At UPF International Programs you will experience the same teaching and assessment methods as regular UPF degree-seeking students. However, you might notice significant differences in the instructional style and evaluation processes compared to your home university.

Here are some key points to help you familiarize yourself with UPF's academic environment:

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) uses a numeric grading system ranging from 0 to 10, where 10 is the highest score achievable. Here's a breakdown of the grading system:

9-10: Sobresaliente (Excellent)
7-8.99: Notable (Good)
5-6.99: Aprobado (Pass)
0-4.99: Suspenso (Fail)

Achieving a top score is indeed challenging, but not impossible. Students aiming for a 9 or 10 typically need to consistently excel in their coursework, engage actively in class discussions, demonstrate originality in their work, and often go beyond basic requirements in terms of research and analysis. Moreover, they may need to demonstrate a mastery of the subject matter and to show a deep understanding and ability to apply concepts creatively.

Please note that the responsibility for transferring of credits and conversion of marks for students participating in one of our programs lies with the home institution.

In line with European standards, UPF also employs the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Each ECTS credit represents around 25 to 30 hours of study. This system facilitates the transfer of credits across European universities.

Generally, 1 US credit is commonly equivalent to 2 ECTS credits.

It's important for international students to verify with their home institutions how credits and grades from UPF will be transferred and recognized. This is crucial for ensuring that study abroad experiences smoothly integrate into the students' home degree programs.

UPF uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student performance. These typically combine all sorts of continuous assessment activities, including mid-term exams, assignments, projects, seminars, and in-class participation, with traditional final exams.

The specific assessment methods can vary significantly across different modules. For accurate and specific information regarding the assessment methods for a particular module, students should refer to the syllabus provided.

Official transcripts are issued after the completion of the studies at UPF. These transcripts include detailed information on the courses taken, the credits earned, and the grades awarded.

All registered courses will be reflected in your final transcript. In the transcript section, the following grading system is used:

  • EXCELLENT (from 9.0 to 10) represents outstanding performance. A mention “WITH HONOURS” may be awarded to the top 5% of the students and indicates exceptional performance.
  • GOOD (from 7.0 to 8.99) denotes students who demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the course contents.
  • PASS (from 5.0 to 6.99) indicates satisfactory knowledge of the contents.
  • FAIL (from 0 to 4.99) signifies that considerable further work is required, and the student may need to resit the exam.
  • NO PRESENTADO (NP) this indicates that the student did not sit for the exam.

Do you have any special academic requirements?

If you have educational needs and/or a disability (SEND), UPF offers support and services available for students. Learn how we can help in our Adjustments and support section.