Malaysia grade conversion to the Dutch grading system
Use the converter to estimate how a Malaysia grade (Malaysian university percentage / CGPA 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.
Malaysia → Dutch grade conversion table
Many Malaysian universities use percentage marks with letter grades and grade points on a 0.00-4.00 CGPA scale. In the University of Malaya scheme, C / 50% is the course pass mark, while grades below C are failing grades.
| Home grade | Dutch grade (1–10) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| A / A+ (Distinction or High Distinction, 80-100%) | 8.0–8.5 | excellent |
| A- (Distinction, 75-79.99%) | 7.5–8.0 | very good |
| B / B+ (Good, 65-74.99%) | 7.0–7.5 | good |
| B- (Good, 60-64.99%) | 6.5–7.0 | satisfactory |
| C / C+ (Pass, 50-59.99%) | 5.5–6.0 | pass |
| C- / D / F (Fail, below 50%) | 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, Malaysian results are usually reviewed together with the qualification level: Nuffic compares STPM or the Matriculation Certificate to VWO, and a Malaysian bachelor's degree to HBO or WO bachelor's level depending on the programme. Competitive Dutch programmes will normally expect clearly above-pass grades, often around B/B+ or a strong CGPA, rather than minimum C passes only.
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 Malaysia grades convert to the Dutch scale?
Many Malaysian universities use percentage marks with letter grades and grade points on a 0.00-4.00 CGPA scale. In the University of Malaya scheme, C / 50% is the course pass mark, while grades below C are failing grades. The table on this page maps each band of the Malaysian university percentage / CGPA scale system to its indicative Dutch 1–10 equivalent.
What grade do I need for admission to a Dutch university from Malaysia?
For Dutch admissions, Malaysian results are usually reviewed together with the qualification level: Nuffic compares STPM or the Matriculation Certificate to VWO, and a Malaysian bachelor's degree to HBO or WO bachelor's level depending on the programme. Competitive Dutch programmes will normally expect clearly above-pass grades, often around B/B+ or a strong CGPA, rather than minimum C passes only.
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 / A+ (Distinction or High Distinction, 80-100%)) worth in Dutch grades?
A A / A+ (Distinction or High Distinction, 80-100%) result corresponds to roughly a Dutch 8–8.5 (excellent).
Sources: Nuffic — Malaysia education system and diploma comparisons — https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/malaysia; University of Malaya Faculty of Science Handbook 2024/2025 — official grading scheme — https://ebook.um.edu.my/fsains/FINAL_HANDBOOK_20242025/files/basic-html/page15.html; University of Malaya Rules and Regulations 2017 — grading scheme and C pass grade — https://ebook.um.edu.my/BA/University_Malaya_Rules_and_Regulations/Ebook_BA_2018/files/basic-html/page40.html; University of Malaya Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Undergraduate Prospectus 2024/2025 — grading scheme and CGPA 2.00 note — https://ebook.um.edu.my/fsss/PROSPECTUS_UG_20242025/files/basic-html/page13.html