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CGPA Calculator for Mali

Calculate your Moyenne du Semestre (MGS) using Mali's 0–20 scale. LMD framework with credit-weighted averages, compensation rules, and Mention system (Très Bien, Bien, Assez Bien, Passable) as used by USJPB, USTTB, ULSHB, USSGB and other Malian universities.

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Grading System Overview (Mali)
LMD framework with 0–20 scale and ECTS-equivalent credits

In the Republic of Mali, higher education is modeled on the LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorat) framework, a standardization used across French-speaking Africa through REESAO (Réseau pour l'Excellence de l'Enseignement Supérieur en Afrique de l'Ouest). The system relies on a 20-point numerical scale and a credit-weighted averaging method.

Malian universities assess performance through Contrôle Continu (continuous assessment) and Examen Final (final exams). A course is known as an Unité d'Enseignement (UE), which may be subdivided into Éléments Constitutifs (EC/ECUE). Transcripts list numerical marks (0–20) and Mentions (honorary distinctions). Credit system: 1 semester = 30 credits; a standard Licence requires 180 credits (6 semesters). Pass mark: 10 / 20. Resits: Session de Rattrapage. Rounding: usually two decimal places; specific rounding varies by faculty.

Quick Facts
Essential information about Mali's grading system
Main Grading Approach20-Point Scale (Numerical weighted average)
Typical Grading Scale0.00 – 20.00
Local Credit TermCrédits (directly equivalent to ECTS)
Credit-Weighted?Yes. Results are weighted by credits per unit.
Typical Pass Mark10 / 20
Resits / RetakesSession de Rattrapage (second session for failed units)
Rounding RulesUsually to two decimal places; specific rounding varies by faculty.
Key Definitions
Understanding Malian academic terms
Moyenne Générale du Semestre (MGS): The weighted average for one semester.
Capitalisation: Once a UE is validated (grade ≥ 10/20), the credits are permanently earned and cannot be lost.
Compensation: A high grade in one unit can balance a low grade in another to reach a passing semester average (≥ 10/20). Subject to the floor mark (Note Éliminatoire) in each unit.
How the Semester Average is Calculated
Weighted average and compensation rules
  1. Individual course grade (Note de l'UE): The grade for a unit is typically calculated from continuous assessment and final exam. Common weighting: 40% CC (tests, assignments) / 60% Examen Final.
  2. Semester average (Moyenne du Semestre): Mali uses a weighted average where credits act as the weight (coefficients):
    Moyenne du Semestre = Σ(Grade UE × Crédits UE) / Σ(Crédits UE)
  3. Compensation floor (Note Éliminatoire): While you can pass with a 10/20 semester average, many Malian faculties set a floor mark, typically 7/20 or 8/20. If you score below this in any single unit, you cannot compensate and must take the Session de Rattrapage.
  4. Resits (Rattrapages): If you fail a unit, you retake the exam portion. The higher of the two marks (original or resit) is usually retained; policies on capping marks at 10/20 vary by institution.
Primary Grade Scale (0–20)
Official scale used for transcripts and degree honors in Mali
Mark / 20French MentionEnglish 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 (Échec)FailFail
Conversion to US GPA (International Context)
Mali does not use GPA; this is for evaluators (e.g. GPA Calculator, WES)
Mali Mark (/20)US Grade EquivalentUS Grade Point (4.0)
14.0 – 20.0A4.0
12.0 – 13.9B3.0
11.0 – 11.9C2.0
10.0 – 10.9D1.0
Below 10.0F0.0
Worked Example
Moussa — Year 1, Semester 1 (Economics)
Course (UE)CreditsGrade (/20)Weighted Value
Microéconomie612.0072.00
Macroéconomie69.5057.00
Mathématiques614.0084.00
Droit des Affaires411.0044.00
Anglais Appliqué415.5062.00
Informatique48.0032.00
TOTAL30351.00
Semester Average: 351.00 ÷ 30 = 11.70 / 20
Outcome: Passable. Moussa validates the semester because the average is above 10, despite the 8.00 and 9.50 (provided they are above the floor mark).
What "Final Result" Means
Key terms on transcripts and diplomas
Moyenne du Semestre: The result for a single 6-month block.
Moyenne Annuelle: The average of the two semesters in one year.
Moyenne de la Licence: The cumulative average of all 6 semesters.
Mention du Diplôme: The final distinction (e.g. Bien, Assez Bien) based on the 3-year cumulative average, printed on the diploma.
Variations by University
System standardized by MESRS (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research)
UniversityGrading SystemScaleLink
Univ. des Sciences Juridiques et Politiques (USJPB)Average/Credits0–20usjpb.edu.ml
Univ. des Sciences et des Technologies (USTTB)Average/Credits0–20usttb.edu.ml
Univ. des Lettres et des Sciences Humaines (ULSHB)Average/Credits0–20ulshb.edu.ml
Univ. des Sciences Sociales et de Gestion (USSGB)Average/Credits0–20ussgb.ml
International Interpretation
How Malian grades are viewed abroad
ECTS alignment:

Malian credits are 1:1 with European credits. A Malian Licence (180 credits) is equivalent to a European Bachelor's degree.

USA conversion:

Admission officers are cautioned that a 12/20 in Mali is a "Good" grade, not a 60% failing/D grade as it would be in a US high school.

Credential evaluation:

Students are encouraged to use WES or ECE for North American applications so their numerical average is correctly interpreted as a competitive GPA.

Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mali's grading system

Sources & References
Official documentation and policies
Scholaro - Mali Grading Scale Database
Scholaro
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Campus France - LMD System and Equivalences
Campus France
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USJPB - Academic Portal
Université des Sciences Juridiques et Politiques de Bamako
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GPA Calculator - Mali Grade Conversion
GPA Calculator
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Last Updated: February 12, 2026
Basis: Scholaro Mali profile, Campus France LMD, USSGB/University of Bamako rules, REESAO LMD standards.