Austrian Grade Calculator
Calculate your Notendurchschnitt (weighted grade average) using Austria's 1–5 grading system. Lower is better—1 = excellent, 4 = pass. ECTS credit-weighted as used by University of Vienna, TU Wien, WU Wien, MedUni Wien and other Austrian universities.
In Austria, the grading system is similar to the German university scale but uses a simpler 1–5 range. Here, 1.0 is the best possible grade, and 5.0 is a fail. The system is known for being rigorous, with 1.0 being reserved for truly outstanding performance.
This scale is used for almost all individual exams, papers, and projects at universities (Uni), Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule), and Colleges of Education.
Weighted Average Formula (Notendurchschnitt)
Each grade is multiplied by its ECTS credits, then all products are summed and divided by the total ECTS credits. Remember: Lower averages are better!
Important Considerations:
- Alternative Grading: Some courses (like internships or pass/fail seminars) use "Mit Erfolg teilgenommen" (Successfully completed) or "Ohne Erfolg teilgenommen" (Unsuccessfully completed).
- 1 ECTS = 25 hours: This is slightly more intense than the 28–30 hours used in some other EU states.
- Minimum Achievement Rule: At major universities like the University of Vienna, you must achieve at least 16 ECTS credits per year to keep your status active in some Bachelor's programs.
| Grade | German Term | English Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sehr gut | Excellent | Outstanding performance with only minor errors |
| 2 | Gut | Good | Above average standard but with some errors |
| 3 | Befriedigend | Satisfactory | Generally sound work with several notable errors |
| 4 | Genügend | Sufficient | Minimum Pass. Meets the minimum criteria |
| 5 | Nicht genügend | Insufficient | Fail. Substantial improvement required |
Student Saying
"Vierer ist bestanden, bestanden ist gut" — "A 4 is a pass, and a pass is good."
While a 1.0 or 2.0 is needed for competitive scholarships, a 4.0 still grants you the full ECTS credits.
When you complete your entire degree or a comprehensive diploma exam, you don't just get a number; you receive a qualitative "Success" rating:
| German Term | English | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mit ausgezeichnetem Erfolg bestanden | Passed with Distinction | Average usually ≤ 1.5, with no grade below 3 |
| Mit gutem Erfolg bestanden | Passed with Merit | Average usually ≤ 2.0 |
| Bestanden | Passed | Standard pass |
| Nicht bestanden | Failed | Did not meet requirements |
| Course | Grade (1–5) | ECTS | Weighted Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| Physics | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Computer Science | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| German Language | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Total | — | 23 | 42 |
Four Exam Attempts
By law, students usually have four attempts to pass an exam. The fourth attempt is a "commissional exam" (Kommissionelle Prüfung) held before a board of professors. If you fail the final attempt, you are barred from that specific degree program at that university.
Academic Calendar (2026)
- Winter Semester: Starts October 1, 2026. Exams usually happen in late January.
- Summer Semester: Starts March 1, 2026. Exams usually happen in late June.
Matura Entrance Exam
The Matura (or Reifeprüfung) is the final secondary school exam required to enter university. Your Matura grades are often used for "admission procedures" if the university has limited spots (Numerus Clausus).
Top Austrian Universities
- University of Vienna – Austria's largest and oldest university (founded 1365)
- TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology) – Leading technical university
- WU Wien (Vienna University of Economics and Business) – Top business school
- Medical University of Vienna – Prestigious medical school
- University of Innsbruck – Major university in the Alps
- Study in Austria (OeAD) – The primary official portal for international students, covering everything from visas to grading
- Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) – Official legislative information on the Austrian higher education system
- University of Vienna: Grading Information – Clear guide on how one of Europe's oldest universities applies the 1–5 scale
- Austrian Students' Union (ÖH) – The legal representative body for students, great for advice on grading disputes or commissional exams
- Eurydice: Higher Education in Austria – Detailed technical overview of the ECTS and degree structures