Cracking the Canadian Grading System: A Complete Guide for International Students
Thinking of studying in Canada? You’re in great company! With its world-class education, diverse campuses, high quality of life, and career-friendly environment, Canada continues to rank among the top study destinations globally.
If you’re planning to join a Canadian college or university, one important thing to understand early on is how grades work in Canada. The grading system may be different from what you’re used to — and it even varies across provinces and institutions!
Let’s break it down for you.
Grading in Canada Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Unlike some countries with a national grading framework, Canada does not follow a unified grading system. Instead, the system differs depending on:
- The province
- The university or college
- The academic department
- Sometimes, even the professor!
This means an A in Alberta might not mean the same thing as an A in Ontario — and each institution may use percentages, letter grades, GPA (Grade Point Average), or a combination of these.
Two Common Canadian Grading Scales
Despite regional differences, most institutions use a version of these two grading scales:
| Letter Grade | Percentage (Scale I) | GPA (Scale II) |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90–100 | 4.33–9 |
| A | 85–89 | 4.0–8 |
| B+ | 75–84 | 3.33–7 |
| B | 70–74 | 3.0–6 |
| B– | 65–69 | 2.67–5 |
| C+ | 60–64 | 2.33–4 |
| C | 55–59 | 2.0–3 |
| D | 40–54 | 1 |
| F | Below 40 or 50 | 0 |
Always check your institution’s specific scale, as the values for grades (especially A and B ranges) can differ slightly.
How GPA, Credits, and Credit Hours Work
Like the U.S. system, Canadian universities assign a certain number of credit hours to each course. These credit hours represent the time commitment and weight of the course.
You earn credits by successfully completing these courses, and your performance is used to calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA).
GPA = (Grade Value × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours
This weighted average gives a clearer picture of your academic performance, especially when courses carry different credit values.
- Undergraduate students usually complete 15 credit hours per semester.
- Postgraduate students may take up to 24 credit hours per semester.
Shortfalls can often be made up during summer semesters or through independent studies.
What Do the Letter Grades Actually Mean?
Here’s a general breakdown of what each letter represents:
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Excellent |
| B | Very Good |
| C | Good |
| D | Satisfactory/Average |
| F or E | Failing/Unsatisfactory |
Some institutions may also use E as a failing grade, though it’s not as common.
Why Understanding Grades Matters
Knowing how grading works helps you:
- Set realistic academic goals
- Track your performance accurately
- Avoid surprises when applying for jobs or further studies
- Understand GPA requirements for scholarships or visa renewals
FAQs
1. Is a 70% in Canada considered a good grade?
Yes. In most Canadian universities, 70–74% usually corresponds to a B, which is considered “very good.”
2. What is a good GPA in Canadian universities?
A GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is generally considered good, especially for postgraduate applications or scholarships.
3. Why do grading systems vary across provinces in Canada?
Education is governed at the provincial level in Canada, so each province has the freedom to implement its own grading policies.
4. Do Canadian universities accept percentage-based transcripts from other countries?
Yes, but they will usually convert your grades to the Canadian equivalent using their internal system or evaluation services like WES.
5. Can I improve my GPA during my studies?
Absolutely. Since GPA is cumulative, consistent effort in future semesters can raise your overall score.
6. What happens if I fail a course in Canada?
If you fail a course (usually with an F or a grade below 50%), you may be allowed to retake it. However, the failed grade may still appear on your transcript, depending on the institution’s policies.
7. Are grades curved in Canada?
Some professors use a grading curve, but this depends on the course and institution. Always ask your professor for clarification.