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convert grades and calculate gpa
The Graduate General Regulations list the admission minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) requirements by credential type (GGRs 1.3.4 to 1.3.7). Basically:
- For master’s programs, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.33 (B), or a GPA of at least 3.33/4.33 (B+) based on their last 60 undergraduate credits.
- For doctoral programs, applicants with a bachelor’s degree must have a minimum GPA of 3.50/4.33 (equivalent to A-), or a master’s degree meeting similar criteria.
This page outlines steps for isolating and converting grades, as well as other points to consider when calculating admission CGPA.
Related Resources
- CGPA requirements are in GGR 1.3.4 to 1.3.7
- To access the administrative section of Slate https://gograd.sfu.ca/manage/
- If sharing a direct link to Slate's Reader use: https://gograd.sfu.ca/manage/reader/
- To access Slate's Reader directly from the administrative side, click the laptop icon:
Official or Unofficial Transcripts?
Official Transcripts are required to:
- Verify completion of academic credentials.
- Assess whether applicants meet minimum admission standards and program-specific requirements.
At the first pass stage of admission, programs will review transcripts to ensure the applicant meets credential and entering CGPA requirements. Although the GGRs require submission of official transcripts by the application deadline, there is flexibility and many programs accept unofficial transcripts for initial review.
Official transcripts are often only required after an admission offer is made (i.e., conditional admission).
How to convert grades/determine admission CGPA
Recommended steps:
- Identify Grades – determine which grades count toward the CGPA.
- Check If Needed – if grades are clearly above 3.0/B, a full calculation is not required. Refer to the transcript legend for clarification.
- Review International Records – use the International Requirements by Country to assist.
- Convert Grades – use approved conversion tools only.
If CGPA is below the minimum, explain the recommendation in the Admission Recommendation Form.
Other points to consider
- Units can have admission CGPAs above university minimums.
- Grade conversions are not always straightforward due to variations in grading practices across countries, institutions, and even departments.
- Institutional context matters, including factors such as grade inflation or differing grading scales.
- Transcript grades should not be the sole factor in admission decisions.
- Consider experience with past students from the same country or institution, including how well they performed and adjusted to graduate studies at SFU.
Tools
Guide to using the Excel grade converter
US/Canada Excel Grade Converter
Iran, China, Bangledesh, India, Pakistan, UK Excel Grade Converter
Notes
- Graduate Studies can assist with transcript evaluation—specifically, confirming whether a transcript meets SFU’s minimum entry requirements. To request support, contact gradstdy@sfu.ca. Please note: the application fee must be paid and the grading key/legend must be included with the transcript for accurate evaluation.