Knowing how to convert WAEC grades or marks for overseas applications is crucial if you’re an African student hoping to study abroad, especially if you’re from a West African nation like Nigeria.
It is like converting your academic accomplishments into a language others can comprehend.
This gives them a better idea of your academic performance.
In this post, we will show you an easy way to convert your WAEC results the right way. Firstly, you need to understand the WAEC grading system.
What is the WAEC Grading System?
A summary of the structure of WAEC grades can be found below:
| Grade | Meaning | Score Range (%) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Excellent | 75 – 100 |
| B2 | Very Good | 70 – 74 |
| B3 | Good | 65 – 69 |
| C4 | Credit | 60 – 64 |
| C5 | Credit | 55 – 59 |
| C6 | Credit | 50 – 54 |
| D7 | Pass | 45 – 49 |
| E8 | Weak Pass | 40 – 44 |
| F9 | Fail | 0 – 39 |
How to Convert Your WAEC to GPA
There are two main ways to convert your WAEC grades:
#1. Making Use of Your High School Record
Your GPA over the course of three years of study is already calculated by several high schools. Verify your transcript to verify if the GPA is already listed if your institution does this.
#2. Manual Conversion
You can use a common GPA conversion chart (provided below) to convert each WAEC grade on your own if your transcript does not include a GPA. If you simply want to verify your GPA before applying, this is also helpful.
Despite the availability of universal conversion charts, different universities may have their own methods for evaluating grades or particular topic requirements. For instance, a C4 could be the equivalent of a GCSE English grade, or certain Canadian colleges might require at least a C6 in math and English in the UK.
These tools are particularly helpful if the GPA is not displayed on your school transcript or if you simply wish to verify the conversion yourself. They assist you in making sure your application is flawless.
Read Also: How to get loans to study in the USA and Canada
How to Convert Your WAEC to U.S. 4.0 GPA Conversion Chart
You can convert your WAEC marks to a GPA on the U.S. 4.0 scale using the table below. It is crucial to make clear that during your conversion process, the conversion was carried out on a 4.0 scale.
| WAEC Grade | Description | GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Excellence | 4.0 |
| B2 | Very Good | 3.5 |
| B3 | Good | 3.0 |
| C4 | Credit | 2.5 |
| C5 | Credit | 2.0 |
| C6 | Credit | 1.5 |
| D7 | Pass | 1.0 |
| E8 | Pass | 0.5 |
| F9 | Fail | 0.0 |
Applying to the UK (Direct Entry or UCAS Tariff)
WAEC results are immediately accepted by several UK universities without conversion. Applying directly or via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) are both options.
If you received a C6 or better on the WAEC English exam, several universities will accept it in lieu of the IELTS. The grading scheme is as follows:
- A1 = A or A* (depending on the university)
- B2/B3 = A or B
- C4–C6 = C or D
Convert WAEC Grade for Applying to Canada
Canadian universities also accept WAEC, especially for undergraduate programs. You can navigate through your grades with their grading system below:
| WAEC Grade | Canadian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| A1 | 90 – 100% |
| B2 – B3 | 80 – 89% |
| C4 – C6 | 70 – 79% |
| D7 – E8 | Below 70% (may not be accepted) |
How to Convert and Use Your WAEC Results
Here’s how to manually determine your GPA:
- List all of the WAEC courses you have taken along with your grades.
- Using the accompanying chart, convert each WAEC grade to its corresponding GPA in the US.
- Total the points in your GPA. Include the GPAs for each of your subjects.
- To determine your final GPA, divide the total number of GPA points by the number of subjects.
For Example:
Let’s say your WAEC results are:
- English Language: B2
- Mathematics: C5
- Economics: B3
- Government: A1
- Literature in English: B3
- Biology: C4
- Civic Education: B2
- Agricultural Science: C6
📊 Conversion:
- English (B2) = 3.5
- Math (C5) = 2.0
- Economics (B3) = 3.0
- Government (A1) = 4.0
- Literature (B3) = 3.0
- Biology (C4) = 2.5
- Civic Education (B2) = 3.5
- Agric Science (C6) = 1.5
✅ GPA Calculation:
- Total GPA Points = 23.0
- Number of Subjects = 8
- GPA = 23.0 ÷ 8 = 2.875 → Rounded to 2.9
That’s the GPA you would report on your application form to Canadian universities (if GPA entry is required).
Let me know if you want an editable calculator template or want to convert your actual grades!
FAQs – Converting Your WAEC Results for Study Abroad
Q1: How can I convert my WAEC results for study abroad?
A: You can convert your WAEC grades to GPA equivalents by matching each grade (A1 to F9) with the GPA or percentage system used by your target country or university. This helps schools assess your academic performance in a familiar format.
Q2: Can I convert my WAEC results for study abroad online?
A: Yes, there are free and paid GPA calculators available online that help convert WAEC grades into U.S., Canadian, or other country-specific GPA formats. Some universities also provide official conversion guidelines.
Q3: How do I convert my WAEC results for study abroad while in Nigeria?
A: You can use online tools, consult educational consultants, or follow grade equivalence tables provided by your target country’s institutions. You don’t need to leave Nigeria to do this.
Q4: What is a WAEC GPA calculator?
A: A WAEC GPA calculator is a tool that converts your WAEC grades into a Grade Point Average, commonly used by universities in countries like the U.S. and Canada. It helps standardize your academic performance.
Q5: Are all WAEC subjects assigned equal credits?
A: Typically, yes (e.g., 2 credits each). However, it’s best to confirm with your school or WAEC. Some subjects like Further Mathematics or Technical Drawing may carry different weights in certain schools or programs.
Q6: Is the GPA weighted or unweighted?
A: WAEC GPAs are usually unweighted. If you’ve taken advanced or honors-level subjects (like A-Levels), then a weighted GPA may apply—mainly in U.S. evaluations.
Q7: What if my grades are low?
A: If you have a D7 or lower in essential subjects like English or Math, it’s recommended to retake the exam or consider foundation programs or pathway courses offered by universities abroad.
Q8: How long does WAEC result verification take?
A: Online verification using a WAEC scratch card is instant. However, official credential evaluations by WES, ICES, or similar services typically take 10–30 business days.
Q9: Can I convert grades myself?
A: Yes, using GPA conversion steps or tools like Scholaro GPA Calculator. But some universities may still require an official credential evaluation.
Q10: Is converting WAEC results required for all international universities?
A: Not always. Some schools do their own evaluation. Others may ask for self-reported GPA or official third-party evaluations.