New Zealand grade conversion to the Dutch grading system
Use the converter to estimate how a New Zealand grade (NCEA standards (N/A/M/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.
New Zealand → Dutch grade conversion table
New Zealand secondary results use NCEA standards graded Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit and Excellence rather than a single percentage average. Achieved is the pass result for a standard; Merit and Excellence indicate stronger performance.
| Home grade | Dutch grade (1–10) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Excellence (E) | 8.0–8.5 | excellent |
| Merit (M) | 7.0–7.5 | good |
| Achieved (A) | 5.5–6.5 | pass |
| Not Achieved (N) | 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 NCEA Level 3 with sufficient Level 3 general-education credits plus literacy and numeracy to a VWO diploma. Competitive programmes may expect a strong profile with Merit and Excellence results in relevant approved subjects, not just minimum University Entrance.
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 New Zealand grades convert to the Dutch scale?
New Zealand secondary results use NCEA standards graded Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit and Excellence rather than a single percentage average. Achieved is the pass result for a standard; Merit and Excellence indicate stronger performance. The table on this page maps each band of the NCEA standards (N/A/M/E) system to its indicative Dutch 1–10 equivalent.
What grade do I need for admission to a Dutch university from New Zealand?
For Dutch admission, Nuffic compares NCEA Level 3 with sufficient Level 3 general-education credits plus literacy and numeracy to a VWO diploma. Competitive programmes may expect a strong profile with Merit and Excellence results in relevant approved subjects, not just minimum University Entrance.
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 (Excellence (E)) worth in Dutch grades?
A Excellence (E) result corresponds to roughly a Dutch 8–8.5 (excellent).
Sources: Nuffic — New Zealand education system and Dutch diploma comparisons — https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/new-zealand; NZQA — About NCEA: N, A, M and E stand for Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit and Excellence — https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/about-ncea/; NZQA — NCEA levels and certificates: credit requirements for Levels 1-3 — https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/about-ncea/ncea-levels-and-certificates/; NZQA — University Entrance requirements — https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/