What is the difference between CAP and GPA in Singapore?

They are mathematically identical weighted averages. NUS uses the term 'CAP' (Cumulative Average Point), while most other Singaporean universities (NTU, SMU, SIT) use 'GPA.'

Is a 3.5 GPA considered good?

Yes. A 3.5/5.0 is the minimum for Honours (Merit), which is equivalent to a Second Class Lower Division in British terms.

Does an 'S/U' grade affect my Honours?

No. The S/U option allows you to protect your GPA from a poor grade in a non-major elective. However, you must still earn enough letter-graded credits to qualify for Honours.

Can I retake a course to pull up my GPA?

At most universities (NUS/NTU), you can only repeat a module if you failed (F) it. You cannot 'grade repair' a C or D grade.

Is the Final Year Project (FYP) weighted more?

Yes, usually by credit value. An FYP is typically worth 8–12 credits, whereas a standard module is worth 4 credits, so it has 2-3x the impact on your GPA.

What happens if I fail a module?

Grade 'F' (0.0 points) is included in your GPA. If retaken, the new grade is added, but the original F often remains in the cumulative calculation at NUS/NTU.

How are Singaporean degrees viewed internationally?

Singaporean degrees are highly regarded. WES typically converts the 5.0 scale to a US 4.0 scale (a 4.0/5.0 becomes roughly 3.5/4.0). A 'Highest Distinction' (4.5+) is equivalent to a UK First Class degree.

Back to all calculators

Singapore Degree Classification Calculator

Calculate your degree classification and Honours based on module grades and credits. Singapore uses a 5.0 CAP/GPA scale with Highest Distinction (90%+), Distinction (80%+), Merit (70%+), and Honours (60%+).

Singapore Degree Classifications at a Glance

First (1st)

90%+

Upper Second (2:1)

80-89%

Lower Second (2:2)

70-79%

Third Class

60-69%

Fail

Below 60%

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.

Singapore Higher Education: CAP/GPA and Honours System

Singaporean universities use a cumulative grading system where performance is tracked across the entire degree duration. Most institutions use a 5.0 scale (NUS, NTU, SIT) while SMU uses a 4.3 scale. Honours classifications range from "Highest Distinction" to "Pass."

Quick Facts

Typical Scale	0.0 – 5.0 (NUS/NTU/SIT) or 0.0 – 4.3 (SMU)
Typical Pass Mark	Grade D / 1.0
Assessment Structure	CA (40-60%) + Final Exam (40-60%)
Graduation Minimum	CAP/GPA 2.00

Singapore University Grading Scale (5.0 System)

Letter Grade	Grade Point	Description	Approx. %
A+ / A	5.0	Excellent	90%+
A-	4.5	Excellent	85-89%
B+	4.0	Very Good	80-84%
B	3.5	Good	75-79%
B-	3.0	Good	70-74%
C+	2.5	Satisfactory	65-69%
C	2.0	Satisfactory	60-64%
D+	1.5	Pass	55-59%
D	1.0	Pass	50-54%
F	0.0	Fail	<50%

Source: NUS, NTU, SIT. SMU uses a 4.3 scale with Latin Honours (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, etc.).

Degree Classification (Honours)

The final CAP/GPA determines your Honours classification. Most Singaporean universities use descriptive terms rather than traditional British nomenclature.

Classification	CAP/GPA Range	British Equivalent	Approx. %
Honours (Highest Distinction)	4.50 – 5.00	First Class	90%+
Honours (Distinction)	4.00 – 4.49	Second Upper (2:1)	80% – 89%
Honours (Merit)	3.50 – 3.99	Second Lower (2:2)	70% – 79%
Honours	3.00 – 3.49	Third Class	60% – 69%
Pass	2.00 – 2.99	Pass	50% – 59%

Student guidance

Be cautious with the S/U option! While it protects your GPA from poor grades, some employers and competitive graduate programs look at the number of S/U modules taken. A transcript with too many "S" grades may be viewed as lacking academic rigor.

How the Calculation Works

CAP/GPA Calculation Formula

CAP/GPA = Σ(Grade Point × Credits) ÷ Σ(Total Credits). S/U modules are excluded from calculation but still count toward graduation credits.

Example: 4 graded modules (16 credits). Grades: A (5.0), B+ (4.0), A- (4.5), C (2.0). Credits: 4, 4, 4, 4. Weighted Points = 20 + 16 + 18 + 8 = 62. Semester GPA = 62 / 16 = 3.875 → Honours (Merit).