SUSS Grading System Explained

The SUSS grading system can be difficult to understand. It’s like that moment in The Avengers when the entire team of superheroes is trying to figure out what Loki’s next move would be. Everyone is trying different things, speaking a different language altogether, like magic, science, rage, and sarcasm, everything is mixed up. But, you don’t need to worry, we have compiled this detailed guide for you so you can understand the convoluted jargon of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS Grading System). Let’s buckle up and dive right into this comprehensive guide to the SUSS Grading System.

What is the SUSS Grading System?

SUSS Grading System refers to letter grades from A+ to F with regard to grade point on a 5.0 scale. Here, A+ is 5.0, which is the highest on the A level grading system Singapore, and F is a fail with a (0.0) on the number scale. Students earn a Grade Point Average (GPA) by averaging these points weighted by course credits. Usually, students are expected to get a minimum of 2.0 CGPA, while the highest CGPA earners get honorable classifications like a Distinction or Merit. This grading system in Singapore is a bit more granular than the common 4-point scale that is used in various other universities. 

Students are usually assessed through different assignments and tasks along with exams, depending on the course structure. Several courses, including those related to empirical fields like medicine or marketing/ sales, may need more practical components and group projects. 

SUSS Grading System Vs. Other University Grading Systems

Even though almost all the universities out there have the same grading systems, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) has some distinctive features that may set it apart, like:

1. 5-Point GPA Scale with Fine Gradations

The SUSS grading system rewards academic excellence by allowing more nuanced differentiation of student performance. Through half-point increments (A-, B+), this system provides a clearer picture of the student’s achievements. 

2. Revised Honours Classification Reflecting Academic Rigor

Traditional honours degrees heavily relied on broader categories of grades and classifications like First Class, Second Class Upper, and so on. Although SUSS’s updated honours system, which was introduced in 2024, offers finer distinctions like Highest Distinction, Distinction, and Merit. 

3. Flexibility with Pass/ Fail Conversion Policy

The SUSS grading system reduces the pressure component and offers more flexibility to students. It provides students with an opportunity to convert certain graded modules to pass/ fail. This is especially useful for students trying to find a balance between work and personal commitments. 

Cumulative GPA (CGPA) and Academic Standing

CGPA is the weighted average of all the grade points that are earned across modules. SUSS students need to maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.0 to graduate or pass in their current course.

• CGPA ≥ 4.50 – Eligible for highest honours

• CGPA 3.00 - 4.49 – Eligible for various Honours classifications

• CGPA < 2.00 – May lead to academic probation or dismissal

If a student is constantly underperforming, then they would receive academic warnings to improve their performance.

SUSS Honours Classification

The honours degree provided to the students is on the basis of Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) within the SUSS grading system. This reflects upon their academic performance across all modules. This classification helps students with the due recognition in terms of academics but also assists in being introspective of other components such as job applications, scholarships, and graduate studies. This degree also expects them to complete an honours thesis or any other equivalent capstone project. This project is to determine how involved the student is in independent research, their contribution in tasks, testing their critical thinking skills, and how their mastery in different projects. 

This enables a well-defined distinction among high and low performing students and also promotes fairer evaluations. Your honours classification is tied to completing a significant project—like a thesis or capstone. If you’re looking for inspiring dissertation or honours project ideas for 2025, explore our curated list of top dissertation topics.

What are the Assessment Components at SUSS?

Each module of the SUSS grading system consists of continuous assessments and final exam components. This ensures that students engage regularly with the provided course material. The A level grading system Singapore provides a balanced and holistic view of how the student has performed academically.

Overall Continuous Assessment Score (OCAS)

OCAS involves assignments, group work, projects, quizzes, and forum participation, along with class activities. This encourages students to engage with the course and learn by heart rather than relying on last-minute cramming.

OCAS usually consists of - 

• 20%-30% of written assignments

• 10% of MCQs or Quizzes

• 10% of participation in different activities and project submissions

Overall Examinable Score (OES)

Referred to as equivalent assessment or final exam, OES can be a proctored test or timed assignment depending upon the module structure. This is to measure your conceptual understanding of the subject along with critical thinking. This exam judges the student’s ability to synthesize information that was learned throughout the term.

Passing Eligibility & Attendance Requirements

With experiential learning being an important part of the grading system in Singapore, it becomes important for the students to attend the classes mandatorily. Non-compliance with the attendance structure can lead to disqualification from the final assessments. Attendance irregularities is looked at as a serious concern, and student might get debarred without considering their OCAS or OES performance.

Students must achieve a minimum of 40% in OCAS and a 40% minimum score of in OES. Some advanced or more professional modules can set a higher bar for passing or additional graded components, which may include other factors like presentations, reviews by peers or feedbacks and also empirical experience or fieldwork.

Special Grading Schemes: ETB & OEL Courses

SUSS Grading System emphasizes on empirical experience and practical application. The global exposure by being a part of the Experiential Team-Based (ETB) and Overseas Experiential Learning (OEL) courses. The modules majorly focus on hands-on-learning along with collaborative tasks and cross-cultural competency. The grading framework evaluates the practical learning that doesn’t entirely contribute to GPA but is made essential for graduation requirements. Many ETB or OEL modules involve social impact and community-based research. If you want more inspiration for socially relevant research topics, browse our “Best Social Issues Topics in 2025” to align your project with current trends.

OEL courses are usually the programs that contain international immersion where the SUSS students get to collaborate with global communities. There are numerous cross-border projects that a student can partake in or attend academic classes as an exchange student. This helps students enhance their cultural intelligence. ETB courses on the other hand work around team-based simulations that help students understand how to solve real-world problems through community projects. 

5 Tips For Academic Success Through SUSS Grading System

SUSS Grading System isn’t for those who rely on last-minute studying. It is more of planning, engaging, and applying the learning. Here are some of the strategies that can help SUSS students score better. 

1. Decoding the Grading Criteria

Spend some time understanding the grading criteria at the start of each semester. Review the syllabus and break down the assessment into understandable pieces. This will help you in understanding each and every component in details and prioritize tasks. Whichever part of the syllabus needs more seriousness needs to be considered that way. 

2. Consistency

With the SUSS Grading System being more inclined towards empirical learning, it is important not to wait up till the finals week to catch up on the course syllabus. Regular study habits, notetaking, quizzes, and reading sessions help build consistency and reduce unnecessary stress. Partaking in practical projects might higher your chances of scoring good in OCAS and OES. 

3. Feedback is the Key to Improvement

Whenever you don’t perform your best, make sure you ask for feedback, assignments, and tests. Constructive feedback helps you pinpoint areas for improvement, refine your learning techniques, and avoid repeating mistakes in future modules.

4. Utilize Resources

The grading system in Singapore provides numerous academic support tools to the students. This includes workshops, student consultations, access to the library, peer tutoring, digital platform access, etc. You can also streamline your research process by using tools like a free reference generator to automatically create citations in APA, MLA, or Harvard styles. This not only saves time but ensures your assignments meet academic integrity standards.

5. Plan Ahead

Map your academic calendar in advance. Use tools like Google Calendar or planners to track assignment deadlines, exam schedules, S/U option windows, and project submissions. Efficient time management can be the difference between good and great academic performance.

The SG grading system is thoughtfully designed to go beyond mere numbers—it's a framework that values consistency, practical learning, and academic integrity. Whether you're aiming for First Class Honours or simply trying to maintain good standing, understanding how the CGPA is calculated, how each component is weighted, and what is expected of you in different types of modules is crucial.