Grades at Utrecht University

Copyright: Maria Salaru
© Maria Salaru

To be able to interpret the grades you obtained, it is important to be familiar with some testing regulations at our university.

Utrecht University grades on an absolute basis

Through grades on an absolute basis lecturers indicate to which extent you have attained the learning objectives of the course. With the exception of UCU and UCR, Utrecht University uses a ten point grading scale: 1 is the lowest grade and 10 the highest. In some cases, letter codes are used instead of numerical grades: pass, fail or exemption. 

You will need a passing grade for all courses that are part of your degree programme in order to graduate

It is not possible to compensate a low grade on one course with a high grade on another course. Only passing grades are recorded on the International Diploma Supplement, an addendum to your diploma. 

On certain conditions, you are allowed to resit an exam

Did you fail a course but did you score at least a 4? You are then given one opportunity to take an additional or substitute test in order to pass the course, if you have fulfilled all obligations to perform to the best of your ability during the course. If you fail this as well, you must retake the course. Please note, you can not take an additional or substitute test if you have been awarded a pass. You can retake a course as often as you need to achieve a passing grade. 

The International Diploma Supplement shows a weighted average grade

A weighted average grade is published on the International Diploma Supplement. For students who graduated before September 1st 2017, it is published as a Grade Point Average. For all students who graduate after September 1st 2017, it is published as a weighted average grade on the ten point scale. At Utrecht University a weighted average grade is calculated by multiplying all numerical grades on the International Diploma Supplement with the credits obtained for that course, and by dividing this sum by the sum of credits. The average is built up gradually, and only the final average will be recorded on the International Diploma Supplement. Utrecht University includes grades obtained in the first year of studies in the calculation of the weighted average.