High Distinction and Distinction are among the top honours that you can receive as a student in Australia; these can range from obtaining 80 or 85 out of 100 in all courses for a High Distinction to 75-84 or 70-79 for a Distinction.
Distinction: A superior performance; mark range 75-84.
These policies may vary also according to the degree year (higher percentages for later years), but generally, only 2–5% of students who pass (that is, who achieve raw marks of 50 or more) may be awarded a High Distinction grade, and 50% or more of passing students are awarded a basic Pass grade.
In short, the number of students and even the percentage will vary from class to class or university to university. However, about 5%- 25% of each class are roughly expected to get the top grade – a distinction.
High Distinction
High distinctions are elusive, with some subjects allowing just 3 per cent of students winning one. They are like a HSC Band 6 on steroids. If you get one, cherish it.
Key Difference – Distinction vs Honors
The key difference between distinction and honours is that distinction refers to a high score in a grading system whereas honours refer to a type of degree.
Distinction: Minimum 70% Merit: Between 60% to 69% Pass: Between 50% to 59% Borderline Pass/ Fail: Between 40% to 49%
Passing Matric with good marks is great, but passing with a distinction is even better. You can pass with a distinction if you commit yourself to your studies. A distinction pass is when you obtain 80% or above in your subjects.
D – Distinction
This grade is typically allotted to students who receive between 75% and 84%. It means that you have fulfilled the learning requirements and have conveyed a high-level understanding of the course materials.
A distinction* (D*) at Btec is equivalent in the Ucas tariff to an A*, whereas a distinction (D) is the same as an A. An A* at A-level is worth 56 Ucas points, while an A will get you 48 points.
Distinction. This is the highest possible grade you can receive in your Junior Cycle exams. It's more difficult to achieve than the old 'A' grade in the Junior Cert. In order to be awarded a distinction in any subject, you will need to get between 90 and 100% overall.
Three year Bachelor degrees and coursework Masters degrees may be awarded 'with Distinction' to students who gain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.0 based on all studies undertaken in the program.
People get highly impressed if you tell them you are a distinction holder in your degree/Diploma. Apart from that many recruiters may give you preference over other candidates who are not distinction holders.
Distinction* (D*) – equivalent in the Ucas tariff to an A* at A-level. Distinction (D) – equivalent to an A. Merit (M) – equivalent to a C. Pass (P) – equivalent to an E.
Graduating with a distinction
If you complete a bachelor's degree without an honours component, you may be eligible to graduate with a distinction, provided your WAM is over 70. For double degrees, you may be eligible for a distinction for one or both of your degrees.
An MSc can be awarded with distinction, merit, or pass, depending on the following rules; for the general university regulations, see http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=13148.
The Honours Award recognizes those students who have obtained an average mark of 80.0% to 84.9% in their course of studies in each of grades 9-12. The Honours with Distinction award recognizes those students who have obtained an average mark of 85% to 100% in their course of studies in each of grades 9-12.
Classification calculation
70% and above: Distinction. 60 – 69%: Merit. 40 – 59%: Pass.
6 - Distinction
Percentage range: 75%-84%.
Student has a GPA between 3.75 and 4.0. Academic Excellence: Student has a GPA which is at least 3.50 but less than 3.75.
There is a reason why universities and colleges praise students with distinctions. This is because they are aware that the student has worked hard to achieve excellent grades.