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CGPA Calculator for Benin

Calculate your Moyenne (semester average) using Benin's 0–20 scale. LMD framework with credit-weighted averages and Mention system (Très Bien, Bien, Assez Bien, Passable) as used by UAC, University of Parakou, UNSTIM and other Beninese universities.

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Grading System Overview (Benin)
LMD framework with 0–20 numerical scale and ECTS-aligned credits

The Republic of Benin follows the LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorat) framework, harmonized across the French-speaking world. The system emphasizes the 20-point scale and credit accumulation aligned with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

The Beninese university system is assessment-heavy, using Contrôles Continus (continuous assessment/mid-terms) and Examens Terminaux (final exams). Each academic year has two semesters. Courses are grouped into Unités d'Enseignement (UE), which may contain one or more Éléments Constitutifs (EC/ECUE).

Transcripts display the mark out of 20 for each course, the credits earned, and the Moyenne du Semestre (Semester Average). Pass mark: 10 / 20. Resits (Rattrapages) are common, usually held after the second semester for failed units. Rounding is typically to two decimal places; faculty-specific rules may vary (e.g. up to next 0.5).

Quick Facts
Essential information about Benin's grading system
Main Grading Approach20-Point Scale (Numerical average / Moyenne)
Typical Grading Scale0.00 – 20.00
Local Credit TermCrédits (aligned with ECTS standards)
Credit-Weighted?Yes. Results are weighted by the number of credits per UE.
Pass Mark10 / 20 (typically)
Resits (Rattrapages)Common; usually held after the second semester for failed units.
Rounding RulesUsually to two decimal places; specific rounding varies by faculty.
Key Terminology
Understanding Beninese academic terms
Moyenne: The numerical average out of 20.
Mention: The honor or distinction label assigned to a grade (e.g. Assez Bien, Bien, Très Bien).
Validation: Successfully passing a unit or semester (average ≥10/20).
Capitalisation: The system where a validated UE (10/20 or higher) is permanently earned and cannot be retaken.
UE (Unité d'Enseignement): A teaching unit that may contain one or more EC/ECUE (Éléments Constitutifs).
How the Semester Average (Moyenne) is Calculated
Step-by-step weighted average
  1. Individual UE grade: The grade for a Unité d'Enseignement is usually a weighted average of continuous assessment and final exam:
    Note UE = (Note CC × W_CC) + (Note Examen × W_Examen)

    Common weight: 40% Continuous Assessment (CC) / 60% Final Exam.

  2. Semester average (Moyenne Semestrielle): Benin uses a credit-weighted average:
    Moyenne = Σ(Note UE × Credits UE) / Σ(Credits UE)
  3. Compensation: In many faculties, if the overall average is ≥10/20, the semester is validated even if one UE is slightly below 10 (usually with a floor of 7 or 8/20). A UE "validated by compensation" may not be capitalized the same way in some programs.
  4. Final degree: The final degree result is the average of all semesters (6 for Licence, 4 for Master). The final Mention is determined by this cumulative average.
Primary Grade Scale (0–20) and Mentions
Standard scale used by public and private universities in Benin
Mark / 20French Mention (Official)English EquivalentStatus
16.0 – 20.0Très BienVery Good / ExcellentPass
14.0 – 15.9BienGoodPass
12.0 – 13.9Assez BienFairly GoodPass
10.0 – 11.9PassableSatisfactory / PassPass
0.0 – 9.9Ajourné / InsuffisantFailFail

Note: 18–20 is technically "Très Bien avec Félicitations du Jury" but is extremely rare in the Beninese system.

Conversion to US GPA (International Context)
Benin does not natively use 4.0 GPA; this is for US/UK applications (e.g. Scholaro, WES)
Benin Mark (/20)US Grade EquivalentUS Grade Point (4.0)
14.0 – 20.0A4.0
12.0 – 13.9B+3.3 – 3.5
11.0 – 11.9B3.0
10.5 – 10.9B-2.7
10.0 – 10.4C2.0
Below 10.0F0.0
Worked Example
Jean-Luc — Year 1, Semester 1, Licence in Law
Course (UE)CreditsGrade (/20)Weighted Points
Droit Constitutionnel612.5075.00
Introduction au Droit611.0066.00
Histoire du Droit414.0056.00
Langue Vivante (Anglais)415.0060.00
Informatique49.0036.00
Méthodologie610.5063.00
TOTAL30356.00
Calculation: Semester Average = 356.00 ÷ 30 = 11.86 / 20
Result: Passable — Passed via semester compensation despite 9.00 in Informatique.
What "Final Result" Means
Key terms on transcripts and diplomas
Moyenne Générale du Semestre (MGS): The weighted average of all units in a single semester.
Moyenne Générale Annuelle (MGA): The average of the two semesters in an academic year.
Diplôme de Licence / Master: The final certificate listing the Mention obtained based on the cumulative average of all years.
Relevé de Notes: The official transcript showing marks for every ECUE and UE.
Variations by University
The 20-point scale is a national standard (MESRS)
UniversityGrading ApproachScaleLink
Université d'Abomey-Calavi (UAC)Percentage/Average0–20uac.bj
Université de Parakou (UP)Percentage/Average0–20univ-parakou.bj
UNSTIM (Engineering/Tech)Percentage/Average0–20unstim.bj
ESM Benin (Private)Percentage/Average0–20esm-benin.com
International Interpretation
How Beninese grades are viewed abroad
US/Canada:

A Beninese 14/20 is often viewed as an "A" (Excellent) because grading is stricter than the US percentage system. A 10/20 is typically a "C".

Europe (ECTS):

Benin's credit system is modeled on ECTS (60 credits/year). Grades map easily to the ECTS grading table (A, B, C, D, E).

WES/ECE:

Credential evaluators recognize Benin's state-accredited degrees. Students from private "unauthorized" institutions may face rejection—always check the MESRS list of accredited programs.

Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Benin's grading system

Sources & References
Official documentation and policies
UAC FADESP - Règlement Pédagogique Général
Université d'Abomey-Calavi
View
Scholaro - Benin Grading System
Scholaro
View
Décret LMD 2010-297
Secrétariat Général du Gouvernement
View
University of Parakou Academic Portal
Université de Parakou
View
Last Updated: February 12, 2026
Basis: UAC FADESP Pedagogical Rules, Government Decree 2010-297 (LMD), Scholaro Benin Profile, University of Parakou guidelines.