How UNILUS GPA Works
A comprehensive guide to the University of Lusaka's grading system, degree classification, and progression rules.
Overview
The University of Lusaka (UNILUS) uses a point-based grading system where your GPA determines your academic progression and your final degree classification. While it tracks your performance throughout your studies, the final Degree Classification is uniquely based on courses taken in your 3rd and 4th years only.
Undergraduate Grading Scale
UNILUS converts your percentage scores into letter grades and corresponding points on a 5-point scale:
| Percentage | Grade | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86% – 100% | A+ | 5 | 1st Distinction |
| 76% – 85% | A | 4 | 2nd Distinction |
| 66% – 75% | B+ | 3 | 1st Meritorious |
| 61% – 65% | B | 2 | 2nd Meritorious |
| 56% – 60% | C+ | 1 | Clear Pass |
| 50% – 55% | C | 0 | Pass |
| 0% – 49% | D | 0 | Fail |
How Degree Classification Works
Unlike many universities that average every year equally, UNILUS uses a "total points" accumulation from your senior years to classify your degree based on the number of courses taken:
| Courses | Distinction | Merit | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 42.5 | 30.5 | 18.5 |
| 13 | 46 | 33 | 20 |
| 14 | 49.5 | 35.5 | 21.5 |
| 15 | 53 | 38 | 23 |
| 16 | 56.5 | 40.5 | 24.5 |
| 17 | 60 | 43 | 26 |
| 18 | 63.5 | 45.5 | 27.5 |
| 19 | 67 | 48 | 29 |
Note: The BSc Honours in Accounting and Finance is generally not classified under this specific point system.
Progression Requirements
- PassingGrades from A+ to C are considered passing and allow you to move to the next course level.
- FailingA grade of D is a fail. If you fail more than half of your courses in a single semester, you may be marked as "Excluded".
- Special CodesYou might see portal comments like NE (Not Examined), WP (Withdrawn with Permission), or S (Satisfactory - used for non-graded project courses).
Specialized Symbols
You may encounter these symbols on the Student Portal which explain why a standard grade isn't listed:
- SUPPYou are eligible to take a supplementary exam to attempt to pass a failed course.
- ExcludedA critical status triggered if you fail more than half of your courses in a single semester.
- WPUsed when you formally withdraw from a course before the deadline with university approval.
- NERecorded if you were registered but did not sit for the final exam.
- DFGranted for students who missed exams due to valid reasons like illness or bereavement.