The Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) grading system is one of the surest determinants of a student’s next step in life, whether it’s university, diploma programs, or other career paths. Yet the system still confuses many people. Breaking down the UACE grading system in the simplest way possible, this guide is for students, parents, or guardians who might struggle to translate the grades into points.

The UACE Grading System 2025
At UACE, commonly known as A-level, students take a combination of three principal subjects and two subsidiary subjects (mandatory General Paper (GEP) plus either Subsidiary Math or ICT).

The total score is determined by the sum of points from the principal subjects, which add up to 18 points (6 points maximum per subject), plus 2 points from the two subsidiary passes, totalling a maximum of 20 points.

UACE Principal Subjects Grading Scale
UNEB’s UACE principal subjects are graded from A to F, with each grade carrying a specific number of points.

A  = 6 points (Principal Pass)
B  = 5 points (Principal Pass)
C  = 4 points (Principal Pass)
D  = 3 points (Principal Pass)
E  = 2 points (Principal Pass)
O  = 1 point (Subsidiary-level pass in a principal subject)
F  = 0 points (Fail)

UACE Subsidiary Subject Grading Scale
The two mandatory additions: General Paper and either Sub-Math or ICT., are graded differently as below.

Distinction (D1, D2)      = 1 point
Credit (C3 – C6)              = 1 point
Pass (P7 – P8)                 = 1 points
Fail (F9)                           = 0 points

Note: To get the 1 point from a subsidiary subject, you just need to avoid an F9. Any other grade, from D1 to P8, adds exactly 1 point toward your total UACE score (out of 20).

How to Calculate Your UACE Points 2025
To calculate your total UACE score (max 20 points), sum the points from:

• General Paper (GEP): 1 point (if you achieve a grade of D1 to P8).
• Three Principal Subjects: Up to 18 points (6 points maximum per subject).
• Subsidiary Math or ICT: 1 point (if you achieve a grade of D1 to P8).

For Example, Student X scored

Total = 1+ (6 + 5 + 4) + 0 = 16 points

Or

Total = 0+(3 + 3 + 2) + 1 = 9 Points

A ResultCode 5 means the candidate is eligible to receive a UACE certificate.

Understanding Your UACE Points for University Entry
Similar to the secondary school selection process, different universities and courses have minimum UACE point requirements for admission. Below is a general overview of how these ranges usually work.

Competitive degree programs (Medicine, Law, Engineering): 15+ points
Standard degree programs: 8-14 points
Diploma courses: 4-7 points
Certificate courses or other alternatives: Less than 4 points

For more: University Courses in Uganda by A-Level Combination

These requirements can change over time, so the most reliable way to know the cut-off points is by checking directly with your preferred university.