Swedish Grade Calculator
Calculate your weighted grade using Sweden's A–F grading scale. Högskolepoäng (hp) credit-weighted as used by KTH, Uppsala, Lund, Stockholm University and other Swedish universities. Note: Sweden doesn't use GPA for degrees, but this helps with international conversions.
In Sweden, the university grading system can be confusing because there is no single national grading scale. Universities (and even individual faculties within them) have the autonomy to decide which scale to use. You might even have two different grading systems on the same transcript if you take courses from different departments.
However, the most distinct feature is the absence of a Grade Point Average (GPA). You generally do not get an overall grade for your degree; you only get grades for individual courses.
A. The "Standard" Scale (U – VG)
Used widely in Humanities, Social Sciences, and many Science programs.
| Grade | Swedish Term | English | Rough Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| VG | Väl Godkänd | Pass with Distinction | A or B |
| G | Godkänd | Pass | C |
| U | Underkänd | Fail | F |
B. The Engineering Scale (U – 5)
Used almost exclusively by Institutes of Technology (e.g., KTH, Chalmers) for engineering (Civilingenjör) degrees.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 | Excellent |
| 4 | Very Good |
| 3 | Pass |
| U | Fail |
C. The ECTS Scale (A – F)
Introduced to align with Europe, but many Swedish universities found it cumbersome and have reverted to older systems or use it only for international students.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| A, B | Very Good / Excellent |
| C, D, E | Pass |
| F, Fx | Fail |
D. The Law Scale (Special Case)
Law programs (Juristprogrammet) use a traditional scale dating back centuries.
| Grade | Swedish Term | English |
|---|---|---|
| AB | Med beröm godkänd | Pass with Distinction (Highest) |
| Ba | Icke utan beröm godkänd | Pass with Merit |
| B | Godkänd | Pass |
| U | Underkänd | Fail |
Sweden uses Högskolepoäng (hp), which are legally equivalent to ECTS.
- 1 hp = 1 ECTS
- Full-time load: 30 hp per semester / 60 hp per academic year
- Workload: 1.5 hp represents one week of full-time study (approx. 40 hours)
It isn't.
In Sweden, you do not graduate with a "3.8" or a "First Class Honors." Your diploma is simply a proof that you completed the required credits.
For Master's Admissions in Sweden:
They look at the number of credits you have in relevant subjects (e.g., "Must have 90 credits in Economics"), not necessarily your grades.
For PhD Admissions:
They look at your thesis (Uppsats) quality and advanced course grades, not an average.
If you need a GPA for the US/UK:
You often have to use an external evaluation service (like WES) or a rough conversion table. A common (unofficial) conversion for the standard scale is:
- VG ≈ 4.0 (A)
- G ≈ 3.0 (B/C)
Retakes (Omtenta)
If you fail (U), you can retake the exam as many times as offered until you pass. There is no penalty and the "U" is usually wiped from your final degree transcript once you pass.
Plussning
This is the practice of retaking an exam you have already passed to get a higher grade (e.g., turning a 3 into a 5, or a G into a VG). Not all universities allow this, so check your faculty's specific rules.
Criterion-Referenced Grading
Swedish grading is criterion-referenced (målrelaterade betyg). Generally, no curves. If everyone in the class meets the criteria for a 5, everyone gets a 5. If no one does, no one gets a 5.
Ladok System
Ladok is the national student registry system. It's where you register for courses, sign up for exams, and check your official grades. If it's not in Ladok, it didn't happen.
Top Swedish Universities
- Lund University – One of Northern Europe's oldest universities (founded 1666)
- Uppsala University – Sweden's oldest university (founded 1477)
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology – Leading technical university in Stockholm
- Stockholm University – Major research university in the capital
- Chalmers University of Technology – Top engineering school in Gothenburg
- UniversityAdmissions.se – Official centralized application portal for all Swedish universities; contains definitive info on entry requirements and credits
- UHR (Swedish Council for Higher Education) – Government agency responsible for evaluating foreign qualifications and overseeing the higher education sector
- Study in Sweden – Comprehensive resource for international students covering life, migration, and academic culture
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Grading System – Clear example of how the 3-4-5 Engineering scale works in practice
- Ladok – National student registry system used by all Swedish universities