Latin Honors Guide Philippines
Aiming for the top? Here are the GWA requirements for Latin Honors.
What are Latin Honors?
Latin Honors are academic awards given to graduating students with exceptional academic performance. In the Philippines, the three levels are:
- Summa Cum Laude ("With Greatest Praise") - The highest honor.
- Magna Cum Laude ("With Great Praise") - The second highest honor.
- Cum Laude ("With Praise") - The third highest honor.
Dean's Lister and College Scholar GWA
Aside from Latin Honors, you can use our GWA Calculator for Dean's Lister eligibility. Many students also search for a GWA calculator for college scholar requirements.
Common standards include:
- University Scholar: GWA of 1.00 - 1.25 (Must be a GWA calculator with units computation)
- College Scholar (Dean's List): GWA of 1.25 - 1.75
Whether you need a GWA calculator for 2 semester (annual) or a cumulative GWA calculator for your entire stay, tracking these numbers is crucial for retention.
General CHED Standards
While universities have autonomy, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) suggests the following standards for the 5-point grading system:
| Honor | GWA Requirement (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Summa Cum Laude | 1.00 - 1.20 |
| Magna Cum Laude | 1.21 - 1.45 |
| Cum Laude | 1.46 - 1.75 |
University of the Philippines (UP) Requirements
The UP System has strict cut-offs for Latin Honors. You must not have a grade of 5.00 or unremoved 4.00 or Inc.
| Honor | Weighted Average Grade (WAG) |
|---|---|
| Summa Cum Laude | 1.000 - 1.200 |
| Magna Cum Laude | 1.201 - 1.450 |
| Cum Laude | 1.451 - 1.750 |
University of Santo Tomas (UST) Requirements
To graduate with honors in UST, you must have no failing grades and finish the program on time.
| Honor | GWA Requirement |
|---|---|
| Summa Cum Laude | 1.000 - 1.200 |
| Magna Cum Laude | 1.201 - 1.450 |
| Cum Laude | 1.451 - 1.750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GWA for Summa Cum Laude?
For most universities following the 5-point scale (like UP and UST), the GWA requirement for Summa Cum Laude is typically between 1.00 and 1.20.
Can I get Latin Honors if I have a failing grade?
Generally, no. Most universities disqualify students who have received a failing grade (5.00), dropped a subject, or have been underloaded in any semester.
Does a 4.0 grade disqualify you from Latin Honors?
In UP, you are disqualified if you have an unremoved grade of 4.00 or Incomplete. However, rules vary by university, so it is best to check your student handbook.