Grading system at higher education level
Higher education institutions in Ireland use slightly differentiated grading systems to evaluate student performance. However, although the grading systems may vary depending on the institution, there is usually a minimum passing grade of at least 40% of the maximum mark for a course. For example, if the maximum mark for a course is 100 points, the minimum passing grade would be 40.
In general, the grading systems are formed of a percentage rank and its description.
Below is the most common grading system used at higher education institutions in Ireland. Please, note that this scale may vary slightly depending on the institution and even depending on the study program.
| International scale | Description | Percentage grade |
|---|---|---|
| A (excellent) | First Class Honours | 70% or above |
| B (very good, with few errors) | Upper Second Class Honours | 69% - 60% |
| C (good, with some errors) | Lower Second Class Honours | 59% - 50% |
| D (satisfactory, with many errors) | Third Class Honours | 49% - 45% |
| E (sufficient) | Compensating Fail. This is the minimum passing grade | 44% - 40% |
