NTU Grading System (Nanyang Technical University) in Singapore
The NTU grading system is a comprehensive framework developed to measure the performance of students studying at Nanyang Technical University in Singapore. NTU measures performance by assigning letter grades and points based on several factors, including class participation, exams, papers and projects.
These metrics are important for scoring assessments and determining graduation eligibility, honours classification, and future opportunities.
Understanding the NTU grading system is advantageous for students who want to excel academically and achieve long-term goals.
With this guide on the NTU grading system, you will clearly understand how grades are calculated. Concepts like CGPA, TGPA, YGPA, and honours classification will give you an idea of what is expected of you and how you can track your own academic progress. And create a road map that will help you achieve your goals with ease.
Before starting, please refer to the abbreviations used in the NTU grading system in Singapore.
Abbreviations and Their Meanings
- AU: Academic Unit (Represents the workload of a course, including lectures, tutorials, and labs.)
- TGPA: Term Grade Point Average (A measure of a student’s academic performance for a specific term.)
- CGPA: Cumulative Grade Point Average (Represents the overall academic performance over the entire period of study.)
- YGPA: Year Grade Point Average (Represents the grade average for courses taken in a single academic year.)
- S/U: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (A grading option allowing students to take courses on a Pass/Fail basis without affecting their CGPA.)
- FYP: Final Year Project (A significant academic project required for graduation in some programs.)
- IP: In Progress (Indicates a course is currently being taken and has not yet been graded.)
- EX: Exempted (Indicates a course the student was exempted from based on prior qualifications.)
- LOA: Leave of Absence (Granted for valid reasons such as medical or personal emergencies, exempting the student from assessments.)
- TC: Transfer Credits (Refers to credits earned from another institution that count towards graduation requirements.)
- Dean’s List (A recognition for top-performing students, requiring a minimum YGPA of 4.50.)
- Pass/Fail (P/F) (A grading scheme used for certain courses where only a “Pass” or “Fail” is awarded instead of a letter grade.)
Key Components of the NTU Grading System
AU Academic Unit:
Each course is assigned a certain value, which is named AU. It is a measurement of the workload associated with attendance. They help determine how much time and effort a student is expected to dedicate to a specific course. The more AUs assigned to a course, the greater its impact on TGPA and CGPA.
For a typical one-semester course, the number of AU is calculated as follows:
- 1 AU is equal to one hour of lecture, tutorial, or seminar per week.
- 1 AU is equal to 3 hours of laboratory/fieldwork per week.
Understanding AUs will help you calculate the time and workload of the course and help you manage it wisely. At the end, there is a required number of AUs needed for graduation.
Grading Scale:
TGPA and CGPA are calculated with the help of the NTU grading scale. These are the reflections of your hard work and how well you have performed throughout the term. Each letter corresponds to a specific grade point (GP).
NTU Letter Grade and Grade Point Table
| Letter Grade | Grade Points (GP) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 5.00 | Excellent, Outstanding |
| A | 5.00 | Excellent |
| A- | 4.50 | Very Good |
| B+ | 4.00 | Good |
| B | 3.50 | Satisfactory, Acceptable |
| B- | 3.00 | Fair |
| C+ | 2.50 | Slightly Below Average |
| C | 2.00 | Average |
| D+ | 1.50 | Passing, but needs improvement |
| D | 1.00 | Barely passing |
| F | 0.00 | Fail |
Calculation of GPA is done by averaging your grade points across all courses weighted by the AU of each course.
GPA=∑(Grade Point×AU)/∑AU
For example:
If a student takes the following courses:
- Course 1: Grade = A (5.00), AU = 3
- Course 2: Grade = B+ (4.00), AU = 4
- Course 3: Grade = C (2.00), AU = 2
GPA = (5.00×3)+(4.00×4)+(2.00×2) / 3+4+2
GPA = 15+16+4/9
GPA = 35/9 ≈ 3.89
- A+ and A (5.00) resemble high achievement.
- B+ and B (3.50-4.00) are considered good
- C and below (2.00-1.00) suggest you need improvement
Grade Point Averages: TGPA, CGPA, and YGPA
What is TGPA (Term Grade Point Average)?
Term Grade Point Average, or TGPA, shows the grade point achieved by a student in a term. It is a measure of a student’s performance for any given term.
It is calculated by taking the average of all grades earned in that term, with each course weighted according to its credit value.
TGPA = sum (Grade Point * AU for course attempted in that term)
Total AU attempted in the term of study
- TGPA helps see how you are doing in each term. Knowing your performance will let you understand how much effort you require to improve.
- TGPA is a more accurate representation of performance based on each course
- You can also predict your final CGPA as you know about your performance in each term.
What is CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)?
Overall academic performance throughout their entire program study at the university is measured with a Cumulative Grade Point Average. This is very important for your career and higher studies. Companies and higher study eligibility criteria are based on CGPA scores.
CGPA = Sum of (Grade Point for each course) ×AU (Academic Units) for that course
Total AU attempted in all courses.
- CGPA is the measurement of your overall ability throughout the course and will decide if you pass or fail the academic course.
- It requires a minimum of 2.0 or higher CGPA to graduate. Below this CGPA, you may be placed on academic probation.
- A higher CGPA unlocks better job opportunities, internships and scholarships. Many companies look for students with strong CGPAs to hire.
- Your CGPA determines your graduation honours classification, such as:
- First Class Honours (CGPA 4.50 – 5.00)
- Second Class (Upper) Honours (CGPA 4.00 – 4.49)
- Second Class (Lower) Honours (CGPA 3.50 – 3.99)
- Pass (CGPA 2.00 – 2.99)
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What is YGPA (Year Grade Point Average)?
YGPA is the average grade point given to students across all courses in a single academic year. It is the overview of academic performance in a year.
YGPA = (Grade Points × Academic Units for all courses in the year)
Total Academic Units (AU) for the year
The advantage of getting top YGPA grades can give you academic honour on the dean’s list.
You will require above 4.50 to be recognised for the dean’s list.
Graduation and Academic Standing at NTU
To graduate from Nanyang Technological University, students must meet specific academic criteria. These are:
Minimum CGPA requirement
Students must achieve a CGPA of 2.0 or above.
Failing below a CGPA of 2.0 will lead to academic probation or even dismissal.
A CGPA of 2.0 ensures that you meet the university’s standards for graduation.
AU Requirements
Students must attend the required number of AU in their degree program
For example, a bachelor’s degree might require completing 120 to 160 AU, depending on the program.
AU includes both core courses and electives.
Letter-Graded Courses
Some portion of your course will be letter-graded and will contribute to CGPA.
Pass/Fail courses or audit courses may count towards fulfilling AU.
Aim for high grades A+.A to stand academically strong.
Maintaining a higher CGPA and grades will give you an advantage after completion of the course. Employers look for people with high academic scores in their graduation courses. And you can also be recognised for honours.
Academic Standing and Consequences at NTU
NTU follows a systematic method of tracking and assessing student academic performance in all programs. It allows students to meet the expectations of the university but gives them scope for improvement at times. There are four types of categories for academic standing, including consequences, which can also affect students with unsatisfactory performance:
Academic Warning
- A notice to students whose performance for the term is not according to expectations.
- You will get a warning when your Term Grade Point Average (TGPA) or Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is less than some threshold value, such as a CGPA < 2.0.
- Alert students of their poor performance before strict implications are imposed on them.
- Students must score better grades in the next term to be exempted from further sanctions.
Academic Probation
- A probationary standing for students whose CGPA remains below 2.0 after receiving an academic warning.
- Failure to raise CGPA above the minimum threshold (e.g., 2.0) in one term.
- Course load might be restricted or participation in extracurricular activities may be curtailed.
- Students’ CGPA has to reach at least above 2.0 within a stated timeframe to avoid penalties.
Academic Withdrawal
- The removal of a student from the university because their academic performance is unsatisfactory for too long is called academic withdrawal if the CGPA stays below 2.0 at the end of the probationary period.
- Students have to withdraw from NTU and cannot re-enrol to pursue any program of study.
- A student can appeal against the termination action; the right to appeal is restricted to what the university accepts.
Academic Standing Consequences
| Standing | CGPA Threshold | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Warning | CGPA < 2.0 (First Term) | Alert issued; required to improve performance in a subsequent term. |
| Academic Probation | CGPA < 2.0 (Continued) | Stricter monitoring; possible restrictions; failure to improve leads to termination risk. |
| Academic Termination | CGPA < 2.0 (After Probation) | Dismissal from university; appeals allowed under strict policies. |
Consequences of Unsatisfactory Performance
- Failure to reach the CGPA target can lead to an increased study period.
- Students who maintain a low CGPA will not be eligible for honours or distinction categories at graduation time.
- Poor academic standing also makes students ineligible for some internships or exchange programs.
Honours and Distinctions at NTU
Classification of Degrees
Degrees at NTU are classified based on the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) students achieve throughout their program. The main classifications are:
| Classification | CGPA Range |
|---|---|
| First Class Honours / Honours (Highest Distinction) | 4.50 – 5.00 |
| Second Class (Upper) Honours / Honours (Distinction) | 4.00 – 4.49 |
| Second Class (Lower) Honours / Honours (Merit) | 3.50 – 3.99 |
| Third Class Honours / Pass with Merit / Honours | 3.00 – 3.49 |
| Pass | 2.00 – 2.99 |
CGPA: 4.50 or above throughout their course of study.
Coursework: The student achieves an A or equivalent across all coursework undertaken.
Final Year Project (FYP):
- The FYP is usually a major component for honours degrees.
- A very high-quality FYP presentation is often a prerequisite to be eligible for the highest honours.
In some programs, there are set grade standards for the FYP to be eligible for the highest honours (e.g., an A or higher grade).
How the FYP Affects Eligibility
The final year project is an essential project that allows students to showcase their expertise in their course. The results of this will determine which honours classification you will be awarded with.
FYP in NTU carries significant credit weight.
The advantage of a strong FYP grade can boost your CGPA.
You should demonstrate critical thinking and in-depth understanding to receive higher grades.
If you fail to submit your FYP, your CGPA can be reduced, and you will lose a chance of achieving honours classifications.
Strategies for Maintaining a High CGPA
It is not easy to maintain a high CGPA. You will need strong determination, careful planning and time management to maintain a high CGPA. We have provided you with guidance on how to maintain a high CGPA.
First, you will have to prioritise the time management
- Create a schedule by planning your day with time slots of studying
- Break your tasks into smaller goals and set deadlines; this will avoid procrastination
- You can use Google Calendar or Trello to track your deadlines and manage tasks
Stay Consistent with Coursework
- Be present in classes regularly to understand the concepts which keeps you on track.
- Pre-read the materials before classes to understand better.
- At the end of the day, revise to strengthen your memory and understanding.
Excel in Core and Elective Courses
- Understand the core subjects deeply as they carry higher weightage for your CGPA
- You should use the opportunity of elective courses. As they boost your CGPA if you excel in them
- Make sure you give sufficient time based on course difficulty and credit weight
Leverage Resources
- You should ask your professors, tutors or classmates to clarify your doubts.
- You should attend workshops or learning centers for extra help
- Use online learning tools to supplement your learnings
Master Exam Preparation
- Start working on your revision 2-3 weeks before exams
- Practice previous exam papers and identify weak areas to work on them.
- Prioritise focus on scoring subjects that have higher weightage to maximise marks
Maintain Work-Life Balance
- Exercise, proper sleep, and a good diet will keep you mentally sharp
- You should take break and avoid burnout
- Engage in your hobbies to refresh your mind and be positive
Finally, Consistent Performance is Key
- Try to maintain steady semesters rather than peaks and low points.
- A good TGPA in the first term lays a great base for a good CGPA.
- From time to time, keep checking your TGPA/CGPA to meet your academic expectations.
Balancing coursework with a high CGPA is not an easy task. It demands discipline, consistent effort, and strategic planning. So, using these tips, focusing on core and elective courses equally, and setting up for academic success while having a well-rounded university experience is possible.
conclusion
Understanding the NTU grading system is an important factor for students to monitor their semesterly progress, ensure graduation eligibility, and achieve the earned. Knowing how to calculate TGPA and CGPA enables students to better plan, organise, and prioritise their studies to reflect on actions that need greater improvement.
The grading system is not only numbers but reflects the efforts and constancy of students in learning. Maintaining a high CGPA does not only help meet program criteria but also opens up many future academic and professional opportunities.
Remember, every term is an opportunity to improve and excel. Focus on steady progress, use the grading system as a tool to guide your efforts, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Success is a journey, and with the right strategy, every student can reach their goals!
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All NTU Grading System Related Questions
1. Are grades fromexempted courses included in TGPA/CGPA calculations?
No, grades from exempted courses are not included in TGPA or CGPA calculations. However, these courses count toward fulfilling your graduation Academic Units (AU).
2. Can I retake a course to improve my grades?
NTU does not allow students to retake courses they have already passed. If you fail a course, you can retake it, but only the latest grade will be used in CGPA calculations.
3. How is the NTU grading system different from other universities?
NTU uses a letter-grading system with corresponding grade points on a 5.0 scale. Unlike some universities, NTU calculates grades based on relative performance in the class and uses Academic Units (AU) to weight courses.
4. Will grades from exchange programs affect my CGPA?
Grades from courses taken during exchange programs are not included in your CGPA calculation. However, they do count toward fulfilling graduation requirements and will appear on your transcript.
5. Are attendance and class participation considered in TGPA/CGPA calculations?
Yes, depending on the course, factors like attendance and class participation may contribute to your overall grade, which affects your TGPA and CGPA. Check the specific course grading criteria for details.
