4 answers
Diya
Student
Queensburgh, KZN
5
Questions
Asked
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How are grades converted for international students?
Hi,
I am currently a grade 11 learner going on to matric in 2025. I wanted to know how my grades from a percentage based report would be converted for university applications. Would I have to take the SAT’s or any other tests or would my current grades be converted as they are.
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4 answers
Deeshani Batra
Software Engineer
69
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Deeshani’s Answer
For international students, universities typically convert your grades to fit their own grading system. This process varies depending on the country or institution you're applying to. Some universities might use your percentage grades directly, while others may require you to provide additional information, such as a GPA conversion or an official evaluation of your transcript by organizations like WES (World Education Services).
As for standardized tests, it depends on where you're applying. In the U.S., many universities require tests like the SAT or ACT, especially for students coming from non-U.S. educational systems. However, some schools have moved to test-optional policies, meaning you may not need to take these exams if your grades are strong.
It’s a good idea to check the specific requirements of the universities you're interested in, as each institution may have different guidelines for international applicants.
As for standardized tests, it depends on where you're applying. In the U.S., many universities require tests like the SAT or ACT, especially for students coming from non-U.S. educational systems. However, some schools have moved to test-optional policies, meaning you may not need to take these exams if your grades are strong.
It’s a good idea to check the specific requirements of the universities you're interested in, as each institution may have different guidelines for international applicants.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Diya
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
43
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi! Former international student here who studied in the U.S.
I applied to college back in 2012 so things might have changed since then. For me, I had to take the SATs because the colleges I was applying to required them. But to answer your question on how your local grades are converted in the U.S., you will receive instructions from the institution you're applying to during the application process to send your grades to a third-party evaluator. You'll have to pay a fee and request the converted grades to be sent directly to the institution you're applying to.
I truly do not know the methodology these evaluators use to convert grades; that's something you could perhaps inquire when you begin the process with them.
I applied to college back in 2012 so things might have changed since then. For me, I had to take the SATs because the colleges I was applying to required them. But to answer your question on how your local grades are converted in the U.S., you will receive instructions from the institution you're applying to during the application process to send your grades to a third-party evaluator. You'll have to pay a fee and request the converted grades to be sent directly to the institution you're applying to.
I truly do not know the methodology these evaluators use to convert grades; that's something you could perhaps inquire when you begin the process with them.
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
https://www.scholaro.com/db/countries/South-Africa/Grading-System and https://www.scholaro.com/db/countries/South-Africa/Grading-System give you an idea of how grades are converted.
SAT may not be required but a good score could be helpful to gain admissions and you'll likely also have to take the TOEFL test.
SAT may not be required but a good score could be helpful to gain admissions and you'll likely also have to take the TOEFL test.
Thanks for the help.
Diya
Hosna Saba
8
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Hosna’s Answer
Hi Diya,
I totally get where you’re coming from. As someone who’s also faced the challenge of navigating international grading systems, I can tell you that it can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely manageable.
When it comes to university applications, the conversion of your grades from a percentage-based system (like the one you’re following in South Africa) depends on the university and the country you’re applying to. Universities in countries like the US, UK, or Canada, often require a standardized test, but the exact requirements can vary based on where you’re applying.
In the US, for example, some universities might ask for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, while others might focus more on your grades, extracurriculars, and essays. But if you’re applying for undergraduate programs in countries like the UK or Canada, they usually ask for your high school grades (in percentage form), and they will convert them using their specific grading scale.
For South African students, universities might look at your matric results, and the percentage you get will often be converted into a specific letter grade or point score that aligns with the university’s grading system. Some universities even have conversion tables for this process, so it’s always a good idea to check directly with the admissions office to confirm their specific requirements.
And don't forget—if you want to apply to universities in the US or other countries that use the SAT or ACT, you'll need to take these exams. They help schools assess your academic readiness for university, alongside your high school grades.
Best of luck as you head into matric, and remember—this is just the start of your exciting journey to university!
What I recommend is to start researching the universities you’re interested in. Look at their admissions pages and see what their specific requirements are for international students. If needed, reach out to the admissions office to clarify how they convert your grades. Every university is a little different!
Getting into Matrics (or University) Without SAT Test-Optional Universities: As mentioned, many schools, especially in the US, have moved to a test-optional or test-flexible policy. If the SAT is not a requirement, focus on other aspects of your application, such as your academic achievements, extracurriculars, and essays. Strong GPA and Course Rigor A high GPA and taking advanced courses (like AP or IB, depending on your region) can help strengthen your application. Additional Assessments For specific programs (e.g., medicine, engineering), universities may ask for other subject-specific exams or portfolios, but many do not require the SAT or ACT.
I totally get where you’re coming from. As someone who’s also faced the challenge of navigating international grading systems, I can tell you that it can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely manageable.
When it comes to university applications, the conversion of your grades from a percentage-based system (like the one you’re following in South Africa) depends on the university and the country you’re applying to. Universities in countries like the US, UK, or Canada, often require a standardized test, but the exact requirements can vary based on where you’re applying.
In the US, for example, some universities might ask for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, while others might focus more on your grades, extracurriculars, and essays. But if you’re applying for undergraduate programs in countries like the UK or Canada, they usually ask for your high school grades (in percentage form), and they will convert them using their specific grading scale.
For South African students, universities might look at your matric results, and the percentage you get will often be converted into a specific letter grade or point score that aligns with the university’s grading system. Some universities even have conversion tables for this process, so it’s always a good idea to check directly with the admissions office to confirm their specific requirements.
And don't forget—if you want to apply to universities in the US or other countries that use the SAT or ACT, you'll need to take these exams. They help schools assess your academic readiness for university, alongside your high school grades.
Best of luck as you head into matric, and remember—this is just the start of your exciting journey to university!
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