1. What is GPA in South Africa?

GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance. In South Africa, GPA is calculated on different scales depending on the institution, with many using a 7-point scale where A+ = 7, A = 6, B = 5, etc.

2. How GPA is Calculated

The standard GPA calculation formula is:

Where:

• Grade points - Numerical value of the letter grade (e.g., A = 6 points)
• Credits - Weight/credit value of the course

Example: If you got an A (6) in a 4-credit course and a B (5) in a 3-credit course, your GPA would be (6×4 + 5×3)/(4+3) = 39/7 = 5.57

3. South African Grading Scale

Common 7-point scale:

• A+ = 7 (80-100%)
• A = 6 (75-79%)
• B = 5 (70-74%)
• C = 4 (60-69%)
• D = 3 (50-59%)
• E = 2 (40-49%)
• F = 1 (0-39%)

Note: Some institutions may use variations of this scale.

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions:

1. Select your letter grade for each course
2. Enter the credit value for each course
3. Add or remove courses as needed
4. Click "Calculate GPA"

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is GPA the same across all South African universities?
A: No, grading scales can vary between institutions. Always check your university's specific grading policy.

Q2: What is a good GPA in South Africa?
A: Generally, a GPA of 5.0+ is considered good, 6.0+ is excellent. Requirements vary by program.

Q3: How are semester and cumulative GPA different?
A: Semester GPA is for one term, cumulative GPA includes all courses taken.

Q4: Can I calculate GPA without credits?
A: If all courses have equal weight, you can use 1 credit for each course.

Q5: How does South African GPA compare internationally?
A: South African GPAs may need conversion when applying to foreign institutions.