Free tool · New Zealand athletes
NCEA to US GPA calculator
Convert your NCEA, Cambridge or IB results into an estimated US GPA and see how it compares with NCAA Division I, Division II and NAIA requirements.
The short answer
NCEA grades convert directly to the US scale: Excellence counts as an A (4.0), Merit as a B (3.0), Achieved as a C (2.0) and Not Achieved as an F. US universities look at Year 10 to Year 13, so your results from Year 10 onwards matter, not just Level 3.
Work out your US GPA
Pick the qualification and grade for each subject. Untick Core for non-academic subjects like PE; the NCAA only counts core subjects.
We'll check your estimate against the official NCAA rules, tell you where you stand for Division I, Division II and NAIA, and what to do if you're close.
How your grades convert
These are the conversions our calculator uses. They are deliberately conservative, so treat your result as a starting point rather than a final figure.
NCEA
| Your grade | US letter grade | Grade points |
|---|---|---|
| Excellence | A | 4.0 |
| Merit | B | 3.0 |
| Achieved | C | 2.0 |
| Not Achieved | F | 0 |
Cambridge International (A* to E)
| Your grade | US letter grade | Grade points |
|---|---|---|
| A*, A | A | 4.0 |
| B | B | 3.0 |
| C | C | 2.0 |
| D, E | D | 1.0 |
| U | F | 0 |
IB Diploma subjects (1 to 7)
| Your grade | US letter grade | Grade points |
|---|---|---|
| 7, 6 | A | 4.0 |
| 5 | B | 3.0 |
| 4 | C | 2.0 |
| 3 | D | 1.0 |
| 2, 1 | F | 0 |
Which years count
US universities look at Year 10 to Year 13, so your results from Year 10 onwards matter, not just NCEA Level 3. Most New Zealanders finish Year 13 in November or December, receive their results in mid-January and start in the US the following August.
What GPA do US universities need?
These are minimums to compete. Many universities, and the best academic scholarships, ask for more. A higher GPA also widens the list of programmes that can recruit you.
Frequently asked questions
How do NCEA grades convert to a US GPA?
NCEA grades convert directly: Excellence counts as an A (4.0), Merit as a B (3.0), Achieved as a C (2.0) and Not Achieved as an F. Your GPA is the average across your subjects.
Does NCEA Level 1 count for US universities?
Yes. US universities look at Year 10 to Year 13, so Level 1 results count alongside Levels 2 and 3.
My NCEA results arrive in January. Is that a problem?
No. Most New Zealanders finish Year 13 in November or December, receive their results in mid-January and start in the US the following August.
What GPA do I need for a US sports scholarship?
For NCAA Division I you need 16 approved core courses with a core-course GPA of at least 2.3, and for Division II at least 2.2. The NAIA typically looks for a GPA of about 2.0, while Division III universities and junior colleges set their own entry standards.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
No. SAT and ACT scores have not been needed for NCAA Division I and II eligibility since January 2023. Standards can change, so we check the current rules with every athlete.
How accurate is this GPA calculator?
Our calculator uses a conservative scale (A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0) so you do not overestimate. Official evaluations are made by the NCAA Eligibility Center and each university, and some admissions offices read A-level and IB grades more generously.
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