Grade conversion
In general, the recognition of academic achievements gained at a foreign higher education institution includes the acceptance of grades, subject to the condition that the grading systems are comparable.
In most cases, this condition does not apply. Therefore, the following regulations have been made by the university:
Provisions for exchange students
In the case of academic achievements that have been assessed within a student exchange programme or a student mobility programme of Leuphana, the grades will be converted according to annex 11 (conversion scheme) of the RPO Bachelor and the RPO Master, which are in force at the date of the application on recognition.
The conversion schemes, valid as of 1 October 2022, can be downloaded here:
Provisions for Free mover
Grades gained at a higher education institution, which is not a partner institution of Leuphana and uses an uncomparable but linear grading system, will be converted according to the so-called 'Modified Bavarian Formula' and will be included in the calculation of the overall grade.
Grades gained at a higher education institution, which is not a partner institution of Leuphana and uses an uncomparable and non-linear grading system or letter grades, will be recognized unmarked with 'pass'.
Modified Bavarian Formula (MBF)
Nmax - Nd
x=1+3 ---------------
Nmax – Nmin
x = equivalent German grade
Nmax = highest grade of the foreign grading system
Nmin = lowest passing grade of the foreign grading system
Nd = grade that shall be converted into the German grading system
The result will be rounded to the next German grade, e.g.: 1,6 => 1,7 2,4 => 2,3 2,6 => 2,7.
If the result is exactly between two German grades, it will be rounded to the higher grade, e.g.: 2,5 => 2,3 1,15 => 1,0 3,85 => 3,7