, and N for 0–49%. Always check the grading policy of the specific Australian university.
Is Australia’s GPA Out of 4 or 7?
It may be either, depending on the institution or the purpose of the calculation.
A 7-point GPA scale is used by a number of Australian institutions. Examples include ANU, Charles Darwin University and the University of Canberra.
However, not every university uses the same GPA scale throughout Australia. Other academic measures or scales may be used by some institutions.
For example, Curtin University does not use a GPA and instead uses a Course Weighted Average (CWA), reported on a 0–100 scale.
GPA vs WAM: What Is the Difference?
GPA and WAM are related academic measures, but they are not the same.
| Measure | What It Represents | Typical Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| GPA | Uses grades converted into grade points and calculates an average, depending on the institution’s methodology. | Grade points may be weighted by credit or unit value. |
| WAM | Uses the student’s actual marks to calculate a weighted average. | WAM = Σ (Mark × Credit Points) ÷ Σ Credit Points |
Do not automatically provide your GPA if an Australian university specifically requests a WAM. Likewise, if a university requests a GPA, check exactly what its GPA calculation means.
How Is a Philippine GPA Considered by Australian Universities?
This is particularly important for Filipino students because Australian universities can have their own academic assessment and conversion methods.
The grading system may vary between institutions in the Philippines, and qualifications may be evaluated according to the admission policies of the Australian university.
For example, ANU has specific academic indicators for applicants from the Philippines and separate requirements for applicants using 5-point and 4-point GPAs. ANU also states that conversions can vary depending on the institution, grading scale, pass mark and other factors.
Philippine GPA × a fixed number = Australian GPA.
Instead, check the entry requirements for the specific Australian university and course.
Not Sure How Your GPA Will Be Assessed?
Your academic results are only one part of choosing a suitable Australian course. An APG education counsellor can help you understand course options and application requirements.
Talk to an Education Counsellor →What Documents May Help With GPA Assessment?
When applying to an Australian institution, you may be asked to provide academic documents that help the university understand your results and the grading system used by your institution.
Your academic transcript is particularly important because it provides the university with information about the grades you actually received and the grading system used by your institution.
Does Your GPA Affect Admission to Australia?
Your academic performance may be used as part of the evaluation process for admission to an Australian university. However, the academic level required varies according to the university, course and previous level of study.
Specific requirements for GPA, percentage or equivalent academic results may be published by universities for postgraduate applications.
For example, ANU’s postgraduate guidance for the Philippines provides indicative GPA equivalencies, but applicants must also meet the entry requirements of their chosen program.
For undergraduate applicants, universities may consider senior secondary qualifications and grades instead of a university-level GPA.
For this reason, Filipino students should check the entry requirements for their specific course, rather than relying only on a general university requirement.
Common GPA Calculation Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming Every Australian University Uses a 7-Point GPA
The 7-point scale is common, but it is not a single national calculation standard.
Treating an Australian Percentage Like a Philippine Percentage
A percentage should always be interpreted within the grading system that produced it.
Using an Online GPA Calculator Without Checking the University
A third-party calculator may use a different conversion methodology from the university assessing your application.
Confusing GPA With WAM
GPA and WAM are not interchangeable. Check which academic measure the institution or course actually requests.
Ignoring the Grading Scale on Your Transcript
Providing official grading information can help the Australian institution assess your academic record accurately.
How Filipino Students Can Check Their Academic Eligibility
Before applying to study in Australia, Filipino students should work through the following checklist:
Identify the Australian university and course.
Check the current academic entry requirements.
Check whether the institution asks for GPA, percentage, WAM or another measure.
Check Philippines-specific academic requirements where available.
Prepare your official academic records.
For students planning to study in Australia from the Philippines, understanding your academic results is only one part of choosing a suitable course. Course entry requirements, previous education, English requirements, finances and student visa requirements may also need to be considered.
GPA FAQs for Filipino Students
What does GPA stand for?
How is GPA calculated?
Is Australian GPA out of 4 or 7?
Is GPA the same as WAM?
Do Australian universities automatically convert a Philippine GPA?
What academic documents may be required?
Can GPA affect admission to an Australian university?
Need Help Understanding Your Study Options?
If you are unsure how your Philippine academic results may be assessed for an Australian course, APG Philippines provides study abroad and admission counselling for students planning to study in Australia.
Discuss your academic background, course options and application requirements with an education counsellor before starting your application.
Book Your Free Consultation →