Iran grade conversion to the Dutch grading system
Use the converter to estimate how a Iran grade (Iranian 1-20 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.
Iran → Dutch grade conversion table
Iranian secondary and higher education subjects are normally graded from 1 to 20. Nuffic states that 10 is a pass in secondary education and for associate/bachelor subjects, while master subjects usually require 12 and PhD subjects 14; Dutch higher education uses 1-10 with 5.5 as the minimum pass.
| Home grade | Dutch grade (1–10) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 18-20/20 | 8.0–8.5 | excellent |
| 16-17.9/20 | 7.5–8.0 | very good |
| 14-15.9/20 | 7.0–7.5 | good |
| 12-13.9/20 | 6.0–6.5 | satisfactory |
| 10-11.9/20 | 5.5–6.0 | pass |
| 1-9.9/20 | 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 admissions, check the diploma level as well as the marks: Nuffic compares an Iranian bachelor to an HBO bachelor or 2 years of WO, and an Iranian master to a 1-year WO master. Competitive Dutch programmes may expect averages clearly above the Iranian minimum, especially for master admission where 14/20 is commonly needed to complete the degree.
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 Iran grades convert to the Dutch scale?
Iranian secondary and higher education subjects are normally graded from 1 to 20. Nuffic states that 10 is a pass in secondary education and for associate/bachelor subjects, while master subjects usually require 12 and PhD subjects 14; Dutch higher education uses 1-10 with 5.5 as the minimum pass. The table on this page maps each band of the Iranian 1-20 grading scale system to its indicative Dutch 1–10 equivalent.
What grade do I need for admission to a Dutch university from Iran?
For Dutch admissions, check the diploma level as well as the marks: Nuffic compares an Iranian bachelor to an HBO bachelor or 2 years of WO, and an Iranian master to a 1-year WO master. Competitive Dutch programmes may expect averages clearly above the Iranian minimum, especially for master admission where 14/20 is commonly needed to complete the degree.
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 (18-20/20) worth in Dutch grades?
A 18-20/20 result corresponds to roughly a Dutch 8–8.5 (excellent).
Sources: Nuffic — Iran: Grades and study results — https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/iran/grades-and-study-results; Nuffic — Iran: Level of diplomas — https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/iran/level-of-diplomas