Grading system
The grading system in the Netherlands might differ significantly from the grading system you are used to. Our university uses a 10 point grading system: 1 is the lowest grade and 10 the highest. In the Netherlands, grades 1-3 and 9-10 are rarely awarded. The lowest passing grade is a 6.
In a few specific programmes, Utrecht University also uses the Anglo-American letter grading system (A to D, F = Fail).
Grading policy at Utrecht University
Grades are given on an absolute basis, which means that teachers test the extent to which students have sufficiently achieved the learning objectives, and do not grade on a curve. It is not possible to compensate a low grade on one course with a high grade on another course. You will need to receive a passing grade for all courses that are part of your degree programme in order to graduate.
Grade distribution
The Grading Tables below provide information on the grading culture at Utrecht University by showing the statistical distribution of passing grades awarded in all Bachelor’s and Master’s courses of Utrecht University. This (unweighted) distribution is based on all passing numerical grades for courses offered by Utrecht University in the three most recent academic years, obtained by students enrolled at Utrecht University. The grades are rounded off to whole and half numbers. The Grading Table is updated annually.
Grading Table Bachelor’s courses (September 2020 – August 2023)
| 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
| 17.7% | 16.8% | 20.1% | 19.5% | 14.3% | 7.5% | 3.0% | 0.9% | 0.2% |
Grading Table Master’s courses (September 2020 – August 2023)
| 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
| 8.5% | 9.7% | 16.9% | 22.2% | 22.6% | 12.8% | 5.6% | 1.3% | 0.5% |