Can I retake a course to improve a 'C' grade?

No. At most Hong Kong universities, you can only repeat a course if you failed (F) it. Passing grades cannot be retaken for improvement.

What happens if I fail a required course?

You must retake it. Both the original 'F' (0.0) and the new grade will appear on your transcript and be averaged into your CGPA. The F is permanent in your calculation.

What is the Dean's List?

A semester-based honor for students typically in the top 10-15% of their faculty with an SGPA of 3.50 – 3.70+.

Is there a cap on First Class Honours?

Yes, some faculties (like HKU Law) have advisory limits. For example, no more than 10% of the class may receive First Class Honours.

Do Pass/Fail courses affect my Honours?

They do not affect your GPA, but universities often require a minimum number of letter-graded credits (the '50% rule') to award an Honours classification.

What is the difference between SGPA, CGPA, and GGPA?

SGPA is your Semester GPA for one term. CGPA is your Cumulative GPA across all semesters. GGPA (Graduation GPA) is the final GPA used to determine your Honours classification, which may exclude certain non-graded courses.

How are Hong Kong degrees viewed internationally?

Hong Kong degrees are highly compatible with US, UK, and European systems. A 'First Class' is equivalent to a UK 1st or US 4.0. An 'Upper Second' (GPA 3.0+) is equivalent to a UK 2:1. WES typically converts the 4.3 scale to 4.0 by capping A+ at 4.0.

What is the 'Major GPA' at CUHK?

At CUHK, the Major GPA is a separate calculation of only your core major courses, used as a secondary criterion for graduation alongside your overall CGPA.

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Hong Kong Degree Classification Calculator

Calculate your degree classification and Honours based on module grades and credits. Hong Kong uses a 4.3 GPA scale with First Class (80%+), Second Class Division I (70%+), Second Class Division II (60%+), and Third Class (50%+).

Hong Kong Degree Classifications at a Glance

First (1st)

80%+

Upper Second (2:1)

70-79%

Lower Second (2:2)

60-69%

Third Class

50-59%

Fail

Below 50%

Year Weightings

Set how much each year counts toward your final classification

Year 1 Weight (%)

Year 2 Weight (%)

Year 3 Weight (%)

Quick presets:

Module Grades

Enter your module grades and credit values

Module Name (optional)	Grade (%)	Credits

Module 1

Grade (%)

Credits

Year 1 Average:No valid data

Total Credits:0

Your Results

Final degree classification

Enter module grades and credits to see your classification

Classifications may vary by university. Some institutions use borderline rules, discretionary marks, or different weighting schemes. Always verify with your university's regulations.

Hong Kong Higher Education: GPA and Honours System

Hong Kong uses a highly standardized, US-influenced GPA system combined with British-style Honours classifications. The University Grants Committee (UGC) ensures high alignment across the "Big 8" institutions including HKU, CUHK, HKUST, and CityU.

Quick Facts

Typical Scale	0.00 – 4.30 (Standard) or 0.00 – 4.00
Typical Pass Mark	1.0 (Grade D) / ~40%
Assessment Structure	CA (40-50%) + Final Exam (50-60%)
Credit System	3 credits = 3 hours lecture/week

Hong Kong University Grading Scale (4.3 System)

Letter Grade	Grade Point	Meaning	Approx. %
A+	4.30	Outstanding	90%+
A	4.00	Excellent	85-89%
A-	3.70	Excellent (Borderline)	80-84%
B+	3.30	Very Good	75-79%
B	3.00	Good	70-74%
B-	2.70	Good (Borderline)	65-69%
C+	2.30	Satisfactory	60-64%
C	2.00	Satisfactory	55-59%
C-	1.70	Satisfactory (Borderline)	50-54%
D+	1.30	Pass	45-49%
D	1.00	Marginal Pass	40-44%
F	0.00	Fail	<40%

Source: HKU, HKUST, CityU, PolyU. CUHK traditionally uses a 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, A- = 3.7) but follows the same Honours divisions.

Degree Classification (Honours)

The final Graduation GPA (GGPA) or CGPA determines your Honours classification. Boards of Examiners may have limited discretion to award a higher class for borderline cases.

Honours Classification	GPA Range	Approx. % (this calc)
First Class Honours	3.60 – 4.30	80%+
Second Class (Division I / 2:1)	3.00 – 3.59	70% – 79%
Second Class (Division II / 2:2)	2.40 – 2.99	60% – 69%
Third Class Honours	1.70 – 2.39	50% – 59%
Pass	1.00 – 1.69	40% – 49%

Student guidance

Don't rely on retaking to "wipe out" an F! In Hong Kong, the original F (0.0) is permanent in your CGPA calculation. One fail can make it mathematically impossible to reach First Class Honours even with straight A's thereafter.

How the Calculation Works

GPA Calculation Formula

GPA = Σ(Grade Points × Credits) ÷ Σ(Total Credits). This calculator uses percentage-weighted averages: Weighted Average = Σ(Mark × Credits) ÷ Σ(Credits).

Example: 5 courses, 30 credits. Grades: A (4.0), B+ (3.3), A- (3.7), C (2.0), B (3.0). Credits: 6, 6, 6, 6, 6. Quality Points = 24 + 19.8 + 22.2 + 12 + 18 = 96. SGPA = 96 / 30 = 3.20 → Second Class (Division I).