Grades and assessment

The UU has a number of important regulations for assessment. In order to interpret your grades correctly, it is important to know these regulations.

1. Utrecht University awards 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. 

2. You must obtain 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. 

3. Under certain conditions, you have one chance to repair an insufficient final assessment

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 cannot 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. 

4. The International Diploma Supplement shows a weighted average

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. At Utrecht University, all grades, including grades obtained in your first year of study, count towards the calculation of the weighted average.