Most Polish universities use the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) scale, which uses letter grades from A to F. This is a different system than primary and secondary schools. Learn how it works and how grades are converted.
ECTS Grading Scale - Letter Grades
The ECTS system includes the following grades:
- A (Excellent) - outstanding, the best result
- B (Very Good) - above average
- C (Good) - average, good level
- D (Satisfactory) - acceptable level
- E (Sufficient) - minimum passing level
- F (Fail) - not passed, negative grade
- FX (Fail) - at some universities means 'close to passing'
Some universities also use +/- grades (e.g., B+, C-) for greater precision.
ECTS to Polish 2-5 Scale Conversion
Typical conversion (may vary by university):
- A = 5.0 (very good / excellent)
- B+ = 4.5 (plus good)
- B = 4.0 (good)
- C+ = 3.5 (plus satisfactory)
- C = 3.0 (satisfactory)
- D = 3.0 (satisfactory)
- E = 2.0 (sufficient)
- F / FX = 2.0 (fail - not passed)
Exact conversion depends on university - check study regulations!
Percentage to ECTS Grades Conversion
Most universities use the following scale:
- A: 90-100% (5.0)
- B+: 85-89% (4.5)
- B: 75-84% (4.0)
- C+: 70-74% (3.5)
- C: 60-69% (3.0)
- D: 55-59% (3.0)
- E: 50-54% (2.0 - passed)
- F: 0-49% (2.0 - not passed)
These are approximate values - each lecturer may use their own scale!
Differences Between School and University Systems
In school (primary/secondary):
- Scale 1-6 (1 = fail, 6 = excellent)
- Grade 2 (passing) allows promotion
- Average calculated from all subjects
At university:
- Scale A-F (or 2.0-5.0 in Polish notation)
- Grade E/2.0 is the minimum to pass
- Average calculated from ECTS points (weighted by course credits)
At university, there's no grade 1 (you get 2.0 = F = not passed immediately)
How is university average calculated?
At university, average is calculated as ECTS-weighted average:
Average = Σ (grade × ECTS points) / Σ (ECTS points)
Example:
- Mathematics: grade B (4.0) × 6 ECTS = 24
- Physics: grade A (5.0) × 4 ECTS = 20
- English: grade C (3.0) × 2 ECTS = 6
Sum: (24 + 20 + 6) / (6 + 4 + 2) = 50 / 12 = 4.17
The more ECTS points a course has, the more it affects your average!
GPA (Grade Point Average) - What Is It?
GPA is the American equivalent of Polish grade average:
GPA Scale: 0.0 - 4.0 (where 4.0 is maximum)
Polish scale to GPA conversion:
- 5.0 (A) = 4.0 GPA
- 4.5 (B+) = 3.7 GPA
- 4.0 (B) = 3.3 GPA
- 3.5 (C+) = 3.0 GPA
- 3.0 (C) = 2.0 GPA
- 2.0 (E) = 1.0 GPA
When is it needed:
- Applying to universities abroad (USA, Canada)
- Applying for international scholarships
- Exchange programs (ERASMUS may require)
Diploma with Distinction at University
To receive a diploma with distinction, you need:
Grade average: minimum 4.50 (at some universities 4.75)
Additional conditions:
- No failing grades during studies
- Thesis defense with at least very good grade (4.0 or higher)
- Completing studies on time (without repeating a semester)
- At some universities: scientific publications or outstanding achievements
Diploma with distinction is a great asset for doctoral studies or job market!
Rector's Scholarship for Academic Achievement
At university, you can receive a scholarship for high average:
- Required average: usually minimum 4.0 - 4.5 (depends on university)
- Amount: 500 - 1500 PLN monthly (depending on university and budget)
When:
- From 2nd semester (need to pass 1st semester with high average)
- Application submission: usually September/October
Can also receive for:
- Scientific achievements (publications, conferences)
- Sports or artistic achievements
Check scholarship regulations at your university!
Tips: How to Maintain High Average at University?
- Attend lectures and exercises regularly - attendance helps!
- Focus on courses with many ECTS - they affect average more
- Don't neglect 'additional' courses - every one counts
- Use retake sessions only if you have a chance for a better grade
- Ask lecturers about grade improvement before semester closes
- Remember: at university quality matters, not quantity
Summary
- Universities use A-F (ECTS) or 2.0-5.0 (Polish) scale
- A = 5.0; B = 4.0; C = 3.0; D/E = 2.0-3.0; F = not passed
- Average is calculated as ECTS-weighted average
- Diploma with distinction: average min. 4.50
- Rector's scholarship: average min. 4.0-4.5
- System differs from school - one F grade can significantly lower average!