Grading Systems Abroad - International Comparison

Compare the Belgian grading system with other countries.

Each country has its own way of evaluating students. If you study internationally or want your diploma recognized, it's useful to know these systems. Belgium uses a scale of 0-20 with 10 as the passing threshold.

Netherlands (1-10)

The Netherlands uses a scale of 1 to 10, where 5.5 or 6 is usually the passing threshold. A Dutch 7 corresponds roughly to a Belgian 14/20, a Dutch 8 to a Belgian 16/20.

Germany (1-6)

In Germany, 1 is the best grade and 6 is the worst. This is reversed from what we're used to! At universities, 1-5 with decimals is often used.

  • 1 (Sehr gut) = excellent, ≈ 18-20/20 BE
  • 2 (Gut) = good, ≈ 14-17/20 BE
  • 3 (Befriedigend) = satisfactory, ≈ 12-13/20 BE
  • 4 (Ausreichend) = sufficient, ≈ 10-11/20 BE
  • 5 (Mangelhaft) = insufficient, ≈ 8-9/20 BE
  • 6 (Ungenügend) = very insufficient, ≈ 0-7/20 BE

Note: In Germany, a lower grade is better! A 1.0 is the very best.

Belgium (0-20)

The Belgian system, also used in France and parts of Switzerland, works from 0 to 20. The passing threshold is 10/20 (50%). Grades above 16 are rare and are considered excellent.

France (0-20)

France uses the same 0-20 system as Belgium, although interpretation may differ slightly. A 12 is seen as 'assez bien' (fairly good), 14 as 'bien' (good), 16 as 'très bien' (very good).

United Kingdom (Classifications)

The UK doesn't use grades but classifications for diplomas. This system is very different from the Belgian one:

  • First Class Honours (70%+) ≈ 16+/20 BE - excellent
  • Upper Second (2:1, 60-69%) ≈ 14-16/20 BE - good
  • Lower Second (2:2, 50-59%) ≈ 12-14/20 BE - sufficient
  • Third Class (40-49%) ≈ 10-12/20 BE - moderate

United States (Letter Grades & GPA)

The US uses letters (A-F) and GPA (Grade Point Average from 0-4). This system has become very popular worldwide:

  • A (90-100%, GPA 4.0) ≈ 18-20/20 BE
  • B (80-89%, GPA 3.0) ≈ 14-17/20 BE
  • C (70-79%, GPA 2.0) ≈ 12-13/20 BE
  • D (60-69%, GPA 1.0) ≈ 10-11/20 BE
  • F (0-59%, GPA 0) ≈ 0-9/20 BE - failed

Converting Grades

Exact conversion is difficult because systems differ fundamentally. Your university usually has official conversion tables. When in doubt: contact your institution's international office.