Hong Kong grade conversion to the Dutch grading system
Use the converter to estimate how a Hong Kong grade (HKDSE levels (5** to Unclassified)) 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.
Hong Kong → Dutch grade conversion table
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Category A subjects are reported as Levels 1-5, with 5* and 5** for the strongest Level 5 candidates; below Level 1 is Unclassified. For ordering in this table, U is coded as 0, Level 1 as 1, up to Level 5 as 5, 5* as 6 and 5** as 7.
| Home grade | Dutch grade (1–10) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Level 5** (top Level 5 performance) | 8.5–9.0 | excellent |
| Level 5* | 8.0–8.5 | very good |
| Level 5 | 7.5–8.0 | very good |
| Level 4 | 7.0–7.5 | good |
| Level 3 | 6.0–6.5 | satisfactory |
| Level 2 | 5.5–6.0 | pass |
| Level 1 | 5.0–5.5 | pass |
| Unclassified / below Level 1 | 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?
For Dutch admission, Nuffic compares HKDSE results in five subjects including Chinese and English at Level 2 or higher to HAVO, while stronger six-subject profiles with Chinese/English at Level 3 and maths/electives at Level 2 or higher are at least HAVO. Selective Dutch programmes may still require higher subject levels, specific maths/science subjects, or additional foundation/first-year university study for WO entry.
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 Hong Kong grades convert to the Dutch scale?
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Category A subjects are reported as Levels 1-5, with 5* and 5** for the strongest Level 5 candidates; below Level 1 is Unclassified. For ordering in this table, U is coded as 0, Level 1 as 1, up to Level 5 as 5, 5* as 6 and 5** as 7. The table on this page maps each band of the HKDSE levels (5** to Unclassified) system to its indicative Dutch 1–10 equivalent.
What grade do I need for admission to a Dutch university from Hong Kong?
For Dutch admission, Nuffic compares HKDSE results in five subjects including Chinese and English at Level 2 or higher to HAVO, while stronger six-subject profiles with Chinese/English at Level 3 and maths/electives at Level 2 or higher are at least HAVO. Selective Dutch programmes may still require higher subject levels, specific maths/science subjects, or additional foundation/first-year university study for WO entry.
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 (Level 5** (top Level 5 performance)) worth in Dutch grades?
A Level 5** (top Level 5 performance) result corresponds to roughly a Dutch 8.5–9 (excellent).
Sources: Nuffic — Hong Kong education system and Dutch diploma comparisons — https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/hong-kong; Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority — HKDSE The Reporting System — https://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/hkdse/assessment/the_reporting_system/