How Does the UK Grading System Compare to Nigerian University Grading

Choosing to study abroad is one of the biggest decisions Nigerian students make. Among the most common destinations, the United Kingdom continues to be a top choice because of its world-class universities, rich academic history, and global recognition of qualifications. However, one area that often causes confusion for Nigerian students is how grades are calculated and compared between Nigeria and the UK.

The UK vs Nigeria grading system looks very different at first glance. In Nigeria, students are used to Grade Point Averages (GPA) calculated on a 5.0 scale, while in the UK, degrees are classified into categories such as First Class, Second Class Upper (2:1), Second Class Lower (2:2), and Third Class.

In this article, written on behalf of Anglo Healthcare, we break down how the grading systems align, the challenges Nigerian students face when converting their GPA, and why understanding these differences is crucial when applying for postgraduate studies or job opportunities abroad.

Overview of the UK Grading System

The UK higher education system is unique in how it awards degree classifications. Unlike Nigeria, where percentages and GPA are the focus, UK universities group final results into broad categories:

First Class Honours (First) – 70% and above
Second Class Upper (2:1) – 60% to 69%
Second Class Lower (2:2) – 50% to 59%
Third Class Honours (Third) – 40% to 49%
Fail – Below 40%

One striking feature for Nigerians is that in the UK, a score of 70% and above is considered First Class, while in Nigeria, 70% might feel like an “ordinary” grade. This is why many Nigerian students often feel UK marks are “too low.” In reality, UK grading is more rigorous, with fewer students awarded very high percentages.

Overview of the Nigerian University Grading System

Most Nigerian universities use a 5-point GPA system, which translates raw scores (percentages) into grade points:

First Class – 4.50 – 5.00 (70% and above)
Second Class Upper (2:1) – 3.50 – 4.49 (60 – 69%)
Second Class Lower (2:2) – 2.40 – 3.49 (50 – 59%)
Third Class – 1.50 – 2.39 (45 – 49%)
Pass – 1.00 – 1.49 (40 – 44%)
Fail – Below 40%

In Nigeria, it is not unusual for strong students to achieve marks above 70% or even 80%. This is why many feel discouraged when they see their UK marks, even if they are still within a “good” classification.

Side-by-Side Comparison: UK Degree Classes vs Nigerian GPA

UK Degree ClassificationPercentage Range (UK)Nigerian GPA EquivalentNigerian Classification

This table shows that although the systems use different terminologies, the classifications are broadly aligned. For example, a Nigerian student with a GPA of 3.8 (Second Class Upper) would typically be recognized as having the equivalent of a UK Upper Second Class (2:1).

Why Nigerians Often Feel “UK Marks Are Low”

One common frustration for Nigerian students studying in the UK is seeing marks in the 60s or low 70s and wondering why they aren’t achieving the 80s and 90s they were used to back home.

The main reasons include:

• Different Marking Standards – UK universities rarely award grades above 75%. Anything in the 60s or 70s is considered very strong.
• Focus on Critical Thinking – Unlike Nigeria, where exams often test knowledge retention, UK assessments emphasise analysis, originality, and argument quality.
• Relative Grading – Marks are sometimes curved to reflect cohort performance, making it harder to achieve top percentages.

In practice, a 65% in the UK is an excellent mark, often equivalent to a strong “A” in Nigeria.

Nigerian Context: University Admissions and Equivalence

For Nigerian students applying for postgraduate studies in the UK, understanding these equivalences is crucial. Most UK universities accept:

Nigerian Second Class Upper (2:1) → UK Upper Second (2:1)
Nigerian First Class → UK First Class

In fact, some universities explicitly state on their admissions websites that a minimum of a Second Class Upper (3.5 GPA or above) is required for postgraduate admission. This is directly mapped to a UK 2:1 requirement.

However, Nigerian students with a Second Class Lower (2:2) are not excluded. Some universities will still consider them for admission, particularly if they have relevant work experience, professional certifications, or strong personal statements.

Nigerian GPA Conversion in the UK Job Market

Beyond academics, grading systems also play a role in job applications. Many Nigerian graduates in the UK wonder how their GPA will be perceived by employers.

In practice:

• Employers are more familiar with UK classifications (First, 2:1, 2:2) than Nigerian GPA figures.
• Credential evaluation services or university admissions teams often provide the official conversion.

For resumes, Nigerian students are advised to list both systems, for example:

Second Class Upper (3.8/5.0 GPA) – UK Equivalent: Upper Second Class (2:1)

This approach helps employers or recruiters immediately understand the applicant’s academic standing.

Common Misconceptions Nigerian Students Have

• “A 65% is too low” – In the UK, 65% is considered a very good grade, equivalent to an A in Nigeria.
• “My GPA will drop when converted” – The GPA doesn’t drop; it is translated into a classification. A Nigerian 2:1 remains a 2:1 in the UK.
• “Employers won’t understand Nigerian grades” – As long as both GPA and UK equivalence are presented, employers appreciate the clarity.

Final Thoughts

The UK vs Nigeria grading system may look confusing at first, but with proper understanding, the differences are straightforward. Both systems value academic excellence but measure it in different ways.

For Nigerian students:

A First Class in Nigeria equals a First Class in the UK.
A Second Class Upper (3.5 – 4.49 GPA) equals a UK 2:1.
A Second Class Lower (2.4 – 3.49 GPA) equals a UK 2:2.

So, while the numbers may seem smaller in the UK, the classifications remain consistent. Nigerian students can be confident that their hard work and academic achievements are recognized globally.

At Anglo Healthcare, we believe in empowering Nigerian students and professionals with the right information to succeed abroad—whether in education, healthcare, or career pathways. Understanding grading equivalence is one small but important step in making your global journey smoother.