Colombia grade conversion to the Dutch grading system
Use the converter to estimate how a Colombia grade (Colombian 0-5 grading scale) maps onto the Dutch 1–10 scale, then check the full table below.
Type your grade above to see the indicative Dutch equivalent.
Indicative only. Official conversion requires a credential evaluation.
Colombia → Dutch grade conversion table
Most Colombian higher-education institutions use a 0.0 to 5.0 numeric scale. A grade of 3.0 is normally the minimum passing mark; grades below 3.0 are failing.
| Home grade | Dutch grade (1–10) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Superior / excellent (4.6-5.0) | 8.0–8.5 | excellent |
| Alto / high (4.0-4.5) | 7.0–7.9 | very good |
| Good pass (3.5-3.9) | 6.5–6.9 | good |
| Basic pass (3.0-3.4) | 5.5–6.4 | pass |
| Bajo / fail (0.0-2.9) | 1.0–5.4 | fail |
How the Dutch 1–10 scale works
Dutch grades run from 1 to 10, with 5.5 the minimum pass. Most grades fall between 6 and 8; a 9 is rare and a 10 is almost never awarded. Read more in our Dutch grading system guide.
Will my grades be good enough?
Dutch institutions first assess whether the Colombian credential matches the required Dutch entry level using sources such as Nuffic diploma comparisons. For selective programmes, marks around 4.0/5.0 or higher are typically stronger evidence of good academic performance, while a bare 3.0 pass is usually not competitive on its own.
Important: this is indicative only
These conversions are estimates. An official grade conversion requires a formal credential evaluation, and each university makes its own admission decision. See our credential evaluation and ECTS credits guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is a passing grade in the Dutch system?
The Netherlands uses a 1–10 scale where 5.5 is the minimum pass. Grades cluster between 6 and 8; a 9 is rare and a 10 is almost never awarded.
How do Colombia grades convert to the Dutch scale?
Most Colombian higher-education institutions use a 0.0 to 5.0 numeric scale. A grade of 3.0 is normally the minimum passing mark; grades below 3.0 are failing. The table on this page maps each band of the Colombian 0-5 grading scale system to its indicative Dutch 1–10 equivalent.
What grade do I need for admission to a Dutch university from Colombia?
Dutch institutions first assess whether the Colombian credential matches the required Dutch entry level using sources such as Nuffic diploma comparisons. For selective programmes, marks around 4.0/5.0 or higher are typically stronger evidence of good academic performance, while a bare 3.0 pass is usually not competitive on its own.
Is this conversion official?
No. These figures are indicative. An official conversion requires a credential evaluation — see our credential-evaluation guide. Universities make the final decision.
What is the highest band (Superior / excellent (4.6-5.0)) worth in Dutch grades?
A Superior / excellent (4.6-5.0) result corresponds to roughly a Dutch 8–8.5 (excellent).
Sources: Nuffic — Education system Colombia: https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/colombia; Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Registro y Matrícula Medellín — grading scale note: https://registroymatricula.medellin.unal.edu.co/images/documentos/certificados/calificaciones_estudiante_matriculado_incentivos.pdf; Universidad del Rosario — Capítulo 4 De las calificaciones: https://urosario.edu.co/static/Documentos/Administrativos/Decretos/Titulos/titulo4-capitulo4.pdf; Universidad Nacional de Colombia Medellín — Sistema evaluativo performance levels: https://bienestaruniversitario.medellin.unal.edu.co/escuelaunmed/rincon-de-los-profes/sistema-evaluativo.html; World Education Services — Grade Conversion Guide: https://wenr.wes.org/tools-resources/grade-conversion-guide/