What is a GPA?

A grade point average (GPA) is the average result of all grades achieved by a student during a course of study at tertiary level.

When does VTAC calculate a GPA?

VTAC will calculate a GPA for you, if all the following are true:

  • you are applying for courses through VTAC (using the VTAC course application)
  • you have claimed the university study on your course application
  • the university has electronically supplied results to VTAC.

VTAC does not calculate GPAs for:

  • university results supplied in hard copy only
  • TAFE results
  • overseas qualifications.

How does VTAC calculate a GPA?

VTAC uses an agreed system methodology to calculate GPAs, and applies it uniformly to all VTAC applicants eligible for a GPA. (VTAC does not use GPAs which may appear on results transcripts issued by institutions.) Subject results are converted to a numeric seven (7) point scale using levels of achievement and subject weightings reported to VTAC by participating Australian universities. Seven represents the highest level of achievement with zero (0) the lowest.

Each university has a different way of reporting achievement. To establish a comparison of an applicant's achievement with that of applicants with similar qualifications from other universities, the grades must be initially be converted into numerical values for a standardised grade point average to be calculated. Some examples of different grading systems used by Australian universities are shown below:


University example A
University example B
University example C
Grade
Numerical value
Grade
Numerical value
Grade
Numerical value
High distinction
7
 Honours
6.5
 A
6.5
Distinction
6
  
 
 B
5
Credit
5
 Credit
5
 C
4
Pass
4
 Pass
4
 D
3
Conceded pass
3
  
 
 E
0
Fail
0
 Fail
0
 F
0
Withdrawn fail
0
  
 
  
 

Answers to frequently asked questions:

  • Repeated subjects (whether passed or failed) are included in the calculation each time the subject is attempted.
  • Credit from previous studies or exemptions are not included in the calculation of a GPA for that particular qualification. Any studies for which credit or exemptions have been granted will be included in a separate GPA calculated from the results supplied by the university where the previous qualification was undertaken.
  • Only one GPA is calculated for combined degrees where the results are provided by the university under the one qualification.
  • Where the university has indicated that a Masters degree has been completed, a value of seven (7) is awarded.
  • Where a subject weighting has not been provided by the university for all results in a qualification, an equal value of one (1) is given to all subjects.

VTAC calculates grade point averages using an agreed formula on the basis of grades supplied by the universities. Any dispute, alleged errors or omissions should be referred to VTAC in the first instance. Subsequent clarification of grades and results reported may be required from the originating university. The status of the GPA for the purposes of admissions to a course of study at an Australian tertiary institution is a matter for the institution concerned to determine.

Institutions using the GPA

To see if GPA is used for selection, check Selection mode in the course description in CourseSearch.

For information on how institutions use GPAs for selection, see institution pages.