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.
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)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.