The Swiss grading system for school students
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The Swiss grading system uses a 1–6 scale in which 6 is the best grade and 1 the worst; 4 is the lowest passing grade. There is no percent key, and each canton sets its own grading rules, with no national body responsible for grading.
This page explains how to read the scale and how grading works in Switzerland, including the baccalaureate examination. It also covers considerations for teaching Swiss students online or abroad, related grading systems and sources for verification.
Reading the Swiss scale
Swiss grades generally run from 1 to 6, with 6 the best grade and 4 satisfactory; grades below 4 are unsatisfactory (Eurydice). Assessment can use full and half marks, and 4 is the lowest satisfactory grade (Eurydice). There is no percent key.
| Grade | Meaning | Passing |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | best grade: Beste Note | Yes |
| 4 | satisfactory; sufficient: genügend | Yes |
| 3 | unsatisfactory; insufficient: under 4 = ungenügend | No |
| 2 | unsatisfactory; insufficient: under 4 = ungenügend | No |
| 1 | unsatisfactory; insufficient: under 4 = ungenügend | No |
4 is the lowest satisfactory/sufficient grade; grades below 4 are unsatisfactory/insufficient. Half grades are sometimes used.
Compared with related systems
Switzerland
2 of 5 grades pass
Denmark
5 of 7 grades pass
Finland
6 of 7 grades pass
Georgia
6 of 10 grades pass
How grading works in Switzerland
Each canton sets grading rules, and practice differs considerably between regions. The cantons regulate pupil assessment at baccalaureate schools and upper secondary specialised schools (Eurydice).
Pupils usually receive a graded report card twice a year, at the end of each semester; an appraisal interview with the pupil and parents or legal guardians is usually held as well (Eurydice).
At the end of the baccalaureate programme, pupils sit a written examination in at least five subjects, possibly supplemented by an oral examination (Eurydice).
Assessment is used to decide promotion to the next class and transitions between school levels (EDK). The cantons regulate promotion and grade repetition; as a rule, performance-based transfer decisions are made at the end of each school year (Eurydice).
If you teach Swiss students online or abroad
Students from Switzerland may bring a Zeugnis (report card) or Lernbericht (learning report). Check which document you receive and ask the student to explain any grades you need to enter.
Record those grades in your gradebook using the key you apply consistently.
Set the scale up once in a gradebook so every report card and transcript you produce uses the same key.
Related grading systems
- Denmark7-step numeric scale, 12 is best; passing grade 02 (Den tilstrækkelige præstation)
- Finland7-step numeric scale, 10 is best; passing grade 5 (välttävä)
- Georgia10-step numeric scale, 10 is best; passing grade 5 (Low)
- Italy11-step numeric scale, 10/10 is best; passing grade 6/10 (Sufficient attainment; pass)
- Germany6-step numeric scale, 1 is best; passing grade 4 (Ausreichend)
- Ireland8-step numeric scale, 1 is best; passing grade 7
Sources and verification
- [1]edk.ch. Schülerinnen- und Schülerbeurteilung: Noten, Lernbericht, andere Verfahren - EDK. Accessed Oct 1, 2026. Official source
- [2]eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu. Assessment in general lower secondary education. Accessed Oct 1, 2026. Credential evaluator
- [3]eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu. Assessment in general upper secondary education. Accessed Oct 1, 2026. Credential evaluator
The facts on this page were last verified on Oct 11, 2026. Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
What is a passing grade in Switzerland?
A 4 is the lowest passing grade in Switzerland. Grades below 4 are unsatisfactory, while 6 is the highest grade.
Is a 3 a good grade in Switzerland?
A 3 is below the passing grade of 4, so it is considered unsatisfactory in Switzerland.
