Convert Hong Kong Grades to US GPA
How Hong Kong University Grading Works
Hong Kong's university sector comprises eight publicly funded institutions overseen by the University Grants Committee (UGC). Following higher education reforms in 2012 — which extended undergraduate degrees from 3 to 4 years (334 Reform) — most universities adopted a US-influenced letter-grade and GPA system that is broadly compatible with international standards.
The standard HK grading scale uses a 4.3-point system: A+ (4.3, 90–100%) represents outstanding work; A (4.0, 85–89%) is excellent; A- (3.67, 80–84%) is very good; B+ (3.33, 75–79%) is good; B (3.0, 70–74%) is fairly good; B- (2.67, 65–69%) is satisfactory; C+ (2.33, 60–64%) is adequate; C (2.0, 55–59%) is a pass; D (1.0, 50–54%) is a marginal pass; F (0.0, below 50%) is a fail. The A+ grade at 4.3 distinguishes the HK system slightly from the pure 4.0 US scale.
The GPA is calculated as the credit-weighted average of all graded courses. Most HK undergraduate programmes require 120–130 credits for graduation. Minimum GPA for graduation is typically 1.7 on the HK scale. Scholarships and Dean's List recognition usually require a semester GPA of 3.5 or above.
The three most internationally prominent HK institutions — HKU (University of Hong Kong), HKUST (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), and CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong) — all rank consistently in the QS and THE global top 50–100. Their degrees are directly recognised by US universities without credential evaluation.
Hong Kong to US GPA Conversion Table
| Grade | Score % | HK GPA | US GPA | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90–100 | 4.30 | 4.00 | Outstanding |
| A | 85–89 | 4.00 | 4.00 | Excellent |
| A- | 80–84 | 3.67 | 3.70 | Very Good |
| B+ | 75–79 | 3.33 | 3.30 | Good |
| B | 70–74 | 3.00 | 3.00 | Fairly Good |
| B- | 65–69 | 2.67 | 2.70 | Satisfactory |
| C+ | 60–64 | 2.33 | 2.30 | Adequate |
| C | 55–59 | 2.00 | 2.00 | Pass |
| D | 50–54 | 1.00 | 1.00 | Marginal Pass |
| F | < 50 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Fail |
Conversion Example
Student: Mei studies Finance at HKUST and is applying to US MBA and finance PhD programmes.
Her courses: Corporate Finance A (3 credits), Derivatives B+ (3 credits), Econometrics A- (3 credits), Financial Modelling B+ (3 credits), Research Seminar A+ (3 credits).
HK GPA: (3×4.0 + 3×3.33 + 3×3.67 + 3×3.33 + 3×4.3) / 15 = (12 + 9.99 + 11.01 + 9.99 + 12.9) / 15 = 55.89 / 15 = 3.73 HK GPA
US GPA equivalent: ≈ 3.73 / 4.0 — capping HK A+ at 4.0 US GPA. Highly competitive for US finance programmes.