Suriname grade conversion to the Dutch grading system
Use the converter to estimate how a Suriname grade (Surinamese 1-10 grading 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.
Suriname → Dutch grade conversion table
Suriname uses a 1-10 numeric scale in secondary and higher education, where 10 is excellent (uitmuntend), 6 is sufficient (voldoende), and 5 is nearly sufficient but not normally a pass. Dutch higher education also uses a 1-10 scale with 5.5 as the minimum pass, so this guide keeps Surinamese grades anchored to Dutch pass and quality bands rather than using a percentage conversion.
| Home grade | Dutch grade (1–10) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Uitmuntend (10) | 8.5–9.0 | excellent |
| Zeer goed (9) | 8.0–8.5 | very good |
| Goed (8) | 7.5–8.0 | good |
| Ruim voldoende (7) | 6.5–7.0 | satisfactory |
| Voldoende (6) | 5.5–6.5 | pass |
| Bijna voldoende to zeer slecht (1-5) | 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 the Surinamese V.W.O. diploma with a Dutch vwo diploma and the H.A.V.O. diploma with a Dutch havo diploma; bachelor-level admission may also depend on required subjects and programme-specific selection. Competitive Dutch programmes will usually look for consistently sufficient-to-good grades, especially 6 or higher in relevant V.W.O./H.A.V.O. subjects.
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 Suriname grades convert to the Dutch scale?
Suriname uses a 1-10 numeric scale in secondary and higher education, where 10 is excellent (uitmuntend), 6 is sufficient (voldoende), and 5 is nearly sufficient but not normally a pass. Dutch higher education also uses a 1-10 scale with 5.5 as the minimum pass, so this guide keeps Surinamese grades anchored to Dutch pass and quality bands rather than using a percentage conversion. The table on this page maps each band of the Surinamese 1-10 grading scale system to its indicative Dutch 1–10 equivalent.
What grade do I need for admission to a Dutch university from Suriname?
For Dutch admissions, Nuffic compares the Surinamese V.W.O. diploma with a Dutch vwo diploma and the H.A.V.O. diploma with a Dutch havo diploma; bachelor-level admission may also depend on required subjects and programme-specific selection. Competitive Dutch programmes will usually look for consistently sufficient-to-good grades, especially 6 or higher in relevant V.W.O./H.A.V.O. subjects.
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 (Uitmuntend (10)) worth in Dutch grades?
A Uitmuntend (10) result corresponds to roughly a Dutch 8.5–9 (excellent).
Sources: Nuffic — Cijfers en studieresultaten Suriname — https://www.nuffic.nl/onderwijssystemen/suriname/cijfers-en-studieresultaten; Nuffic — Niveau van diploma's Suriname — https://www.nuffic.nl/onderwijssystemen/suriname/niveau-van-diplomas; Nuffic — Basis- en voortgezet onderwijs Suriname — https://www.nuffic.nl/onderwijssystemen/suriname/basis-en-voortgezet-onderwijs