South Korea → JapanSouth Korea grade
South Korea grade
to Japan
South Korea → Japan
→
—
From: South Korea (4.5-scale GPA)To: Japanese GPASource: South Korea grading scaleStatus: estimate
Unofficial estimate for planning. Different systems mark differently, so we map achievement level (not raw percentage). Official applications need a credential evaluation.
Converting South Korea grades for study in Japan
Applying to a Japan university with a South Korea transcript means translating your marks into the local system: Japanese GPA. Enter your grade above for an instant estimate, and use the full table below to see how each band maps.
South Korea → Japan at a glance
| 4.5-scale GPA | Japanese GPA (est.) |
|---|---|
| 4.4 | 4.00 · 優 / A |
| 4 | 4.00 · 優 / A |
| 3.5 | 3.50 · 優 / A |
| 3 | 3.00 · 良 / B |
| 2.5 | 2.50 · 良 / B |
How the Japan system works
Japanese universities assess transcripts directly; JASSO offers guidance. Note a native Japanese GPA is computed on a deflated scale, so evaluate the underlying grades rather than copying a GPA across.
Is it competitive?
Most Japan master's programmes look for the equivalent of a US 3.0+ (an upper-second / good average), with competitive and funded programmes wanting more. Convert first, then check each programme's stated minimum. The South Korea grading scale page has the grade table behind this estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How do South Korea grades convert to the Japan system?
We map your South Korea grade to a US 4.0 equivalent, then into Japan's own scale (Japanese GPA) using standard credential-evaluation bands. It's an unofficial estimate — see the table above for the full mapping.
Is this an official conversion?
No. Use it for planning and shortlisting. Japanese universities assess transcripts directly; JASSO offers guidance. Note a native Japanese GPA is computed on a deflated scale, so evaluate the underlying grades rather than copying a GPA across.
What South Korea grade do I need to study in Japan?
It depends on the programme, but a strong upper-tier South Korea result (roughly a US 3.0+ equivalent) is competitive for most master's programmes; selective and funded programmes expect more.