University Grading System in Belgium - ECTS and Cum Laude

Everything about grades at Belgian universities: the 20-point scale, ECTS, weighted average, and distinctions.

The Belgian university grading system differs from other European countries. Belgian universities use a scale from 0 to 20, where 10 is the minimum score to pass. Here we explain how the system works.

Study Credits (ECTS)

ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) are study credits that indicate the workload of a course:

  • 1 ECTS = 25-30 hours of workload (lectures, self-study, exam)
  • A full academic year = 60 ECTS
  • Bachelor = 180 ECTS (3 years), Master = 60-120 ECTS (1-2 years)

The Belgian 20-Point Scale

Belgian universities and colleges use grades from 0-20:

  • 10-11: Sufficient - just passed
  • 0-9: Insufficient - not passed
  • 12-13: Satisfaction - good performance
  • 14-15: Distinction - above average
  • 16-17: Great distinction - excellent performance
  • 18-20: Greatest distinction - exceptional, very rare

In Belgium, a 20/20 is very rarely given. Most students score between 10 and 16.

Calculating Weighted Average

Your study average is calculated as a weighted average where ECTS are the weighting factors:

Average = Σ(grade × ECTS) / Σ(ECTS)

Example: Course A: 14/20 (6 ECTS), Course B: 16/20 (3 ECTS), Course C: 12/20 (6 ECTS). Average = (14×6 + 16×3 + 12×6) / (6+3+6) = 13.6/20

Graduation Distinctions

Upon graduation, you can achieve a distinction based on your average:

  • Distinction (cum laude): average 12-13.9/20
  • Great distinction (magna cum laude): average 14-15.9/20
  • Greatest distinction (summa cum laude): average 16+/20

The exact thresholds may vary by university and faculty. Satisfaction (satisfecit) is given at average 10-11.9.

Tolerances and Deliberation

Belgian universities use a tolerance system. You can 'tolerate' a limited number of credits (accept deficits).

Tolerable courses usually cannot fall below 8/20. The examination committee (deliberation) decides on borderline cases. Each institution has its own rules - consult your study regulations.

Calculate Your Study Average

Use our calculator to calculate your weighted average based on ECTS. Useful to see if you're on track for a distinction or to monitor your progress.