Podcast: Why getting an A at university is so easy now
Dr Oliver Hartwich
Dr James Kierstead
27 August, 2025
In this episode, Oliver talks to James Keirstead about his latest research report "Amazing Grades" which provides the first systematic analysis of grade inflation across all New Zealand universities.
They discuss how A-grades have increased by 13 percentage points over two decades, reaching 35% of all grades awarded, and explore potential solutions including statistical moderation systems and national examinations to restore meaningful academic standards.
You can read Dr Kierstead's report "Amazing Grades: Grade Inflation at New Zealand Universities" here.
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