Table des matières:
Understanding the Grading Scale at Strasbourg University
Strasbourg University uses the standard French grading scale of 0 to 20, where 20 is the highest possible grade and 0 is the lowest. However, unlike some other systems, achieving a 20 is extremely rare. Most grades fall between 10 and 14, and the passing threshold is generally 10 out of 20.
This scale can be confusing for international students, especially those from countries where a 70% or 80% is considered average. In the French system, a score of 12 or 13 is already a good grade, and anything above 16 is excellent.
The 0-20 Scale in Detail
| Grade Range | Interpretation | English Equivalent (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 16-20 | Excellent (Très bien) | A / A+ |
| 14-15.9 | Very Good (Bien) | B+ / A- |
| 12-13.9 | Good (Assez bien) | B / B- |
| 10-11.9 | Satisfactory (Passable) | C / C+ |
| 8-9.9 | Insufficient (Insuffisant) | D / F (borderline) |
| 0-7.9 | Fail (Échec) | F |
It’s important to note that not all programs use the full scale strictly. Some faculties may rarely give grades above 16, while others might be more generous. Always check with your specific department for local norms.
Passing and Failing: What You Need to Know
To pass a course at Strasbourg University, you generally need a grade of at least 10 out of 20. However, there are nuances:
- Compensation: In many programs, a low grade in one subject can be compensated by a higher grade in another subject, as long as the overall average across all subjects for the semester is 10 or above.
- Conditional passes: Some courses require a minimum grade (e.g., 8) in a core subject even if the average is above 10. Check your program regulations.
- Resits: If you fail a course (grade below 10), you usually have the opportunity to retake an exam during a resit session (seconde session) at the end of the academic year.
For exchange students, it’s crucial to understand that a grade of 10 is considered a pass, but it may not correspond to a ‘C’ in your home institution. Always consult your home university’s grade conversion guidelines.
ECTS Credits and Grading at Strasbourg University
Strasbourg University follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Each course is assigned a certain number of ECTS credits, typically 3, 6, or 9 for a semester course. To earn the credits, you must pass the course (grade ≥ 10).
ECTS credits are also used to determine your workload: 1 ECTS equals about 25-30 hours of total student work (lectures, tutorials, self-study, exams). A full-time semester usually comprises 30 ECTS credits.
How ECTS Grades Are Assigned
While Strasbourg University provides numeric grades on the 0-20 scale, it may also provide an ECTS grade (A to F) based on your percentile rank within the class. The conversion is roughly:
- A: top 10%
- B: next 25%
- C: next 30%
- D: next 25%
- E: next 10% (close to fail)
- FX/F: fail
However, the official transcript from Strasbourg University will show your numeric grade, not the ECTS letter grade. The ECTS grade is often computed by your home institution for transfer purposes.
Grading in Different Faculties and Programs
The grading system can vary slightly depending on the faculty or program. Here are some examples:
- Faculty of Law: Known for strict grading; grades above 14 are rare. Oral exams are common.
- Faculty of Medicine: Very competitive; a grade of 12 is considered good. Continuous assessment throughout the year.
- Faculty of Sciences: Mix of written exams, lab reports, and projects. Grades tend to be moderate.
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities: Emphasis on essays and dissertations; grading can be subjective. A 14 is excellent.
- Business School (EM Strasbourg): Uses the standard scale but may include group projects and presentations.
Always check the specific grading criteria in your course syllabus (fiche de cours).
Common Questions About the Grading System
Is a grade of 10 a pass?
Yes, 10 out of 20 is the minimum passing grade. However, some programs require a minimum of 10 in each subject, while others allow compensation across subjects.
What is a good grade at Strasbourg University?
A grade of 12 or above is considered good. Grades above 14 are very good, and above 16 are excellent.
How do I convert my Strasbourg grade to my home university system?
Use the ECTS conversion tables provided by your home university. Many institutions have specific agreements. If not, a general guide is: 10 ≈ C, 12 ≈ B-, 14 ≈ B+, 16 ≈ A.
Can I retake an exam if I fail?
Yes, there is usually a resit session (session de rattrapage) in August/September. You can retake the exam, but the maximum grade you can obtain is often capped at 10 (pass).
What is the ‘mention’ system?
At the end of a degree, you may receive a mention based on your overall average:
- Passable: average 10-11.9
- Assez bien: average 12-13.9
- Bien: average 14-15.9
- Très bien: average 16 and above
Practical Tips for International Students
- Don’t panic if you get a 10: It’s a pass, and that’s okay. Focus on overall average.
- Attend tutorials (TD): They often count towards your final grade and help you understand expectations.
- Ask your professors: They can clarify how they grade and what they expect.
- Check your transcript: Ensure grades are recorded correctly after each semester.
- Use the grade conversion tool: Many universities provide an online tool to convert French grades to your home system.
Final Checklist: Navigating the Grading System at Strasbourg University
Before you start your studies, make sure you:
- Understand the 0-20 scale and passing threshold (10).
- Know your program’s compensation rules.
- Check the ECTS credit allocation for each course.
- Find out when resit exams are held.
- Consult your home university’s grade conversion policy.
- Contact the International Office at Strasbourg University if you have doubts.
By mastering the grading system early, you can focus on your studies and avoid unnecessary stress. Bon courage!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum passing grade at Strasbourg University?
The minimum passing grade is 10 out of 20.
How are ECTS credits awarded?
You earn ECTS credits when you pass a course (grade ≥ 10). The number of credits is specified in the course syllabus.
Can an international student get a grade of 20?
It is theoretically possible but extremely rare. In practice, grades above 16 are considered outstanding.
What happens if I fail a course?
You can retake the exam in the resit session. Your final grade may be capped at 10, depending on the program.
Does Strasbourg University use a curve?
Some professors may adjust grades to achieve a reasonable distribution, but it is not an official policy. The grade you receive is your raw score unless otherwise stated.
How do I convert my Strasbourg grade to a GPA?
Use the conversion table provided by your home institution. If none exists, a common approximation is: 10 = 2.0, 12 = 3.0, 14 = 3.7, 16 = 4.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
Do all courses use the compensation rule? I’m worried about failing a core subject.
Compensation is common but not universal. Some programs require a minimum grade in core subjects (e.g., 8 out of 20) even if your overall average is above 10. Check your specific program regulations or ask your department coordinator to be sure.
So if I get a 12 out of 20, that’s actually a good grade? I’m from the US and used to 70% being average. This is really helpful to know.
Yes, exactly! A 12 is considered good (Assez bien) and roughly equivalent to a B-/B in the US. Just remember that the scale is different—10 is a pass, and 16+ is excellent. Always check with your home university for conversion guidelines.
Thanks for the explanation about ECTS. Does Strasbourg University automatically assign ECTS letter grades on the transcript?
No, the official transcript from Strasbourg University will show your numeric grade (0-20), not the ECTS letter grade. The ECTS grade is usually computed by your home institution for transfer purposes. You can ask your department for your percentile rank if needed.