How grading works at Universiti Malaya
Universiti Malaya (UM) grades every course with a letter grade linked to a mark range and a grade point. Your semester GPA and your CGPA are the usual credit-weighted averages: multiply each course's grade point by its credit hours, add them up and divide by the total credit hours.
Two things make UM's scale different from many others. First, both A+ and A are worth 4.0, so marks above 80 all give the full 4.0. Second, the lowest passing grade is C (50%). C-, D+ and D still carry grade points, but they are fail grades.
UM grading scheme
| Marks | Grade | Grade point | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90.00–100.00 | A+ | 4.0 | High distinction |
| 80.00–89.99 | A | 4.0 | Distinction |
| 75.00–79.99 | A- | 3.7 | Distinction |
| 70.00–74.99 | B+ | 3.3 | Good |
| 65.00–69.99 | B | 3.0 | Good |
| 60.00–64.99 | B- | 2.7 | Good |
| 55.00–59.99 | C+ | 2.3 | Pass |
| 50.00–54.99 | C | 2.0 | Pass |
| 45.00–49.99 | C- | 1.7 | Fail |
| 40.00–44.99 | D+ | 1.3 | Fail |
| 35.00–39.99 | D | 1.0 | Fail |
| 0.00–34.99 | F | 0.0 | Fail |
How to calculate your UM GPA: worked example
| Course | Credits | Marks | Grade | Credits × points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of Accounting | 3 | 82 | A (4.0) | 12.0 |
| Microeconomics | 3 | 71 | B+ (3.3) | 9.9 |
| Business Statistics | 3 | 66 | B (3.0) | 9.0 |
| Commercial Law | 3 | 77 | A- (3.7) | 11.1 |
| Malay language course | 2 | 58 | C+ (2.3) | 4.6 |
| Total | 14 | 46.6 |
GPA = 46.6 ÷ 14 = 3.33
UM degree award: honours and distinction
UM confers an honours degree based on your final CGPA, and you need a final CGPA of at least 2.00 to qualify. You receive a Pass with Honours (With Distinction) if you:
- finish with a CGPA of 3.70 or above;
- have never received an F for any course during your programme;
- have never repeated a failed course or taken a course again to improve its grade; and
- complete your programme within the minimum or prescribed period.
So a 3.75 CGPA with a repeated course does not earn the distinction. UM does not publish a CGPA-to-percentage formula; if a form asks for one, attach your transcript.
UM CGPA calculator FAQs
Is an A+ worth more than an A at UM?
No. Both A+ (90–100 marks) and A (80–89.99 marks) are worth 4.0 grade points at Universiti Malaya.
What is the passing grade at Universiti Malaya?
C, which is 50.00–54.99 marks and 2.0 grade points. C-, D+, D and F are fail grades, even though C-, D+ and D carry some grade points.
What CGPA do I need for honours with distinction at UM?
A final CGPA of 3.70 or above. You must also have no F grades, no repeated failed or improvement courses, and finish within the prescribed period.
What is the minimum CGPA to graduate from UM?
You need a final CGPA of at least 2.00 to be awarded an honours degree.
What grade is 75 marks at UM?
A- (75.00–79.99), worth 3.7 grade points and described as a distinction.
How do I convert my UM CGPA to a percentage?
UM does not publish an official CGPA-to-percentage formula. If a form asks for a percentage, attach your official transcript, which shows your grades and the grading scheme.
Sources
Last checked: 18 October 2026. University rules can change, so always confirm your results with your own university's latest official rules. See our Terms of Use.