Grading System in Philippines: A Complete 2025 Guide for Students

Confused about grades? You’re not alone.

Some schools use numbers like 1.0 or 3.0. Others go with percentages. A few even stick to A, B, C. Then add terms like GWA, GPA, INC, Pass/Fail—and suddenly, it feels like alphabet soup.

Different schools use different scales, and when comparing them to the U.S. system, the GPA becomes even more complicated.

But don’t worry. This guide will clear up the confusion and give you a complete overview of the Grading System in Philippines from elementary school all the way to university. 

Understanding the game of the grading system in Philippines’ universities is crucial for students, teachers, and parents. 

I’ll also walk you through passing marks, how grades compare internationally, and even the reforms currently being discussed. Let’s dive in.

What is the Grading System in Philippines?

The Grading System in Philippines is a method for evaluating a student’s academic performance in school. Instead of just saying “pass or fail,” the system assigns numbers, letters, or percentages to show how well you’ve done in a subject.

Most schools and universities rely on the General Weighted Average (GWA) to sum up all your grades. With the help of a GWA Calculator, students can figure out their overall average without needing to do all the math themselves.

Key Components of the College Grading System in the Philippines

In college, grades aren’t just pulled out of thin air; they come from a few main parts that work together to show how you’re doing.

Your final grade is made up of different kinds of work, such as:

1. Numerical Grading Scale

Most schools use the 1.00 to 5.00 scale. A grade of 1.00 means excellent, while 5.00 means you failed.

2. Letter Grades

Some schools use letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) and cumulative GPA as the final output.      

3. Weighted Components

Written Work (WW): quizzes, assignments, and short tests.

Performance Tasks (PT): projects, presentations, or activities that test how you apply what you’ve learned.

Quarterly Assessments (QA): big exams at the end of the term to check your overall understanding.

All of these are combined to give you your subject grade. And when you put all subjects together, you get your GWA or GPA—basically your overall average in college.

In some cases, schools also allow grades like Pass/No Pass or “Withdrawn” if you dropped a subject for a valid reason.

Types of Grading Systems Used in the Philippines

Not all schools follow the same rules. You’ll see a few grading systems being used, depending on the level of education or type of institution.

1. 1.0–5.0 Numerical Scale (Most Common)

This is the system you’ll most likely encounter in public universities like the University of the Philippines (UP) or PUP.

1.00 = Excellent (Perfect score)

1.25 = Excellent

1.50 = Very Good

1.75 = Good

2.00 = Satisfactory

2.25 = Above Average

2.50 = Average

2.75 = Barely Passing

3.00 = Lowest Passing Grade

5.00 = Fail

INC = Incomplete (you missed a major requirement)

DRP = Dropped (you officially left the subject)

Remember: In this scale, the lower your grade, the better you did. So a 1.0 is the dream, while a 3.0 just means you scraped by.

2. Percentage Scale (100% System)

Some schools, especially private institutions, prefer percentages. It’s pretty straightforward:

99–100% = Excellent

75% = Passing

Below 75% = Fail

If you want to convert your GWA into a percentage instantly, try our GWA to Percentage Calculator.

3. 4-Point GPA Scale

A few private and international schools in the Philippines use the U.S.-style GPA system.

A = 4.00 (Excellent)

B = 3.00 (Good)

C = 2.00 (Fair)

D = 1.00 (Passing)

F = 0.00 (Fail)

Grading by Education Level

Now, let’s break it down by where you are in your academic journey.

Elementary & High School

• Usually follow the 1.0–5.0 scale
• 75% or 3.0 is the minimum passing mark
• 90% and above is considered excellent

College

• Colleges mostly stick to the 1.0–5.0 scale
• A grade of 3.0 is often the lowest passing grade
• Some institutions may raise the bar slightly, depending on the course

Universities

The Grading System in Philippines’ universities is based on the 5-point scale. Different universities have their own twists:

• UP → 1.0 to 5.0 scale, strict grading
• Ateneo de Manila → Uses letter grades that convert to GPA. A grade is equal to a numerical grade between 92 and 100. 
• De La Salle University → More flexible, even experimenting with pass/fail in certain subjects
• MSU & SUCs → Stick to the traditional numerical scale

CHED Grading System for College (Philippines)

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines doesn’t force one single grading system. Most schools use the 1.0–5.0 scale, but it’s not mandatory.

CHED’s job? To ensure schools adhere to standards, remain accountable, and align with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF).

PQF = A guidebook for what qualifications should look like across different levels of education.

HEI freedom: Colleges and universities can design their own grading systems as long as they’re fair, transparent, and in line with CHED’s quality goals.

Latin Honors in the Philippines

If you’ve got your eye on graduating with honors, here’s how it works:

These distinctions don’t just look good on your diploma; they also open doors to scholarships and better career opportunities.

Comparing the Philippine Grading System to Other Countries

If you’re planning to study abroad or apply for an abroad scholarship, you’ll need to understand how local grades (the grading system in Philippines) compare to other systems:

This is where GWA to GPA conversion tables come in handy.

Policies & Their Impact on Students

Your grades do more than just show if you passed or failed. They control your whole school life and future chances. If you want to study abroad or get an international scholarship, schools will look at your grades first. They decide if you’re good enough. 

Want those special honors like Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude? You need to reach a certain GPA number. No exceptions.

Scholarships: Most schools have a simple rule: keep a 2.0 GPA or higher, or lose your scholarship money. Drop below that number and you’re paying full price.

Retention Policies: Fail too many classes and you’ll be put on academic probation. That means you’re in trouble and might get kicked out of school. Each university has different rules about how many times you can repeat a failed class.

Mental Health: The pressure of high grades can damage students’ mental health. Many feel stressed and worried all the time. The situation is much worse than universities are now offering counselling services to help students manage stress and anxiety.

Reforms & Innovations (2025 Update)

Forget everything you know about report cards. Philippine universities are throwing out the old playbook and here’s what’s happening RIGHT NOW:

The Stress is Finally Over- No more panic attacks over whether you got an 84 or 85. Some schools are switching to simple pass/fail systems. You either get it, or you don’t. Period.

Your Skills Matter More Than Your Memorization- Instead of cramming for tests, schools now care about what you can actually DO. Can you solve real problems? Can you think critically? That’s what counts now.

Professors are Talking to You, Not Just Grading You- Gone are the days of getting back a paper with just a number on it. Now you get actual feedback. Real conversations about your work. Imagine that.

De La Salle is Leading the Revolution- While other schools are still stuck in the past, universities like De La Salle are already making learning feel… human again. They’re creating systems where students can actually breathe and grow.

These reforms are not just another education trend. It’s about recognizing that students are humans, not test-taking machines. The focus is shifting from “Did you memorize this?” to “Do you understand this?”

Calls for Change

Nowadays, teachers and policymakers are more concerned about how the grading system works. Many believe it leans too heavily on numbers, when in reality, learning can’t always be summed up in a single digit. 

The push now is to give more meaningful feedback—things like project-based assessments, observations, and comments that actually guide students in their growth. Our current grading system has deep roots, shaped by history, and while it has served its purpose, it also comes with its share of problems, especially the pressure it puts on students. 

Grades still matter, of course, but they don’t always tell the whole story of what a learner knows or can do. That’s why reforms are on the table to bring change in the educational field. With the advancement of AI and technology, the education system should evolve. 

Quick Recap (For Students Scrolling Fast)

• 1.0 = Excellent | 3.0 = Passing | 5.0 = Fail
• Colleges and universities mostly use the 1.0–5.0 system
• Passing marks can differ slightly depending on your school
• Latin honors (Cum Laude, Magna, Summa) depend on your GWA
• The system is slowly evolving with new reforms like pass/fail grading

Final Thoughts

The Grading System in Philippines determines scholarship eligibility. They open doors to honors. They might even shape your next opportunity. But they don’t define you.

In 2025, schools are slowly shifting—less stress on numbers, more focus on real learning. Pass/fail options. Feedback instead of just digits. A system that cares about growth, not just marks.

So, if you want to chase 1.0, get a scholarship, or get through the semester, keep in mind that grades are only one part of your story. What actually counts is what you learn and how you use it outside of the classroom.