NU Grading System National University Philippines Complete Guide 2026
If you are an NU student or planning to become one understanding exactly how National University computes and interprets grades is one of the most important things you can know. Your GWA determines whether you make the Dean’s List each semester, whether your scholarship remains active, and whether you graduate with the Latin honors that open doors after graduation.
This guide covers everything about the NU grading system the complete grade scale, GWA computation, Dean’s List requirements, Latin honor thresholds, and how NU’s system compares to other Philippine universities.
NU students can compute their semestral and cumulative GWA instantly using the same weighted formula National University applies
The NU Grading Scale Complete Reference
National University Philippines uses the standard Philippine numerical grading scale from 1.00 to 5.00, where 1.00 is the highest possible grade and 5.00 means failed. This is the same directional scale used by most Philippine colleges and universities.
| Numerical Grade | Descriptive Rating | Percentage Equivalent | Academic Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | Excellent | 96–100% | Summa Cum Laude range |
| 1.25 | Superior | 93–95% | Magna Cum Laude range |
| 1.50 | Very Good | 90–92% | Magna / Cum Laude range |
| 1.75 | Good | 87–89% | Cum Laude / Dean’s List |
| 2.00 | Satisfactory | 84–86% | Good standing |
| 2.25 | Fairly Satisfactory | 81–83% | Good standing |
| 2.50 | Passing | 78–80% | Passing |
| 2.75 | Barely Passing | 76–77% | Passing |
| 3.00 | Conditional / Minimum Pass | 75% | Minimum pass |
| 4.00 | Incomplete | — | Requirements not complete |
| 5.00 | Failed | Below 75% | Must retake |
| W | Withdrawn | — | Officially dropped |
The most important thing to understand about the NU grading scale and the Philippine scale in general — is that lower numbers mean better performance. A grade of 1.00 is the best. A grade of 5.00 is failing. This is the opposite of the American GPA system, which runs from 0.0 (worst) to 4.0 (best).
How GWA is Computed at National University
National University computes GWA using the standard Philippine weighted average formula:
GWA = Sum of (Grade × Units per subject) ÷ Total Number of Units
There is nothing unique about NU’s computation method the formula is identical to what all other Philippine universities using the 1.00 to 5.00 scale apply.
Step-by-Step NU GWA Computation Example
Here is how an NU student would compute their semestral GWA with a typical course load:
| Subject | Final Grade | Units | Grade × Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purposive Communication | 1.50 | 3 | 4.50 |
| Mathematics in the Modern World | 1.75 | 3 | 5.25 |
| Understanding the Self | 2.00 | 3 | 6.00 |
| Art Appreciation | 1.25 | 3 | 3.75 |
| Science, Technology and Society | 2.25 | 3 | 6.75 |
| Physical Education | 1.00 | 2 | 2.00 |
| Total | 17 units | 28.25 |
GWA = 28.25 ÷ 17 = 1.66 For an NU-specific calculator with Dean’s List detection and Latin honor status built in, use our dedicated NU GWA Calculator
This NU student’s semestral GWA is 1.66 which qualifies for Cum Laude standing and comfortably meets the NU Dean’s List requirement of 1.75 or better.
NU Dean’s List Requirements
The Dean’s List at National University recognizes students who achieve excellence in a specific semester. To qualify for the NU Dean’s List, a student must meet all of the following criteria in that semester:
A semestral GWA of 1.75 or better meaning the student’s weighted average grade across all subjects for that term must be 1.75 or lower on the 1.00 to 5.00 numerical scale.
No failing grade in any subject during that semester. A single grade of 5.00 in any course disqualifies the student from Dean’s List consideration for that term, regardless of how strong their other grades are.
No incomplete (INC) grade in any subject at the time of evaluation. An unresolved INC grade counts against Dean’s List eligibility because the subject has not yet been completed.
No academic disciplinary sanctions recorded during the semester.For how NU’s Dean’s List standard compares to UP’s College Scholar system, UST’s two-condition rule, and all major Philippine universities, see our complete guide on Dean’s Lister requirements Philippines
Being on the Dean’s List at NU each semester is the most consistent path toward cumulative GWA excellence and ultimately toward Latin honors at graduation.
NU Latin Honors GWA Requirements
National University awards Latin honors to graduating students who have maintained strong academic performance throughout their entire college career. The Latin honors at NU are:
Summa Cum Laude awarded to graduates with a cumulative GWA in the highest range, typically requiring a GWA of 1.00 to approximately 1.20. This represents near-perfect academic performance maintained consistently from first year to graduation.
Magna Cum Laude awarded to graduates with a cumulative GWA in the excellent range, typically between approximately 1.21 and 1.45 to 1.50. This requires consistently superior performance across every semester of the student’s college career.
Cum Laude — awarded to graduates with a cumulative GWA in the very good to good range, typically between approximately 1.46 or 1.51 and 1.75. This is the most accessible Latin honor and represents a sustained commitment to academic excellence.
All Latin honors at NU as at most Philippine universities require not only achieving the GWA threshold but also having no failing grades anywhere on the complete academic transcript, no unresolved incomplete grades at graduation evaluation, no academic disciplinary record, and fulfillment of the university’s residency requirement.
Always confirm the exact and current GWA cutoffs for NU Latin honors with the NU Registrar’s Office, as these requirements may be updated and can vary by program or graduation year.
NU Grade Scale Compared to Other Philippine Universities
Understanding how NU’s grading system compares to other schools is useful for students transferring into or out of NU, or for students comparing academic performance across institutions.
| University | Grading Scale | Minimum Pass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University (NU) | 1.00 to 5.00 | 3.00 | Standard PH scale |
| University of the Philippines (UP) | 1.00 to 5.00 | 3.00 | 4.00 = conditional pass |
| University of Santo Tomas (UST) | 1.00 to 5.00 | 3.00 | Standard PH scale |
| De La Salle University (DLSU) | 0.0 to 4.0 | 1.0 | Ascending scale (US-style) |
| Ateneo de Manila University | Letter grades (A–F) | D | Converts to GPA |
| Mapua University | QPI scale | 1.0 | Ascending QPI system |
| PISAY | Percentage 70–100 | 75% | Percentage-based |
The key difference to note is that DLSU and Ateneo use ascending scales (higher is better), while NU and most other Philippine universities use a descending numerical scale (lower is better). A student transferring from DLSU to NU or vice versa must reorient their understanding of what constitutes a strong grade.
NU Scholarship GWA Requirements
NU offers several scholarship programs for academically excellent students. Scholarship maintenance requirements at NU typically specify a minimum GWA that scholars must maintain each semester.
For NU institutional scholarships, scholars are generally required to maintain a semestral GWA of 1.75 or better consistent with the Dean’s List threshold. Failing to meet this requirement typically places the scholar on probation or results in scholarship reduction or termination depending on the specific program.
For external scholarships (CHED, DOST, private foundation scholarships) held by NU students, maintenance GWA requirements are set by the sponsoring organization rather than by NU. The most common external scholarship GWA maintenance requirements for NU students are 2.00 per semester (DOST-SEI) and varying thresholds for CHED and private scholarships.
If you are an NU student on any scholarship, confirm your specific maintenance requirements in your scholarship contract or directly with your college’s scholarship coordinator. Do not rely on general guidelines when your scholarship status is at stake.
NU Academic Probation and Retention Policies
Academic probation and retention policies at NU are designed to identify students who are struggling academically and provide structured support pathways. The general framework follows standard Philippine university practice:
Students whose GWA falls below the minimum passing threshold, or who accumulate failing grades beyond specified limits, may be placed on academic probation. Probationary status typically comes with conditions including a required GWA improvement target for the following semester.
Students who fail to improve their academic standing during the probationary period, or who accumulate failing grades beyond the university’s retention threshold, may face dismissal from their program. The specific thresholds vary by program and college within NU.
For current and precise information about NU’s academic probation and retention policies applicable to your specific program and level, consult your college’s Academic Affairs Office or your designated academic adviser.
How to Compute Your NU GWA Practical Tips
Track your grades in real time, not just at semester end. Most NU professors communicate grades for major assessments throughout the semester. Keep a running record of your grades and compute your estimated final grade in each subject as you go. This gives you time to act to request make-up opportunities, to intensify studying, or to consult your professor before the semester is over and the grades are final.
Understand the weight of each component in each subject. On the first day of every class at NU, your professor is required to present the course syllabus including the grade computation breakdown. Know exactly how much your quizzes, projects, and major exams each contribute to your final grade. This knowledge allows you to direct effort to the highest-impact components.
Prioritize subjects with the most units. Because NU uses the standard weighted GWA formula, your 5-unit and 4-unit major subjects have dramatically more impact on your semestral GWA than your 2-unit or 1-unit subjects. Focusing your peak academic effort on your heaviest courses gives you the best return on study time.
Use the GWA Calculator at the top of this page. Enter your NU subjects, grades, and units to compute your semestral or cumulative GWA instantly. You can also use it to reverse compute entering hypothetical future grades to see what you need to achieve in upcoming subjects to reach a specific GWA target.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NU Grading System
What is the minimum passing grade at National University Philippines?
The minimum passing grade at National University is 3.00 on the standard Philippine 1.00 to 5.00 numerical grading scale. Any final grade of 3.00 or better (numerically 3.00 or lower) is passing. A grade of 5.00 is failing and requires the student to retake the subject.
What GWA do you need for the Dean’s List at NU?
To qualify for the Dean’s List at National University, a student must achieve a semestral GWA of 1.75 or better — meaning a weighted average of 1.75 or lower on the 1.00 to 5.00 scale with no failing grades and no unresolved incomplete grades during that semester.
Does NU use the same grading system as UP and UST?
Yes. National University, the University of the Philippines, and the University of Santo Tomas all use the same standard Philippine 1.00 to 5.00 numerical grading scale with 3.00 as the minimum passing grade. The GWA computation formula is identical across all three institutions. What may differ are specific Latin honor GWA cutoffs, scholarship maintenance requirements, and academic probation policies.
What does an INC grade mean at NU?
An INC (Incomplete) grade at NU means the student was unable to complete all required course outputs or assessments before the semester ended, but their class standing up to that point was passing. The student is given a specified period typically one academic year to complete the missing requirements. Once completed, the INC is replaced with a final grade. An unresolved INC that is not completed within the allowed period typically converts to a failing grade of 5.00 on the permanent record.
Is the NU grading system the same across all NU campuses?
National University has multiple campuses across the Philippines. The standard 1.00 to 5.00 grading scale and GWA computation method apply across NU campuses. Specific academic policies including scholarship requirements, Dean’s List thresholds, and Latin honor cutoffs should be confirmed with the Registrar’s Office of your specific NU campus, as administrative policies may vary.
How do I convert my NU GWA to GPA for international applications?
Use the standard Philippine GWA to GPA conversion: a 1.00 GWA is approximately equivalent to a 4.00 GPA, a 1.75 GWA is approximately equivalent to a 3.25 GPA, and a 2.00 GWA is approximately equivalent to a 3.00 GPA. For official international applications graduate school applications, scholarship applications, or immigration documents obtain a certified credential evaluation from WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) rather than using a self-computed estimate.
Official NU academic policies and current honor thresholds are published by National University Philippines confirm with your campus registrar before graduation.