Grade conversion

Depending on the degree programme and module type (project/core modules, compulsory elective modules, elective modules, etc.), a grade conversion may be required for the recognition of courses taken during semesters abroad. This is based on ‘anabin’ or the ‘modified Bavarian formula’: anabin.kmk.org/db/bildungswesen

If ‘anabin’ does not provide useful information for certain countries or universities, the ‘modified Bavarian formula’ is applied. Under this formula, the highest mark awarded by the host university, the lowest passing mark and the student’s mark are used to calculate a ratio, which is then converted into a German mark. This procedure is common practice at many faculties of German universities.

Please note: Faculties often do not use the actual highest mark, but rather the highest mark typically awarded. In countries such as France, the highest mark is rarely awarded; therefore, German universities equate a slightly lower mark with the ‘typically achievable’ highest mark of 1.0.

Conversion using the “modified Bavarian formula” may vary depending on the university, faculty and degree programme, although the formula applies throughout Germany in accordance with a resolution of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. The rationale is that the “regularly achieved top mark”, which is incorporated into the formula, is defined differently to factor in the diversity of academic cultures.

At the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, we apply the formula consistently. For some partner universities, we have refined the conversion over the years, primarily based on the grade descriptions in the transcripts of records or the information on grading available on the universities’ websites. We also use this information to determine the “top grade” for the modified Bavarian formula.

If grades are given solely as letters, grade conversion is carried out by referring to the grade descriptions provided by the partner universities and, where applicable, information available in “anabin”.

If universities do not award grades but only pass/fail, and do not provide a differentiated assessment upon request, yet such an assessment is required for the recognition of certain courses, then, as an exceptional measure, faculty members will grade these courses when students submit their work.

For information on study abroad semesters and work placements within the individual degree programmes offered by the faculty, please click on the name of the degree programme in the sub-menu on the right.