What is the pass mark for an undergraduate module?

At UNZA, it is generally 45%; at UNILUS and CBU, it is 50%. Always check your specific faculty requirements.

Are 'Full Courses' worth more than 'Half Courses'?

Yes. A full course is 30 credits (300 notional hours), while a half course is 15 credits. The full course has double the impact on your GPA.

Do failed courses count as 0.0?

Yes. Any grade of 'D' or 'F' earns 0.0 points and is included in the GPA calculation until the course is retaken.

What is a 'Meritorious' degree?

It is equivalent to a UK 2:1 and is awarded for a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74 (approximately 70-79%).

How is the final degree class determined?

In most Zambian universities, it is based on the average points from the 3rd and 4th years only.

What is a supplementary exam (SUPP)?

Students who score a 'near-miss' (usually 40–44%) may be granted a supplementary exam. If passed, the grade is usually capped at a 'C' (1.0 point).

How are Zambian degrees viewed internationally?

A 'Distinction' from a top Zambian university is generally equated to a UK First Class (1st) degree. A 'Merit' is equated to a UK Upper Second (2:1). For international applications, have your results validated by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

What is the difference between Grade Points and GPA?

A grade point of 5.0 for one course is NOT your GPA. Your GPA is the weighted average across all credits for the year. For example, 330 points ÷ 120 credits = 2.75 GPA.

Back to all calculators

Zambia Degree Classification Calculator

Calculate your degree classification and honours based on module grades and credits. Zambia uses a 5.0 GPA scale with Distinction (80%+), Merit (70%+), Credit (65%+), and Pass (50%+).

Zambia Degree Classifications at a Glance

First (1st)

80%+

Upper Second (2:1)

70-79%

Lower Second (2:2)

65-69%

Third Class

50-64%

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.

Zambia Higher Education: GPA and Honours System

Zambia's university grading system uses a Grade Point Value (GPV) system on a 5.0 scale. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) provide the framework, with degrees classified as Distinction, Merit, Credit, or Pass.

Quick Facts

Typical Scale	0.0 – 5.0 (UNZA standard) or 0.0 – 4.0
Typical Pass Mark	45% (UNZA) or 50% (CBU, UNILUS)
Assessment Structure	CA (40%) + Final Exam (60%)
Full Course Credits	30 credits (300 notional hours)

UNZA Grading Scale (5.0 System)

Percentage	Letter Grade	Grade Point (GPV)	Description
86% – 100%	A+	5.0	Distinction (Upper)
76% – 85%	A	4.0	Distinction (Lower)
66% – 75%	B+	3.0	Merit / Meritorious
61% – 65%	B	2.0	Credit
56% – 60%	C+	1.0	Pass (Clear)
50% – 55%	C	1.0	Pass
0% – 49%	D / F	0.0	Fail

Source: University of Zambia Quality Assurance Handbook. CBU and UNILUS may have slightly different percentage boundaries.

Degree Classification (Honours)

The final CGPA (usually from Years 3 & 4) determines your degree classification. This calculator maps your percentage average to these classifications.

Classification	CGPA Range (5.0 scale)	Approx. Percentage (this calculator)	UK Equivalent
Distinction	> 3.75	80%+	1st Class
Meritorious / Merit	3.25 – 3.74	70% – 79%	2:1
Credit	2.68 – 3.24	65% – 69%	2:2
Pass	2.00 – 2.67	50% – 64%	Third Class
Fail	< 2.00	Below 50%	Fail

Student guidance

Don't confuse "Grade Points" with "Grade Point Average." A grade point of 5.0 for one course is NOT your GPA. Your GPA is the weighted average across all credits. Also, failing a "Full Course" (30 credits) is twice as damaging as failing a "Half Course" (15 credits).

How the Calculation Works

GPA Calculation Formula

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

Example: 5 courses totaling 120 credits. Marks: A (4.0), B+ (3.0), C+ (1.0), B (2.0), A+ (5.0). Credits: 30, 15, 30, 30, 15. Weighted Points = 120 + 45 + 30 + 60 + 75 = 330. GPA = 330 / 120 = 2.75 → Credit standing.