Scholarship committees and foreign universities often ask for your degree classification or GPA in a format they understand. Universities in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania use different systems, so a first class degree, a 4.5 CGPA and a 72 percent average can mean the same thing on paper but look very different to a reader abroad. This tool helps you see where your result sits and gives a rough guide to how it may compare with UK and US systems.
How the grading systems work
Uganda
Many Ugandan universities, including public universities such as Makerere, use a cumulative grade point average out of 5.0. A common classification is First Class from 4.40 to 5.00, Second Class Upper from 3.60 to 4.39, Second Class Lower from 2.80 to 3.59 and Pass from 2.00 to 2.79. Some universities and programmes use slightly different bands, so check your transcript.
Tanzania
Tanzanian universities commonly use a GPA out of 5.0, with First Class at 4.4 to 5.0, Upper Second at 3.5 to 4.3, Lower Second at 2.7 to 3.4 and Pass at 2.0 to 2.6. The exact scale is stated on your transcript and in your university’s regulations.
Kenya
Kenyan universities usually classify degrees by average percentage: First Class Honours from 70 percent, Second Class Upper from 60 to 69, Second Class Lower from 50 to 59 and Pass from 40 to 49. Some private universities and programmes use a GPA scale as well.
Important limits of any converter
- There is no single official conversion between African and US or UK grades. Evaluation services and universities each apply their own rules.
- A US GPA is calculated differently, from course credits and letter grades, so the range shown is only a guide.
- Some scholarships ask for a transcript evaluation from an official service. Check whether your scholarship requires one.
- Always report your original classification and scale honestly, and attach the official grading key from your university.
How to present your grades in an application
Write your result exactly as it appears on your transcript, for example: Bachelor of Science, Second Class Upper, CGPA 4.05 out of 5.0. If a form asks for a percentage or US GPA, give the conversion the form requests and mention the original scale in a note or in your CV. Attach a copy of the transcript and the grading scale page if you can.
Frequently asked questions
Does my GPA decide whether I win a scholarship?
It matters, but committees also review essays, recommendations, leadership and fit for the programme.
What if my university uses a different scale?
Use your university’s official grading key and describe it in your application.
Should I round up my GPA?
No. Report exactly what your transcript says. Misreporting grades can lead to rejection or withdrawal of an award.
This tool gives approximate guidance and is not an official evaluation. See our Disclaimer.