Convert South Korean university grades from the 4.5 GPA scale to the US 4.0 GPA. Covers SNU, KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei University, and all Korean institutions.
Scale: 4.5 GPA scale with letter grades (A+/A/B+/B/C+/C/D+/D/F) Β |Β Range: 0.0β4.5
US GPA Equivalent
4.00
Excellent
US Letter Grade
South Korea Grade
A+ (4.5) β Excellent
Score Range
4.5
Classification
Outstanding Excellence
How South Korea's Grading System Works
South Korean universities use a 4.5 GPA scale, which is slightly higher than the US 4.0 maximum. The scale was standardized across most major Korean universities and allows for finer grade differentiation. The highest possible GPA is 4.5, corresponding to an A+ grade achieved with a score of 95β100%.
The standard South Korean grade scale is: A+ (4.5), A (4.0), B+ (3.5), B (3.0), C+ (2.5), C (2.0), D+ (1.5), D (1.0), and F (0.0). Some universities like Seoul National University (SNU), KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei, and Korea University use slight variations, but this scale is the most common. A few institutions use a 4.3 maximum scale instead of 4.5.
The relative grading system (μλνκ°) is used at many Korean universities, meaning grades are distributed on a curve. This limits the percentage of students who can receive A+/A grades, making top grades more competitive to obtain. In recent years, some universities have moved toward absolute grading (μ λνκ°) for certain programs.
To convert a Korean 4.5 GPA to the US 4.0 scale, divide by 4.5 and multiply by 4.0. For example, a Korean 4.0/4.5 GPA = (4.0/4.5) Γ 4.0 = 3.56 US GPA. However, many US programs accept Korean GPAs with a note about the 4.5 maximum scale.
Conversion Formula
South Korean 4.5 GPA β US 4.0 GPA:
A+ (4.5) β 4.0 GPA
A (4.0) β 3.9 GPA
B+ (3.5) β 3.5 GPA
B (3.0) β 3.0 GPA
C+ (2.5) β 2.5 GPA
C (2.0) β 2.0 GPA
D+ (1.5) β 1.5 GPA
D (1.0) β 1.0 GPA
F (0.0) β 0.0 GPA
Formula: US GPA = Korean GPA Γ (4.0 / 4.5)
Worked Example
Student: Minjun, BS Computer Science, Seoul National University
Minjun's cumulative GPA is 4.0/4.5.
4.0 / 4.5 Γ 4.0 = 3.56 US GPA (rounds to 3.6). This is competitive for top US CS master's programs including MIT, CMU, and Stanford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiply your Korean GPA by 4/4.5 (approximately 0.889). For example: 4.0 Korean Γ 0.889 = 3.56 US GPA. Alternatively, you can note on your application that your GPA is on a 4.5 scale β many US graduate programs have staff familiar with the Korean system and will make the conversion themselves.
A 3.5/4.5 Korean GPA converts to 3.5/4.5 Γ 4.0 = 3.11 US GPA (B+). This is good but not exceptional for top US programs. For SNU, KAIST, or POSTECH, a 3.5 GPA may be above average given the curved grading system, which makes it more competitive than it appears. Include context about relative grading in your application.
Most Korean universities use a 4.5 maximum scale, but some (including certain older institutions) use a 4.3 scale. On the 4.3 scale, A+ = 4.3, A = 4.0, and grades continue downward. If your transcript shows a maximum of 4.3, divide by 4.3 and multiply by 4.0 for the US equivalent. Always indicate which scale your university uses on applications.
Most Korean universities use relative grading (μλνκ°) where grades are distributed on a curve β typically only 30β35% of students can receive A+ or A grades. Some universities have adopted absolute grading (μ λνκ°) for certain courses, particularly online or seminar courses. This curved system means Korean GPAs tend to cluster around B+ and reflect competitive academic environments.
Yes, degrees from South Korean universities are widely recognized in the US. Graduates from SKY universities (Seoul National University, Yonsei, Korea University), KAIST, and POSTECH are regularly admitted to top US graduate programs. Korean degrees typically do not require third-party credential evaluation for major US graduate programs, though some may request an official English translation of transcripts.