Question 1

What is CGPA and how is it calculated in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is the weighted average of all grade points across all semesters. It is calculated as: CGPA = Sum of (Grade Point × Credit Units) ÷ Sum of (Credit Units). Unlike GPA which measures a single semester, CGPA tracks your cumulative academic performance throughout your entire course.

Question 2

What GPA scale does NTU and NUS use?

Accepted Answer

Both NTU and NUS use a 5.0 GPA scale. An A or A+ earns 5.0 grade points, A- earns 4.5, B+ earns 4.0, B earns 3.5, and so on down to D at 1.0 and F at 0. First Class Honours requires a CAP/CGPA of 4.50 or above. NUS refers to it as CAP (Cumulative Average Point).

Question 3

What GPA scale do Singapore polytechnics use?

Accepted Answer

All five Singapore polytechnics (NP, SP, TP, NYP, RP) use a 4.0 GPA scale. Grade A earns 4.0, B+ earns 3.5, B earns 3.0, C+ earns 2.5, C earns 2.0, and D earns 1.0. Diploma with Merit is typically awarded to students with a CGPA of 3.5 or above who are within the top 10% of their cohort.

Question 4

What is SMU's grading system?

Accepted Answer

SMU uses a unique 4.3 GPA scale where A+ = 4.3, A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, and so on. Graduation honours use Latin titles: Summa Cum Laude (≥3.80), Magna Cum Laude (≥3.60), Cum Laude (≥3.40). The minimum CGPA for graduation is 2.5.

Question 5

How do I improve my CGPA in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

To improve your CGPA: (1) Focus on higher-credit modules as they have a larger impact; (2) Retake modules where your grade is low if allowed by your institution; (3) Use the target GPA calculator above to find the exact GPA you need each semester; (4) Note that later in your course, each semester has a smaller impact on CGPA since the denominator (total credits) grows. Starting strong in Year 1 makes a significant difference.

Question 6

What is the difference between GPA and CGPA for polytechnic students?

Accepted Answer

For polytechnic students, GPA refers to your grade point average for a single semester, while CGPA (Cumulative GPA) is the average across all semesters from Year 1 to your final year. The Diploma with Merit classification is based on your final CGPA, not any single semester GPA.

Institution	Scale	First Class / Top Honours
NTU	5.0	CGPA ≥4.50
NUS	5.0 (CAP)	CAP ≥4.50
SUSS	5.0	CGPA ≥4.50
SUTD	5.0	CGPA ≥4.50
SIT	5.0	CGPA ≥4.50
SMU	4.3	Summa Cum Laude ≥3.80
NP / TP / NYP / RP	4.0	Diploma with Merit ≥3.50
SP	4.0	Diploma with Merit ≥3.00 + top 10%
ITE	4.0	Distinction ≥3.50

CGPA Calculator Singapore 2026

GPA Scales by Institution

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators