Grading

The KAUST grading system is a 4.0 scale utilizing letter grades and these are the only grades that will be assigned:

Passing grades
A = 4.00
A- = 3.67
B+ = 3.33
B = 3.00
B- = 2.67
Failing grades
C+ = 2.33
C = 2.00
C- = 1.67
D+ = 1.33
D = 1.00
D- = 0.67
F = 0.00
Grades with no GPA
I = Incomplete
IP = In progress
W = Withdrew
S = Satisfactory
U = Unsatisfactory
WF = Withdrew-failed

Individual courses require a minimum of a B- for course credit. Final grades are due 36 hours after end of a course or final exam. Instructors are required to submit final grades through Blackboard. 

Incomplete Grades

Students who complete the majority of the requirements for a course but are unable to finish the course may receive an incomplete (I) grade. A grade of incomplete will be assigned only with the consent of instructors after instructors and students have agreed on the academic work that needs to be completed and the date it is due. When the requirements for the course are completed, instructors will submit a grade that will replace the incomplete grade. Incomplete grades not completed by the end of the second week of the following semester will be changed to failing grades.

Incomplete grades are granted to individual students on a case-by-case basis. Incomplete grades should not be used as a mechanism to extend the course past the end of the semester.

Graduating Student Grades

Note that any incomplete grades (as well as fail grades) will mean students will not graduate or receive a diploma during the commencement ceremony.

In Progress Grades

Master’s thesis research (297) and doctoral dissertation research (397) are graded as in progress (IP) for each semester/session. Students who complete their research will receive a satisfactory (S) grade in the last semester/session at the end of their program.