How This Converter Works

The Icelandic university grading system uses a 0 to 10 numeric scale. This converter maps that scale to five widely-used international grading systems simultaneously, so you can fill out any international application without switching between tools.

Full Icelandic to International Grade Table

This table covers the full scale. Use it to verify any conversion from the tool above.

Which System Should I Use for My Application?

Applying to a US university

Use the 4.0 GPA column. Most US graduate programs set a minimum of 3.0 GPA (equivalent to 7.5 on the Icelandic scale). Competitive programs at research universities often expect 3.5 or above, which corresponds to approximately 8.75 in Iceland. Submit a WES evaluation alongside the converted figure for official applications.

Applying to a UK university

Use the UK degree class column. UK postgraduate programs typically require a 2:1 (Upper Second, 60-69%) as the minimum. On the Icelandic scale, that means a grade of approximately 6.0 to 6.9. Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and most Russell Group master’s programs use this threshold. UK ENIC provides official evaluations for visa and admissions purposes.

Applying to a German university

Use the German grade column. German universities typically require a minimum of 2.5 (Gut, Good) for admission to master’s programs, though competitive programs expect 1.5 to 2.0. The anabin database (managed by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education) is the official German reference for foreign qualifications. Icelandic degrees are recognised as comparable to German Hochschulabschlüsse.

Applying within Europe (Erasmus or exchange)

Use the ECTS column. All European universities participating in the Bologna Process use ECTS grades as a common reference. An Icelandic grade of 7.5 (ECTS B) is competitive for most European partner institutions. The ECTS User’s Guide recommends that host institutions accept any grade that passes at the home institution, but practical requirements vary by partner agreement.

Edge Cases and Common Questions

Why does a 7.0 Icelandic grade look like a First in the UK?

The proportional conversion places 7.0 at 70%, which is the lower boundary of a UK First Class. This surprises many students, but it reflects the structural difference in how the two systems use their scale. In Iceland, grades cluster between 5 and 8 for most students. In the UK, they cluster between 60% and 80%. The two systems use different parts of their available range, so a direct proportional conversion is the most transparent and defensible approach.

The German grade seems very strict. Is that accurate?

German grading is strict by design. A 1.0 in Germany is genuinely exceptional; most students graduate with averages between 2.0 and 3.0. The modified Bavarian Formula used here is the standard method for converting foreign grades to the German scale. It maps the Icelandic 5.0 (minimum pass) to 4.0 (German minimum pass) and scales linearly from there. German universities and credential evaluators (anabin) use this methodology.

My institution uses a percentage scale, not 0–10. What do I do?

Divide your percentage by 10 to get the Icelandic equivalent, then enter that. For example, a 78% becomes 7.8. The conversion then proceeds normally through all five systems.

Can I use this for high school (menntaskóli) applications?

Yes. Icelandic menntaskólar use the same 0–10 scale. If you are applying to international undergraduate programs using your secondary school transcript, this converter applies directly to your matríkuleinkunnir (matriculation exam grades).

Common Mistakes on International Applications

• Using the Icelandic grade directly instead of converting it to the target system
• Submitting a self-converted GPA without noting the conversion method used
• Not providing context about the Icelandic grading scale alongside the converted figure
• Using a simple average instead of the weighted meðaleinkunn for multi-course conversion
• Forgetting that German grades are inverted (lower is better)
• Assuming one evaluator’s conversion will match another’s exactly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 9.0 Icelandic grade in all systems?

A 9.0 converts to: US 3.60 GPA (A-), UK First Class (90%), ECTS A (Outstanding), German 1.6, 90% percentage. It represents genuinely outstanding performance in all systems.

Is a 6.5 Icelandic grade good enough for a UK master’s?

In the proportional system, 6.5 converts to 65%, which is a solid 2:1 and typically above the standard 60% minimum for UK postgraduate entry. However, competitive programmes at top universities often expect closer to 70% (7.0 in Iceland). Check the specific entry requirements of your target programme.

What do I write on an application form that asks for my GPA?

Write your converted figure followed by the original scale in parentheses. For example: “3.20 / 4.0 (converted from 8.0 / 10 Icelandic scale)”. Also attach your original transcript so the admissions team can verify independently. Many applications have a notes field where you can briefly explain the Icelandic grading system.

Do all Icelandic universities use the same 0–10 scale?

Yes. All major Icelandic universities, including Háskóli Íslands, Háskólinn í Reykjavík, Háskólinn á Akureyri, and Bifröst University, use the same 0–10 grading scale aligned with the ECTS framework. Upper secondary schools (menntaskólar) also use this scale for matriculation purposes.