For students and professionals aiming to study, work, or immigrate to countries like the United States or Canada, understanding how their academic performance translates into a standardized format such as the 4.0 GPA scale is essential. One tool that helps in this process is the International GPA Calculator (iGPA). This tool allows you to estimate your grade point average based on your foreign academic credentials, offering an early glimpse of how your grades compare globally.
Naturally, one of the most frequently asked questions is:
“How much does the WES iGPA cost?”
In this comprehensive blog, we explore the pricing structure, what you actually get from the iGPA tool, when it’s worth using, what it doesn’t include, and how services like FACTS Transcripts can complement this process to ensure your academic profile is globally recognized and accepted.
🎓 What Is the WES iGPA?
The iGPA (International GPA) is a preliminary tool designed to help individuals understand how their foreign grades and academic performance would likely convert into the 4.0 scale used by North American institutions. It’s especially useful for:
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International students applying to U.S. or Canadian universities
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Professionals preparing credential evaluation documentation
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Immigration applicants checking their education-related points
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Scholarship seekers looking to understand GPA requirements
While the iGPA is a helpful self-assessment tool, it is not a substitute for an official credential evaluation.
💰 So, How Much Does the iGPA Tool Cost?
The WES iGPA tool is completely free of charge. Yes, you read that right — there is no cost to use the calculator. You don’t have to pay to:
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Create an account
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Use the calculator
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Enter your academic information
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View your estimated GPA results
This makes it an excellent zero-cost, low-risk option for prospective applicants who simply want to assess their standing before investing in full evaluations or applying to institutions.
🛠️ What You Can Do with the Free iGPA Tool
Although it’s free, the iGPA tool provides several valuable features:
✅ 1. Convert Grades from International Systems
You can input your marks, percentages, or letter grades from various countries and see how they convert into the 4.0 GPA format.
✅ 2. Get a Subject-by-Subject Breakdown
The calculator often allows you to enter data for multiple courses, helping you see how each subject contributes to your overall GPA.
✅ 3. Assess Program Eligibility
If you’re targeting programs with minimum GPA requirements, the iGPA helps you determine whether you’re likely to qualify.
✅ 4. Test Multiple Scenarios
You can experiment with different sets of grades (e.g., UG vs. PG marks) to get a feel for how your profile changes across applications.
⚠️ What the Free iGPA Tool Does Not Include
While the iGPA is useful for general guidance, it’s important to understand what it doesn’t offer, especially if you’re preparing for high-stakes applications:
❌ No Official Documentation
The tool does not generate a certificate or report that can be submitted to universities, immigration offices, or employers. It is for informational purposes only.
❌ No Document Verification
The iGPA calculator doesn’t verify the authenticity of your academic transcripts or confirm that the grades entered are correct.
❌ No Involvement of Your University
Unlike a formal credential evaluation, the iGPA does not require transcripts to be sent directly from your university.
❌ No Weight for Institutional Reputation
Your institution’s academic rigor, ranking, or accreditation is not factored into the GPA estimate.
❌ No Recognition by Admissions or Immigration
Admission committees, licensing boards, and immigration offices will not accept iGPA printouts as official evidence of your academic standing.
📊 Why Is It Free?
The iGPA calculator is free because it is meant to serve as a preliminary planning tool. The intention is to:
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Help users make informed decisions about whether to proceed with a paid, formal credential evaluation
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Encourage students to align their academic goals with admission and visa requirements
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Reduce uncertainty before submitting applications that require time and financial investment
It also helps users identify whether their marks are competitive enough for their desired academic or career pathways.
💼 When Should You Move from iGPA to Full Evaluation?
While the iGPA is helpful for estimating your GPA, there comes a point where you’ll need a formal credential evaluation. This step usually comes when:
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A university requires an official academic equivalency report
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An immigration agency requests proof of educational background
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A professional licensing body needs verified transcripts and GPA
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A job application demands validated credentials
At this stage, you’ll need to engage a trusted evaluation agency and submit official transcripts, often in sealed envelopes issued directly by your university.
🧾 The Role of FACTS Transcripts in Supporting Your Journey
This is where FACTS Transcripts becomes essential. While the iGPA tool gives you an estimate, FACTS helps you prepare the documents that actually get evaluated. Their services include:
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Collecting official transcripts from your university
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Verifying the academic documents to ensure accuracy
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Preparing university-sealed envelopes acceptable to credential evaluators
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Shipping transcripts securely to agencies, universities, or immigration authorities
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Providing guidance on required documents based on your destination country and purpose (education, immigration, employment, etc.)
With FACTS Transcripts by your side, you move from unofficial estimation to globally recognized documentation—bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement.
📋 Quick Summary: Free iGPA vs. Formal Evaluation
| Feature | Free iGPA Tool | Formal Credential Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ₹0 | Varies (typically ₹7,000–₹20,000+) |
| Output | Informational GPA estimate | Official evaluation report |
| Accepted by institutions | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Requires transcript submission | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Use case | Self-assessment | University admissions, immigration, licensure |
📝 Final Thoughts: Know the Difference, Use the Right Tools
To answer the central question — the iGPA tool is free to use, but its function is limited to estimation. It’s a great way to start your academic or immigration planning, especially if you’re unsure whether your foreign qualifications will meet the expectations of institutions abroad.
However, when it’s time to submit documents, apply for programs, or present verified qualifications to authorities, you need more than an estimate—you need documentation that is accurate, verified, and accepted internationally.
That’s where the partnership between free tools like the iGPA calculator and professional services like FACTS Transcripts becomes powerful. Together, they provide both the knowledge and the tools you need to succeed.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
Trusted by leading global verification organizations, including WES, IQAS, PEBC, NDEB, NASBA, CAPR, NZQA, ICAS, NCESS, ICES, ECE, eduPASS, ACEI, GCEUS, Comparative Education Services, NNAS, NCA, SAQA, QMAS, FORAC, Australian Pharmacy Council, and more.
FACTS Transcripts – The preferred choice for university document verification worldwide. We ensure a hassle-free process for obtaining your transcripts.
