How is GPA Calculated? GPA Definition & Grading System for Students Studying in Australia

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 numerical measure of academic performance. It is generally calculated by converting grades into grade points and averaging them, sometimes using the credit value of each course or unit.

However, GPA scales and calculation methods differ between Australian universities. This is important to understand when applying from the Philippines.

In This Guide

1. What Is GPA? GPA Definition
2. How Is GPA Calculated?
3. Example of GPA Calculation
4. Australian University Grading System Explained
5. Is Australia’s GPA Out of 4 or 7?
6. GPA vs WAM: What Is the Difference?
7. How Is a Philippine GPA Considered by Australian Universities?
8. What Documents May Help With GPA Assessment?
9. Does Your GPA Affect Admission to Australia?
10. Common GPA Calculation Mistakes to Avoid
11. How Filipino Students Can Check Their Academic Eligibility
12. GPA FAQs for Filipino Students
13. Need Help Understanding Your Study Options?

What Is GPA? GPA Definition

GPA is the acronym for Grade Point Average. It is a numerical value used to represent a student’s overall academic performance in a course or over a particular period of study.

In Australia, GPA may be calculated by converting the grades obtained in individual units into grade points. Where units have different credit values, the calculation may be weighted according to those values.

Example of a 7-Point GPA Structure

How Is GPA Calculated?

A common weighted GPA calculation uses the grade point achieved in each unit and its corresponding credit or unit value.

In simple terms, the calculation involves these steps:

1. Determine the grade earned in each subject or unit.
2. Convert each grade into its corresponding grade-point value using the applicable grading system.
3. Multiply each grade point by the unit’s credit value, if weighting applies.
4. Add all the weighted grade points together.
5. Divide the total weighted grade points by the total credit value.

Some institutions use different GPA methodologies, including calculations that do not weight every unit in the same way. Always use the method specified by the relevant university.

Example of GPA Calculation

Suppose a student completes three units with the following grades and credit values under an illustrative 7-point calculation method:

GPA calculation:

Under this illustrative 7-point calculation method, the student’s GPA would be 5.75/7.00.

The key point is that the calculation may be weighted. It is not necessarily 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 grading structure is:

A grade classification alone does not establish an exact GPA unless the university’s grading and calculation rules are known.

Is Australia’s GPA Out of 4 or 7?

It may be either, depending on the institution and the purpose of the calculation.

A 7-point GPA scale is used by a number of Australian institutions. Examples include the Australian National University (ANU), Charles Darwin University and the University of Canberra.

However, not every Australian university uses the same GPA scale. Some institutions use different academic measures instead of a conventional GPA.

For example, Curtin University uses a Course Weighted Average (CWA), reported on a 0–100 scale, rather than a GPA.

GPA vs WAM: What Is the Difference?

GPA and WAM are related academic measures, but they are not the same.

How Is a Philippine GPA Considered by Australian Universities?

This is particularly important for Filipino students because Australian universities may have their own academic assessment and conversion methods.

Grading systems can vary between educational institutions in the Philippines. An Australian university may assess your qualification and academic results according to its admission policies, the grading scale used by your institution and the requirements of your chosen course.

For example, ANU publishes academic indicators for applicants from the Philippines, including different requirements for applicants using 5-point and 4-point GPA systems. Its assessment guidance also recognises that equivalencies can depend on the institution, grading scale and pass mark.

Instead, check the entry requirements for your specific Australian university and course.

You can explore Australian universities associated with APG Philippines to start researching your study options.

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.

Official Transcript or Academic Record

Provides your grades, subjects and academic history.

Diploma or Certificate

Confirms the qualification you have completed or the award you have received.

Grading Scale or Explanation of Grades

Helps explain how grades are awarded by your institution and what the classifications mean.

Course or Subject Information

Additional subject details or course information may be requested depending on the institution and program.

Certified English Translations

English translations may be required where applicable, depending on the university’s document requirements.

Your academic transcript is particularly important because it shows the grades you received and may help the university interpret the grading system used by your institution.

Does Your GPA Affect Admission to Australia?

Your academic performance may form part of the evaluation process for admission to an Australian university. However, the academic level required varies according to the institution, course and previous level of study.

Some postgraduate programs publish specific requirements for GPA, percentage marks or equivalent academic results. Undergraduate applicants may instead be assessed using senior secondary qualifications and grades.

For example, ANU publishes indicative GPA equivalencies for postgraduate applicants from the Philippines. Applicants must also meet the entry requirements of their chosen program.

Depending on your circumstances, other factors may also need to be considered, including previous qualifications, English language requirements, finances and student visa requirements.

Common GPA Calculation Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 01: Assuming Every Australian University Uses a 7-Point GPA

A 7-point scale is used by a number of institutions, but it is not a universal national calculation standard.

Mistake 02: Treating an Australian Percentage Like a Philippine Percentage

A percentage should be interpreted within the grading system that produced it. The same percentage does not necessarily have the same meaning across institutions or countries.

Mistake 03: 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.

Mistake 04: Confusing GPA With WAM

GPA and WAM are not interchangeable. Check which academic measure the institution or course actually requests.

Mistake 05: 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:

1. Identify the Australian university and course you want to pursue.
2. Check the current academic entry requirements for that course.
3. Confirm whether the institution asks for GPA, percentage marks, WAM or another academic measure.
4. Review Philippines-specific academic requirements where available.
5. Prepare your official academic records and any supporting grading information requested.
6. Check other applicable requirements, including English language proficiency and student visa criteria.

For students planning to study in Australia from the Philippines, understanding 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

1. What does GPA stand for?

GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a numerical value used to represent a student’s overall academic performance.

2. How is GPA calculated?

A common weighted GPA calculation multiplies each grade point by its credit or unit value, adds the weighted points and divides the result by the total credit or unit value.

3. Is Australian GPA out of 4 or 7?

It depends on the university and the purpose of the calculation. Some Australian institutions use a 7-point GPA, while other institutions use different academic measures or calculation methods.

4. Is GPA the same as WAM?

No. GPA generally uses grade points to calculate an average, while WAM uses actual marks to calculate a weighted average. The applicable formula depends on the institution.

5. Do Australian universities automatically convert a Philippine GPA?

There is no single conversion method that should be assumed for every university. Australian institutions may use their own assessment methods, so Filipino students should check the requirements of their chosen university and course.

6. What academic documents may be required?

Depending on the institution, you may need an official transcript or academic record, diploma or certificate, grading scale, course information and English translations where required.

7. Can GPA affect admission to an Australian university?

Academic performance can form part of an admission assessment. Requirements vary by university, course and level of study, so applicants should check the specific course entry requirements.

8. Can I use an online GPA calculator to convert my Philippine grades?

An online calculator can provide an estimate if its methodology is appropriate, but it may not match the conversion or assessment method used by your chosen university. Follow the institution’s official requirements.

Need Help Understanding Your Study Options?

If you are unsure how your Philippine academic results may be assessed for an Australian course, APG Philippines can help you explore study options and understand the admission process.

Discuss your academic background, course options and application requirements with an education counsellor before starting your application.