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 ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ also uses the Anglo-American letter grading system (A to D, F = Fail).
Grading policy at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ
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 ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ by showing the statistical distribution of passing grades awarded in all Bachelor’s and Master’s courses of Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ. This (unweighted) distribution is based on all passing numerical grades for courses offered by Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ in the three most recent academic years, obtained by students enrolled at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ. The grades are rounded off to whole and half numbers. The Grading Table is updated annually.
Grading Table Bachelor’s courses (September 2021 – August 2024)
| 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
| 18.58% | 17.38% | 20.21% | 19.17% | 13.72% | 7.10% | 2.81% | 0.81% | 0.22% |
Grading Table Master’s courses (September 2021 – August 2024)
| 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
| 8.83% | 10.02% | 17.07% | 22.21% | 22.20% | 12.49% | 5.50% | 1.28% | 0.40% |