Kenya grade conversion to the Dutch grading system
Use the converter to estimate how a Kenya grade (Kenyan university percentage scale (A-E)) 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.
Kenya → Dutch grade conversion table
Most Kenyan universities mark examinations and final classifications out of 100. The usual pass mark is 40% (with 50% in some professional programmes such as medicine), with A/First Class starting at 70%.
| Home grade | Dutch grade (1–10) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| A / First Class Honours (70-100%) | 8.0–8.5 | excellent |
| B / Second Class Honours, Upper Division (60-69%) | 7.0–7.5 | good |
| C / Second Class Honours, Lower Division (50-59%) | 6.5–7.0 | satisfactory |
| D / Pass (40-49%) | 5.5–6.0 | pass |
| E / Fail (0-39%) | 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 a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with grades A, B or C in at least six subjects to a HAVO diploma; research-university admission normally also depends on programme requirements and may require additional post-secondary study.
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 Kenya grades convert to the Dutch scale?
Most Kenyan universities mark examinations and final classifications out of 100. The usual pass mark is 40% (with 50% in some professional programmes such as medicine), with A/First Class starting at 70%. The table on this page maps each band of the Kenyan university percentage scale (A-E) system to its indicative Dutch 1–10 equivalent.
What grade do I need for admission to a Dutch university from Kenya?
For Dutch admission, Nuffic compares a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with grades A, B or C in at least six subjects to a HAVO diploma; research-university admission normally also depends on programme requirements and may require additional post-secondary study.
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 (A / First Class Honours (70-100%)) worth in Dutch grades?
A A / First Class Honours (70-100%) result corresponds to roughly a Dutch 8–8.5 (excellent).
Sources: Nuffic — Education system Kenya: https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/kenya; University of Nairobi — Examinations Information Handbook / Guide II: https://academics.uonbi.ac.ke/sites/default/files/centraladmin/academics/Examinations%20Guide%20II.pdf; Kenyatta University — Student Information Handbook 2022-2026: https://admissions.ku.ac.ke/images/2024/student-information-handbook-2022-2026.pdf