Find out when grades are published, how to understand your final grade and GPA, and what to do if you’re awarded a failing grade.
Publication of grades
Final grades are published on mySI-net at the end of each semester. The release date can change each year so check the important exam dates page.
SMS notification
We also send your final grades out by SMS for end of Semesters 1 and 2. Make sure your Australian mobile phone number is entered into mySI-net, in the 'Mobile' field so you can get the SMS notification.
Understanding your final grades
Most courses use a numbering system for final grades, with 7 as the highest possible grade and 1 being the lowest grade.
Numerical grade descriptors:
| Grade | Description |
| 7 | High Distinction |
| 6 | Distinction |
| 5 | Credit |
| 4 | Pass |
| 3 | Marginal fail (but may be eligible for supplementary assessment) |
| 3S4 | Pass following supplementary assessment |
| 3S3 | Fail following supplementary assessment |
| 1, 2 | Fail |
Other grade descriptors:
| Grade | Description |
| INC | Incomplete: additional work required before grade can be awarded |
| IPR/IP | In progress: completion of course expected in a later semester when a course spans more than one semester |
| N | Non-graded fail |
| P | Non-graded pass |
| RW | Results withheld (due to unpaid fees or disciplinary investigation) |
| SP | Deferred examination approved |
| T | Course credit transferred |
| W | Course cancelled without academic penalty |
| X | No assessable work received |
For a complete list of final grades and what they mean, see Section 3, Part H of the Assessment Procedures.
How to calculate your GPA
Your grade point average (GPA) is calculated after the release of final grades each semester (or each trimester at UQ College).
Your GPA is used to determine part of your academic standing, and whether you are eligible for a University Medal, a Dean's Commendation for Academic Excellence, scholarships, changing into a different program, etc.
Your GPA is calculated using the following formula:
GPA = Σ (GP)
Σ P
Where:
G = the grade in a course
P = the unit value of that course
Σ = the sum of
If you are enrolled in a course but get no grade, G = 0.
Example:
Your grades are 4, 5, 5, and 7 for courses with unit values of 2, 2, 1, and 1 respectively.
This means your GPA is:
(4 x 2) + (5 x 2) + (5 x 1) + (7 x 1)
2 + 2 + 1 + 1
30 ÷ 6
GPA = 5.0
Section 3, Part H of the Assessment Procedures explains how to calculate your GPA for courses that use the final grades of N and P.
What happens if I get a 3?
A grade of 3 or lower is considered a fail. In some instances, you might be given a second chance to pass the course by completing a supplementary assessment instead of repeating the course.
If you are awarded a grade of 3 or lower for a prerequsite course, consult the program requirements for your degree and speak to an adviser in your faculty.
Grades for supplementary exams will be awarded as follows:
- A 3S4 grade is a pass
- A 3S3 grade is a fail
Grades withheld
You won’t be able to view your final grades if you have outstanding fees, or if you are subject to disciplinary proceedings.
You’ll know if your grades have been withheld if they are entirely blocked from mySI-net, or if a grade for a particular course is “RW” (result withheld).
Further reasons why your grades might be withheld are explained in Section 3, Part H of the Assessment Procedures.
Querying a result
If you’re unhappy with an assessment mark, or final grade, there are steps you can take to address your concerns.
Re-marks for exams and assessment
Individual assessment
If you believe an exam or assessment mark for an individual assessment piece doesn’t accurately reflect your performance according to the relevant assessment criteria, you can apply for a re-mark.
For the purposes of requesting a re-mark, a group assessment will be treated as an individual assessment item if:
- the assessment included peer assessments
- components of the assessment were marked individually.
Group assessment
If you completed a group assessment for which only one group mark was awarded, and believe the mark doesn't accurately reflect the group's performance, you can apply for a re-mark.
To apply for a re-mark of a group assessment, at least 50% of the group members must agree that the mark does not reflect the group's performance according to the published assessment criteria. Those group members can apply for a re-mark.
You'll need to complete the Re-mark of a group assessment — group member acknowledgement form (PDF, 275 KB) and upload it with your online request.
Any change of grade (whether it is increased or reduced) will apply to all students in the group, even if they did not apply for the re-mark.
Requesting feedback
Wanting extra marks in order to achieve a higher course grade isn't an acceptable reason for a re-mark.
Before you apply, discuss your concerns with your course coordinator or lecturer. They can provide you with additional feedback about your original mark.
If you decide to request a re-mark after receiving additional feedback, submit an online request.
Request a re-mark
Your request must include a personal statement that outlines how your original mark doesn't reflect your performance according to the relevant assessment criteria.
Your request has to be made within certain timeframes – go to Section 3, Part G of the Assessment Procedures. procedures to learn more.
Appeals
If you want to appeal a decision relating to an assessment or examination re-mark, you can appeal to the University Senate.
I’m graduating in a few weeks – will my re-mark request be finalised by then?
Re-marks take some time to process – it’s very unlikely that changes will be made in time for you to graduate. Once the re-mark has been finalised, and assuming you’re eligible to graduate, you can attend the next suitable graduation ceremony. If appropriate, you can request a completion statement, which you can show to potential employers.
Final grades
Mistakes
After the release of final grades, if you think there has been an administrative mistake (such as a mathematical error, or data-entry error), contact your school.
Correcting an administrative mistake is not the same as a re-mark.
Exceptional circumstances
If you can show evidence of exceptional circumstances beyond your control and if you meet all the eligibility requirements outlined in Section 3, Part D of the Assessment Procedures, you can apply to have your final grade changed to ‘W’ – withdrawal without academic penalty.
Changes are only approved in very limited circumstances, and within the specified timeframes.
Most students who apply have either failed to complete a course, or have received a failing grade for a course.
More information about applying to withdraw without academic penalty is available on the Withdrawing from a Course or Program page.
I failed a course by a small amount, but I don’t satisfy the “exceptional circumstances” requirement. Is there anything I can do?
You may be eligible for a supplementary assessment.