Colombian University Grading — 0–5 Scale and Promedio Acumulado
Colombian universities use a 0.0–5.0 nota scale where 3.0 is the minimum passing grade. Academic performance is tracked through the Promedio Acumulado (PA) — the credit-weighted cumulative average — which drives graduation eligibility, honours distinction, and graduate programme admission. This page explains the full grade scale, how the PA is computed, and how the ICFES Saber Pro exit exam fits into the graduation process.
Colombian University 0–5 Grade Scale
Note categories and pass/fail status at Colombian MEN-accredited universities.
| Nota Range | Category | Meaning | Pass/Fail | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6–5.0 | Sobresaliente / Excelente | Outstanding / Excellent | Pass | Highest achievement band; eligible for honours distinction (Laureado/Meritorio) |
| 4.0–4.5 | Bueno | Good | Pass | Above average performance; solid academic standing |
| 3.5–3.9 | Aceptable | Acceptable | Pass | Meets requirements comfortably; no risk of failing |
| 3.0–3.4 | Suficiente / Básico | Sufficient / Basic | Pass (minimum) | Minimum pass. 3.0 is the exact pass threshold at most Colombian universities |
| 2.0–2.9 | Insuficiente | Insufficient | Fail | Below minimum pass; eligible for Habilitación exam in some ranges (3.0–3.4 margin) |
| 0.0–1.9 | Muy deficiente | Very Deficient | Fail | Severe failure; course must be fully repeated; no Habilitación available |
Source: MEN framework for Colombian higher education. Individual institutions may apply finer grade increments (e.g., 0.1 steps) within this scale.
Promedio Acumulado and ICFES Saber Pro
Key concepts in Colombian university grade tracking and graduation requirements.
Promedio Semestral
The weighted average of all course notes (grades) within a single semester. Each course contributes based on its credit weight (número de créditos). The Promedio Semestral is shown on each semester transcript.
Promedio Acumulado (PA)
The cumulative weighted average across all semesters. This is the primary measure of academic performance used for graduation honours, scholarship eligibility, and graduate programme admission. Most Colombian universities require a minimum PA of 3.0 for degree conferment.
Sistema de Créditos (Credit System)
Colombian higher education uses a credit system regulated by MEN Decreto 1295/2010. One credit represents 48 hours of student work (16 contact hours + 32 independent). Courses carry 2–6 credits typically. Higher-credit courses have more weight in the PA calculation.
ICFES Saber Pro
ICFES (Instituto Colombiano para la Evaluación de la Educación) administers the Saber Pro exit exam to graduating university students. Saber Pro results are required for degree conferment at all accredited Colombian universities. OpenEduCat stores Saber Pro scores on the student record for graduation clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Colombian university grading and the Promedio Acumulado.
Related Colombia Gradebook Pages
Configure Colombian university grading with OpenEduCat
0–5 nota scale, Promedio Acumulado computation, 3.0 pass minimum, ICFES Saber Pro tracking, and graduation clearance — all pre-configured for Colombian HE institutions.