Honours Classification
Your final GPA over your degree determines if you get First Class Honours (usually GPA 8.0+), Second Class Honours (Div I), or (Div II). This is a big deal!
New Zealand GPA Calculator
Calculate Your GPA on the 9.0 Scale
Add each paper and its details.
How to Use the NZ GPA Calculator
Keen to know where you stand? This calculator is built for students in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to quickly figure out their official weighted Grade Point Average (GPA). Whether you're chasing an Honours degree, planning a Masters, or just keeping track, let's get that number sorted!
3 Easy Steps to Find Your GPA
Figuring out your GPA is quicker than ordering fish and chips:
- 1
Enter Your Paper Names (Totally Optional)
A university class is called a 'paper' here. Pop in the name (e.g., 'ACCT 101') if you want to keep things organised, but it won't affect the calculation.
- 2
Input Your Points
These are the workload credits for your paper. Most core papers are 15 Points, but some are 30 or more. This number is super important as it weights your grades!
- 3
Select Your Final Grades
Grab your official academic transcript and select the letter grade for each paper. Don't worry, we use the standard NZ 9.0 scale, so your A+ is worth 9.0!
Hit “Calculate GPA” and we'll handle the weighted average based on the points and grades you've entered. Too easy!
Understanding the NZ 9.0 GPA Scale
The 9.0 scale is the go-to standard across all major New Zealand universities (Auckland, Otago, Victoria, etc.). Here's what your letter grade means in points (GPV):
A+9.0
Outstanding (Honours Territory)
A8.0
Excellent Performance
A-7.0
Very Good (High Second Class)
B+6.0
Solidly Good
B5.0
Satisfactory (B Average)
B-4.0
Standard Pass
C+3.0
Acceptable Pass
C2.0
Low Pass
C-1.0
Marginal Pass
D / E0.0
Fail (Paper counts for 0 points)
Remember, your GPA calculation is a weighted average. This means if you get an A+ (9.0) in a 30-point paper and a B (5.0) in a 15-point paper, the 30-point paper will have twice the impact on your final score.
Understanding Points (The Kiwi Credit System)
In New Zealand, "Points" are the standard way to measure the workload or value of a paper. They are the same as "credit hours" used overseas, and they are critical for your GPA.
Where to Find Your Paper's Points:
Your Student Portal: Look at the official course description or registration page for the paper code (e.g., COMSCI 201).
Course Outline/Syllabus: The points value is always specified at the top.
Standard Load: A full-time student usually takes four 15-point papers per semester, totalling 120 points for the academic year.
Common Points Breakdown:
Standard Single Semester Paper:15 Points
Large/Full Year Paper:30 Points
Why Your GPA is Your Golden Ticket to Postgrad Study
Your GPA on the 9.0 scale is more than just a number, it’s the official measure of your eligibility for advanced degrees and academic prestige in New Zealand:
Masters & PhD Entry
Applying for a Masters? Most competitive programs need a GPA of at least 6.0 (B+ average) or higher in your final year papers to be considered.
Scholarships
The best scholarships (both national and university-specific) are only awarded to students with top GPAs. A high score can save you serious money.
Inter-University Transfer
Switching universities in NZ or going on exchange often requires you to meet a minimum GPA standard, typically a B- or B average (4.0–5.0).
Quick Tips to Lift Your Grades
Need to boost your GPA? Here’s the no-nonsense advice straight from top students:
Nail the 'High Point' Papers – Focus your best effort on papers worth 30 points, as they heavily influence your final GPA.
Start Assignments Early – Don't leave those big 50% reports until the last minute. Get feedback and edit, edit, edit.
Use Office Hours – Lecturers and tutors get paid to help you. Go ask questions, especially if you're struggling.
Team Up with Good Study Mates – Join a study group with people who are serious about getting A grades.
Questions you might have in mind
- What GPA do I need for First Class Honours?
- This varies slightly, but you typically need a GPA of 7.0 or 8.0 and above across your final year, or across the best papers in your degree. A sustained A average is what universities look for.
- Is a 5.0 GPA good in New Zealand?
- A 5.0 GPA is a solid B average and is considered satisfactory. It's often the minimum required to pass a degree. If you want a competitive edge for a Masters or Honours, you should aim for a GPA of 6.0 (B+) or better.
- Do my points-passed count towards my GPA?
- Your overall GPA is the average of all papers you attempt (including fails). However, the Total Points Passed is an important separate metric, as you need a certain number (usually 360 for a 3-year degree) to graduate.
- Can I still get an Honours degree if I fail a paper?
- It depends on your university's rules. One failed paper won't automatically disqualify you if the rest of your GPA is high enough, but you may have to retake the paper or substitute it to meet the total required points.
Stop Guessing, Start Calculating!
Scroll up and use our free tool to get your GPA instantly. Good luck with your studies!