Nigeria grade conversion to the Dutch grading system
Use the converter to estimate how a Nigeria grade (Nigerian percentage/classification 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.
Nigeria → Dutch grade conversion table
Most Nigerian bachelor’s degrees use a 0-100 percentage scale with honours classifications; since 2018, 45% is normally the minimum pass for bachelor’s degrees. WAEC/NECO secondary certificates use letter-number grades such as A1, B2/B3 and C4-C6, with F9 as fail.
| Home grade | Dutch grade (1–10) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| First class honours (70-100%) | 8.0–8.5 | excellent |
| Second class honours, upper division (60-69%) | 7.0–7.5 | good |
| Second class honours, lower division (50-59%) | 6.5–7.0 | satisfactory |
| Third class honours (45-49%) | 5.5–6.0 | pass |
| Fail (0-44%) | 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, Nuffic compares a WAEC West African Senior School Certificate with at least 6 subjects at C6 or higher, or a NECO Senior School Certificate with at least 6 subjects at B3 or higher, to HAVO level. Nigerian bachelor’s degrees are assessed by duration and institution: a 4-year bachelor is often comparable to an HBO bachelor or 2 years of WO, while a 5-year bachelor may be comparable to HBO or WO bachelor level.
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 Nigeria grades convert to the Dutch scale?
Most Nigerian bachelor’s degrees use a 0-100 percentage scale with honours classifications; since 2018, 45% is normally the minimum pass for bachelor’s degrees. WAEC/NECO secondary certificates use letter-number grades such as A1, B2/B3 and C4-C6, with F9 as fail. The table on this page maps each band of the Nigerian percentage/classification scale system to its indicative Dutch 1–10 equivalent.
What grade do I need for admission to a Dutch university from Nigeria?
For Dutch admissions, Nuffic compares a WAEC West African Senior School Certificate with at least 6 subjects at C6 or higher, or a NECO Senior School Certificate with at least 6 subjects at B3 or higher, to HAVO level. Nigerian bachelor’s degrees are assessed by duration and institution: a 4-year bachelor is often comparable to an HBO bachelor or 2 years of WO, while a 5-year bachelor may be comparable to HBO or WO bachelor level.
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 (First class honours (70-100%)) worth in Dutch grades?
A First class honours (70-100%) result corresponds to roughly a Dutch 8–8.5 (excellent).
Sources: Nuffic — Nigeria: Grades and study results — https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/nigeria/grades-and-study-results; Nuffic — Nigeria: Level of diplomas — https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/nigeria/level-of-diplomas