Sri Lanka grade conversion to the Dutch grading system

Use the converter to estimate how a Sri Lanka grade (GCE O/L and A/L percentage grades) 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.

Sri Lanka → Dutch grade conversion table

Sri Lankan GCE O/L and GCE A/L results are reported as percentages with letter/pass categories from A (75-100%, Distinction) down to W/F (0-34%, fail). The minimum passing result is S, Ordinary Pass, from 35%.

Grade conversion table
Home gradeDutch grade (1–10)Level
Distinction / A (75-100%)8.0–8.5excellent
Very Good Pass / B (65-74%)7.0–7.5very good
Credit Pass / C (50-64%)6.5–7.0good
Ordinary Pass / S (35-49%)5.5–6.0pass
Weak / W/F (0-34%)1.0–5.4fail

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 Sri Lankan GCE O/L in 6 subjects with A-C results plus GCE A/L Ordinary Pass (S) in 3 relevant subjects and at least 30% on the Common General Test to HAVO; stronger subject combinations/results may sometimes be evaluated at VWO 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 Sri Lanka grades convert to the Dutch scale?

Sri Lankan GCE O/L and GCE A/L results are reported as percentages with letter/pass categories from A (75-100%, Distinction) down to W/F (0-34%, fail). The minimum passing result is S, Ordinary Pass, from 35%. The table on this page maps each band of the GCE O/L and A/L percentage grades system to its indicative Dutch 1–10 equivalent.

What grade do I need for admission to a Dutch university from Sri Lanka?

For Dutch admission, Nuffic compares a Sri Lankan GCE O/L in 6 subjects with A-C results plus GCE A/L Ordinary Pass (S) in 3 relevant subjects and at least 30% on the Common General Test to HAVO; stronger subject combinations/results may sometimes be evaluated at VWO 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 (Distinction / A (75-100%)) worth in Dutch grades?

A Distinction / A (75-100%) result corresponds to roughly a Dutch 8–8.5 (excellent).

Sources: Nuffic — Grades and study results: Sri Lanka — https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/sri-lanka/grades-and-study-results; Nuffic — Primary and secondary education: Sri Lanka — https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/sri-lanka/primary-and-secondary-education