TUM converts foreign grades with the Modified Bavarian Formula. The estimate needs the best grade, lowest passing grade, and your overall grade from the foreign system.
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TUM grade = 1 + 3 × ((Nmax − Nd) ÷ (Nmax − Nmin))
TUM’s official grade conversion page says the formula is for grades earned outside Germany. It maps the result to the German system, where 1.0 is best and 4.0 is the lowest pass.
| Foreign grade | Calculation | TUM estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 1 + 3 × (1 ÷ 6) | 1.5 |
| 8.0 | 1 + 3 × (2 ÷ 6) | 2.0 |
| 7.0 | 1 + 3 × (3 ÷ 6) | 2.5 |
| 6.0 | 1 + 3 × (4 ÷ 6) | 3.0 |
| 4.0 | 1 + 3 × (6 ÷ 6) | 4.0 |
For letter grades, TUM says to assign a number to each grade from the best result through the lowest passing result. Its example uses A+ as 1 and D as 5. The failed grade is not used as the lowest pass.
TUM describes its online result as a first orientation only. The Academic and Examination Regulations for the degree program still apply, and the official review can use information that a simple calculator does not have.
Use the exact grading rules shown on your transcript or an official document from your university. If TUM or the program asks for a VPD, use the grade on the issued VPD for the application. Do not replace an official grade document with this estimate.
You can enter your values in our German grade calculator. The formula is the same, but the final TUM decision remains with TUM.
Enter the best grade, lowest passing grade, and your overall grade from the foreign system.