SmartCGPA

CGPA Calculator for Mozambique

Calculate your Média Ponderada (weighted average) using Mozambique's standardized 0-20 point grading scale. Portuguese model with SNATCA credits as used by UEM, UniZambeze, UCM, and other institutions.

GPA CalculatorCalculate semester or single-term GPA from course gradesTry it
Quick Facts: Mozambique's University Grading System
Main ApproachWeighted Numerical Average on a 0–20 scale
Typical Scale0–20 (10 is the universal pass mark)
Local Credit TermCréditos (aligned with the SNATCA credit system)
WeightingFinal averages are Credit-weighted
Pass Mark10.00 / 20.00
Resits (Exame de Recorrência)Available; usually capped at 10 for "conceded passes" or weighted in specific ways
RoundingTypically rounded to the nearest whole number for final module marks

Understanding Mozambique's Grading System

The university grading system in Mozambique is highly standardized and follows the Portuguese model, characterized by a 0–20 point scale. This system is universally applied across both public and private higher education institutions, as regulated by the Ministry of Education and Human Development (MINEDH) and the National Council for Quality Assessment (CNAQ).

In Mozambique, academic performance is measured through a combination of continuous assessment and final examinations.

The 10-Point Rule

Any grade below 10 is a "Reprovado" (Fail). Students with a 10–13 are considered "Satisfactory," while grades above 16 are elite and extremely rare.

What You'll See on Transcripts

Transcripts display the mark for each module out of 20, the associated Créditos (Credit units), and the Semester/Yearly Average.

Key Terminology

SNATCA

Sistema Nacional de Acumulação e Transferência de Créditos Académicos — The national credit system. 1 SNATCA credit aligns with 1 ECTS credit, making European transfers straightforward.

Média Final

The final arithmetic or weighted average of a degree. This is the cumulative average across all semesters.

Admitido a Exame

A student must usually reach a minimum pre-exam average (often 10/20) to be "admitted to the exam" (allowed to sit for the final exam).

Dispensa (Exemption)

Students with exceptionally high continuous assessment marks (often ≥14/20) may be "exempted" from the final exam and given that mark as their final grade.

How to Calculate Your Average

Step 1: Module Grade Calculation

The final mark for a single course (Mf) is generally:

Mf = (Assessment Average × 0.5) + (Final Exam × 0.5)

Step 2: Weighted Average (Média Ponderada)

The semester or cumulative average is calculated by multiplying the module grade by its credits:

Average = Σ(Gradei × Creditsi) / Σ(Creditsi)

Step 3: Degree Classification

The final degree result is the Cumulative Weighted Average over 3 to 5 years, mapped to a qualitative descriptor (Menção):

Average RangeMenção (Classification)Description
18–20ExcelenteExcellent (Extremely rare — top 1%)
14–17Muito BomVery Good
10–13BomGood / Pass

Compensation and Resits

  • Exame de Recorrência: If a student fails the first exam but has a pre-exam average above a certain threshold (usually 7–9), they may sit for a second-chance exam.
  • Dispensa (Exemption): Students with exceptionally high continuous assessment marks (often ≥14/20) may be "exempted" from the final exam and given that mark as their final grade.

Grading Scale Tables

Primary Grade Scale (University Standard)

This 0-20 scale is a national legal requirement across all Mozambican institutions:

Mark Range (/20)Local Mention (Portuguese)English EquivalentPass/Fail
17.50 – 20.00ExcelenteOutstanding / A+Pass
15.50 – 17.49Muito BomVery Good / APass
13.50 – 15.49BomGood / BPass
10.00 – 13.49Suficiente / PassávelSatisfactory / CPass
0.00 – 9.99ReprovadoFailFail

US GPA Conversion Table (For International Applications)

GPA is not used in Mozambique. However, for international applications, the following conversion is standard:

Mozambican GradeUS Grade EquivalentUS Grade Point
16 – 20A4.0
14 – 15B3.0
12 – 13C2.0
10 – 11D1.0
< 10F0.0

Worked Example

Student: Mateus J. | Year 1: Bachelor of Economics
CourseCreditsGrade (/20)Weighted Value (Credits × Grade)
Microeconomics I61272
Mathematics I69*54
Accounting41560
Portuguese21836
TOTAL18222

Calculation:

Weighted Sum: 222

Total Credits: 18

Average: 222 ÷ 18 = 12.33 / 20.00

What "Final Result" Means

Média Semestral

The average for one semester. Used to track progress and determine eligibility for progression.

Média de Curso

The final grade upon graduation. This is the cumulative weighted average across all years of study.

Diploma de Licenciatura

The certificate awarded after the first cycle (usually 4 years, 240 SNATCA credits). Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree.

Classification

Degrees are not awarded with "Honours" (1st, 2:1) but with the numerical average and the associated mention (Bom, Muito Bom, Excelente).

Variations by University

The 0–20 scale is a national legal requirement in Mozambique. Differentiation usually occurs in how heavily the final exam is weighted:

UniversityTypeSystem
Univ. Eduardo Mondlane (UEM)Public0–20 / SNATCA
Univ. Zambeze (UniZambeze)Public0–20 / SNATCA
Univ. Católica de MoçambiquePrivate0–20 / SNATCA
Univ. Pedagógica (UP)Public0–20 / SNATCA

International Interpretation

To UK / Europe

The Mozambican 0–20 scale is very similar to the Portuguese and French systems. A 14/20 is generally considered a 2:1 (Upper Second Class). A 16+ is equivalent to a First Class Honours.

To United States

Because 16+ is rare, a 15/20 is often evaluated as an A (4.0 GPA). A 12-13/20 typically converts to a C (2.0 GPA) in the US system.

Student Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

  • Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM): Regulamento Académico (Academic Regulations)
  • Scholaro Database: Mozambique Education Grading
  • CNAQ Mozambique: National Council for Quality Assessment Standards
  • MINEDH: Ministry of Education and Human Development — National Credit System (SNATCA) Decree
  • Universidade Zambeze: Academic policies and regulations
  • Universidade Católica de Moçambique: Grading guidelines
  • Universidade Pedagógica (UP): Faculty handbooks