Convert Saudi Arabian Grades to US GPA
How Saudi Arabian University Grading Works
Saudi Arabia's higher education system is overseen by the Ministry of Education (وزارة التعليم) and accredited by the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA). Universities use a percentage-based grading system with Arabic grade classifications mapped to letter grades and a 4.0 GPA scale.
The Arabic grade classification system: ممتاز+ (Mumtaz Plus, Excellent+) for 95–100% = 4.0 GPA; ممتاز (Mumtaz, Excellent) for 90–94% = 3.75; جيد جداً+ (Jayid Jiddan Plus, Very Good+) for 85–89% = 3.5; جيد جداً (Very Good) for 80–84% = 3.0; جيد (Jayid, Good) for 75–79% = 2.5; مقبول+ (Maqbul Plus, Acceptable+) for 70–74% = 2.0; مقبول (Maqbul, Acceptable) for 65–69% = 1.5; ضعيف (Daif, Weak) for 60–64% = 1.0; راسب (Rasib, Fail) for below 60% = 0.0.
Credit hours in Saudi universities are structured similarly to the US system. Most undergraduate programmes require 120–140 credit hours over four years. The GPA (المعدل التراكمي) is a credit-weighted average and appears on official transcripts.
Notable Saudi institutions include KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) — a graduate-only research university with QS rankings near the global top 150 that teaches entirely in English; KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals) — highly regarded for engineering; and KSU (King Saud University) — the largest university in Saudi Arabia. Saudi students are among the most active participants in international scholarship programmes (KASP), sending thousands annually to US universities.
Saudi Arabia to US GPA Conversion Table
| Grade | Score % | SA GPA | US GPA | Arabic Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 95–100 | 4.00 | 4.00 | ممتاز+ (Excellent Plus) |
| A | 90–94 | 3.75 | 3.75 | ممتاز (Excellent) |
| B+ | 85–89 | 3.50 | 3.50 | جيد جداً+ (Very Good Plus) |
| B | 80–84 | 3.00 | 3.00 | جيد جداً (Very Good) |
| C+ | 75–79 | 2.50 | 2.50 | جيد (Good) |
| C | 70–74 | 2.00 | 2.00 | مقبول+ (Acceptable Plus) |
| D+ | 65–69 | 1.50 | 1.50 | مقبول (Acceptable) |
| D | 60–64 | 1.00 | 1.00 | ضعيف (Weak) |
| F | < 60 | 0.00 | 0.00 | راسب (Fail) |
Conversion Example
Student: Ahmed studies Computer Engineering at KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals) and is applying to US MS programmes on a KASP scholarship.
His semester courses: Data Structures 88% (B+/3.5), Algorithms 92% (A/3.75), Networks 85% (B+/3.5), Operating Systems 79% (C+/2.5), Graduation Project 95% (A+/4.0). Equal credit weighting.
Saudi GPA: (3.5 + 3.75 + 3.5 + 2.5 + 4.0) / 5 = 17.25 / 5 = 3.45 SA GPA
US GPA equivalent: ≈ 3.45 / 4.0 — Strong profile meeting KASP requirements and competitive for US MS computer engineering programmes.