Key takeaways
- The FGPA at UG is a weighted average of your GPAs from Levels 100 to 400, using a 1:1:2:2 weighting system.
- To calculate your FGPA, multiply each level’s GPA by its assigned weight, add the results, and divide by 6.
- Your FGPA determines your graduating class, which impacts job opportunities and postgraduate admissions.
Your Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) is what determines your graduating class at the University of Ghana. It shows your overall academic performance from Level 100 to 400.
What is UG’s FGPA grading system?
At the University of Ghana, the FGPA is calculated using a weighted system across the four years of study. The weights are distributed as follows:
- Level 100: Weight 1
- Level 200: Weight 1
- Level 300: Weight 2
- Level 400: Weight 2
This 1:1:2:2 structure means that your third and fourth-year performances have a greater impact on your FGPA.
Grades are converted into grade points based on the score achieved in each course:
| Grade | Scores | Grade points |
| A | 80-100 | 4.0 |
| B+ | 75-79 | 3.5 |
| B | 70-74 | 3.0 |
| C+ | 65-69 | 2.5 |
| C | 60-64 | 2.0 |
| D+ | 55-59 | 1.5 |
| D | 50-54 | 1.0 |
| E | 45-49 | 0.5 |
| F | 0-44 | 0 |
These grade points are multiplied by each course’s credit hours to calculate the weighted grade points. Since courses carry different credit hours, those with higher credit hours have a stronger influence on your GPA, and by extension, your FGPA.
Additionally, if you resit a course, both the original (failed) grade and the new grade are recorded on your transcript and included in the GPA, which affects the FGPA calculation.
How to calculate your FGPA at the University of Ghana?
There are two ways to calculate your FGPA:
Option #1 – Using the UG FGPA formula
Here’s how to use the weighting system to calculate your FGPA:
- Calculate your GPA for each academic year.
- GPA = Total grade points ÷ Total credits.
- Multiply each year’s GPA by the corresponding weight (1:1:2:2).
- Divide the values by the total weight (6).
- FGPA = (1 × Level 100 GPA + 1 × Level 200 GPA + 2 × Level 300 GPA + 2 × Level 400 GPA) ÷ 6.
Example calculation
Harriet, a Geography and Resource Development student, finishes her degree with the following GPAs:
- Level 100 – 3.65
- Level 200 – 2.70
- Level 300 – 3.25
- Level 400 – 3.10
Her FGPA is calculated as:
FGPA = [(1 × 3.65) + (1 × 2.70) + (2 × 3.25) + (2 × 3.10)] ÷ 6
FGPA = (3.65 + 2.70 + 6.5 + 6.2) ÷ 6
FGPA = 19.5 ÷ 6
FGPA = 3.25
Harriet graduates with Second Class Honours (Upper Division).
Option #2- Using online calculators
If math isn’t your thing, you can use online FGPA calculators like the FGPA calculator. Input your GPA for each semester, and your FGPA will be automatically calculated for you.
Why is your FGPA important?
Your FGPA summarises your entire academic performance and determines your degree classification, which can impact:
- Job opportunities
- Graduate school admissions
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic honours and recognition
University of Ghana grade classification
The University of Ghana uses the FGPA to classify degrees as follows:
| Class of degree | FGPA range |
| First class | 3.60 – 4.0 |
| Second Class (Upper) | 3.00 – 3.59 |
| Second Class (Lower) | 2.00 – 2.99 |
| Third Class | 1.50 – 1.99 |
| Pass | 1.00 – 1.49 |
| Fail (No award) | 0.0 – 0.99 |
Important tips to improve your FGPA
If you’re still in school and want to improve your FGPA, here are a few key tips:
- Create a study schedule to help you stay organised and manage your time efficiently. Attend lectures, avoid procrastination, and make time for revision.
- Use study techniques that suit you best and stick to them consistently. These may include studying one topic a day, practising active recall, spaced repetition, or summarising. Focus on understanding, not just memorising.
- When you find difficulty in any course, it’s best to contact student tutors, teaching assistants, friends, senior coursemates, or even the lecturers. Study groups have also proven helpful in understanding complex concepts.
FAQs
Is the FGPA the same as the CGPA?
No, FGPA and CGPA are not the same. CGPA is the average of all semester GPAs, while FGPA is a weighted average used to classify your degree upon graduation.
Why is my CGPA higher than my FGPA?
Your CGPA is higher than your FGPA because you probably performed better in your early years. Since levels 300 and 400 are weighted more heavily, lower performance in these levels will drag your FGPA down.
What FGPA do I need to graduate from the University of Ghana?
You need a minimum FGPA of 1.00 to be awarded a degree.
How do I convert my FGPA to CGPA?
No, you can’t convert your FGPA to CGPA. Your final transcript will have both, but they serve different purposes.
Conclusion
Your FGPA at UG is the final reflection of your academic journey. It’s calculated using a weighted average of your GPA across four levels of study. Understanding how it works can help you stay focused and work toward your academic goals.
Put in the effort, manage your time, and aim high; your graduating class depends on it. Have any questions? Please share them in the comments.
