The Australian grading system (HD–F), explained
Australian universities grade with words: High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, Pass and Fail. A Pass is 50%, and a High Distinction (85%+) is the top band. Final results are often summarised as a WAM (Weighted Average Mark) rather than a GPA.
The grades and what they mean
| Grade | Abbrev. | Percentage | ≈ US GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Distinction | HD | 85–100 | 4.0 |
| Distinction | D | 75–84 | 3.7 |
| Credit | C | 65–74 | 3.3 |
| Pass | P | 50–64 | 2.3–3.0 |
| Fail | F | 0–49 | 0.0 |
The pass mark
50% is the pass mark (P). Below 50% is a Fail. A Credit (65%+) is a good result and a Distinction (75%+) is very strong; High Distinction (85%+) is reserved for excellent work.
Australia's bands sit between the UK's compressed marks and the US's high percentages — a 75 here is a Distinction, not a 'C'.
WAM vs GPA
Many Australian universities use a WAM — your average percentage weighted by credit points — instead of a 4.0 GPA. Some also report a 7-point GPA (7=HD). For US equivalence, HD ≈ 4.0, D ≈ 3.7, C ≈ 3.3, P ≈ 2.3–3.0.
The words, in order
HD (High Distinction, 85+) > D (Distinction, 75+) > C (Credit, 65+) > P (Pass, 50+) > F (Fail, <50).
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Grade my work freeFrequently asked questions
- What is the pass mark in Australia?
- 50%. That earns a Pass (P); below 50% is a Fail (F).
- Is a Credit a good grade?
- Yes — a Credit (65–74%) is a solid, above-average result; Distinction (75%+) and High Distinction (85%+) are stronger.
- What is a WAM?
- A Weighted Average Mark: your average percentage weighted by each subject's credit points. It's Australia's common alternative to a GPA.
Related guides: UK grading system · US grades & GPA