New Zealand
New Zealand Honours Classifications
New Zealand honours degrees are classified First Class, Second Class (Division I), Second Class (Division II) and Third Class, based on your GPA on the national-style 9-point scale — with First Class commonly requiring a GPA around 7.5–8.0 (an A-/A average). Each university's own honours regulations set the exact boundaries, so use the bands below as the common pattern.
Common classification pattern
| Honours class | Common GPA band (9-point scale) | Rough grade average |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | ≈ 7.5–8.0+ | A- / A |
| Second Class, Division I | ≈ 6.0–7.4 | B+ / A- |
| Second Class, Division II | ≈ 4.0–5.9 | B- / B |
| Third Class | Below, where awarded | C range |
Official examples: AUT publishes GPA-based honours and distinction rules, and the University of Auckland's "Standards for the Award of Honours" defines its boundaries — some universities draw First Class at 7.5, others at 8.0. Your university's regulations are the binding version.
How the GPA is computed for honours
The classification GPA is credit-weighted over the courses that count toward the honours award (often the final part or postgraduate year, including dissertation components). Compute your running GPA with your university's calculator — Auckland, Victoria, Canterbury, Massey — and compare against your programme's honours schedule.
New Zealand GPA Calculators
Use the calculator for your university after checking the conversion or grading guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA is First Class Honours in New Zealand?
Commonly around 7.5–8.0 on the 9-point scale (an A-/A average). The exact boundary differs by university — check your institution's honours regulations.
What is Second Class Division 1?
The upper second-class band — commonly a GPA around 6.0–7.4 (B+ to A- average) — and the usual minimum for progressing to research master's or PhD study in New Zealand.
Do all NZ universities classify honours the same way?
The class names are consistent (First, Second Div I, Second Div II, Third), but the GPA boundaries and which courses count are set by each university's regulations.