The Australian grading scale is different to most countries, but is easy to both comprehend and translate to suit your home country’s system. Our grading system works on a four-point scale as follows:
Credit points and subject workload
At Bond University, a standard subject is worth 10 credit points (cps). This represents a full subject load within the Australian higher education system.
As a general guide:
- 10 Bond credit points may equate to three or four credits in the United States system, or
- 7.5 credits under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).
Bond University does not recognise Pass Conceded (PC) grades.
How your grades may be assessed by your home institution
Bond University uses the Australian higher education grading system. When you return to your home institution after studying abroad, your academic results are assessed according to your home institution's policies, not Bond’s. It is your responsibility to ensure that your transcript is sent to your home institution upon completion of your semester(s)
Grading interpretation varies widely between institutions and countries. As a result, there is no single guaranteed grade equivalency for study abroad results.
How grades are typically transferred
Home institutions may assess study abroad results in different ways. For example:
- Some institutions record study abroad outcomes as pass/fail only, without affecting GPA.
- Others transfer individual grades and apply their own conversion methods.
- Some institutions assess results on a case‑by‑case basis, particularly for progression, scholarships or professional accreditation.
The method used depends on your home institution’s academic regulations.
Indicative grade comparison (general guidance only)
The table below provides general guidance only on how Bond grades may be interpreted by some institutions internationally. It should not be treated as an official or guaranteed conversion.
Grade point | Grade | % mark range | How it may be interpreted by some institutions* |
| 4 | High Distinction | 85 - 100 | Often considered equivalent to an A‑range result |
| 3 | Distinction | 75 - 84 | Often considered a B to B+ range result |
| 2 | Credit | 65 - 74 | Often considered a C to B‑ range result |
| 1 | Pass | 50 - 64 | May be recorded as pass or a lower letter grade |
| 0 | Fail | < 50 | Typically recorded as fail |
*Indicative only. Outcomes vary by institution and country.
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)
If your home institution uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), it’s important to note that:
- ECTS grades are based on relative performance within a cohort, not fixed percentage ranges.
- ECTS outcomes are determined by your home institution, not Bond.
- An ECTS grade cannot be guaranteed in advance and may be assigned after your results are reviewed.
Important information for study abroad students
Credit transfer is determined by your home institution, not by Bond. While the information above is provided as a guide, each institution has the right to translate credits according to its own academic regulations. You should consult your home institution prior to coming to Bond to ensure you understand the credit transfer process and the requirements you must fulfil during your semester abroad
What you should do before selecting subjects
Before finalising your subject selection, you are strongly encouraged to:
- confirm with your home institution how study abroad grades are transferred,
- ask whether results are recorded as pass/fail or letter grades,
- clarify whether study abroad grades may affect GPA, progression, scholarships or honours eligibility.
If you need help understanding Bond’s grading system or preparing information for your home university, our Study Abroad team can provide general advice. Final grade recognition decisions, however, are always made by your home institution.