Norwegian Grade Calculator
Calculate your GPA using Norway's standardized A–F grading scale. Studiepoeng (ECTS) credit-weighted. C = Good (not average)! Grade points: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. Used by UiO, NTNU, UiB, BI and other Norwegian universities.
In Norway, the grading system is standardized across all higher education institutions. It is transparent, rigorous, and completely aligned with the ECTS system.
A crucial cultural difference to note: A "C" is a good grade. Unlike in the US or parts of Asia where anything below an A can be seen as a failure, in Norway, a C literally stands for "Good" and is the expected performance level for a capable student.
| Grade | Norwegian Description | English Equivalent | % Equivalent* | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Fremragende | Excellent | 90 – 100% | 5 |
| B | Meget god | Very Good | 80 – 89% | 4 |
| C | God | Good | 60 – 79% | 3 |
| D | Nokså god | Satisfactory | 50 – 59% | 2 |
| E | Tilstrekkelig | Sufficient (Pass) | 40 – 49% | 1 |
| F | Ikke bestått | Fail | 0 – 39% | — |
*Note: Percentage equivalents are guidelines often used in science/math faculties. In humanities/social sciences, grading is qualitative based on judgment descriptions.
Pass/Fail Scale
Some courses (like practical seminars or introductory modules) use a simple binary scale:
- Bestått: Passed
- Ikke bestått: Failed
Norway uses Studiepoeng (study points), which are 1:1 equivalent to ECTS.
- 1 ECTS = 25–30 hours of student work
- Full-time Year: 60 ECTS
- Bachelor's Degree: 180 ECTS (3 years)
- Master's Degree: 120 ECTS (2 years)
When applying for a Master's degree in Norway, your GPA is calculated based on the courses from your Bachelor's degree (often specifically the 80 ECTS "specialization" group).
Grade Point Conversion Table
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 5 |
| B | 4 |
| C | 3 |
| D | 2 |
| E | 1 |
Weighted Average Formula
| Course | Grade | Points | ECTS | Weighted Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macroeconomics | C | 3 | 10 | 30 |
| Statistics | A | 5 | 10 | 50 |
| Research Methods | B | 4 | 10 | 40 |
| Norwegian Language | C | 3 | 10 | 30 |
| Total | — | — | 40 | 150 |
Norwegian students are quite strategic about their grades.
"Konte" (Konteeksamen)
Slang for a resit exam. If you fail an exam in the spring (May/June), you can usually retake it in August/September.
Improving a Grade
If you pass but are unhappy with your grade (e.g., you got a C but want a B), you can retake the exam the next time it is offered. The best grade always counts.
Three Attempts
You are generally allowed 3 attempts per course. If you fail 3 times, you may be barred from that degree program.
Anonymous Grading
In Norway, exams are almost always graded anonymously. You submit your paper using a Candidate Number (e.g., "Kandidat 3045"), not your name. The professor does not know who you are until after the grade is registered.
The "Klage" System
If you disagree with a grade, you have the right to appeal (klage). Your paper will be sent to a new, external grader who does not know your original grade.
Warning: The new grade is final, even if it is lower than the original one (e.g., you complain about a C and the new grader gives you a D).
How Common is an A?
Rare. National statistics often show that only about 10–15% of students receive an A. A "B" is a very strong grade, and a "C" is the most common grade for capable students.
Top Norwegian Universities
- University of Oslo (UiO) – Norway's largest and most prestigious university
- NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) – Leading technical university in Trondheim
- University of Bergen (UiB) – Major research university on the west coast
- BI Norwegian Business School – Top business school in Oslo
- Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) – Premier economics and business school in Bergen
- Study in Norway – Official government portal for international students
- HK-dir (Directorate for Higher Education and Skills) – Government body responsible for quality assurance and recognition of foreign education
- University of Oslo (UiO) Grading System – Clear explanation of the qualitative criteria for A–F grades
- NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) – Detailed info on the grading scale from Norway's premier engineering university
- Samordna opptak – The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (mostly for Bachelor's admissions)