ECTS and grading system

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)

In accordance with the 'Bologna declaration' (1999), the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) was developed. The EU introduced this standardized system for measuring study load as a way to facilitate international mobility.

The Netherlands higher education institutions adopted the ECTS system officially in 2002. One ECTS credit represents 28 hours of full-time study (including contact hours, reading, independent study, preparation for exams etc.), and 60 ECTS credits represent one year.

Grading system

The Dutch grading scale runs from 10 (highest mark) to 1 (lowest mark), in which 5.5 is the minimum pass mark. Grades 9 and 10 are rarely awarded.

Binding Study Advice system (BSA)

The University maintains a Binding Study Advice system for all first-year Bachelor students. Bachelor students at the University of Groningen will receive a Binding Study Advice (BSA; always negative) if they earn fewer than 40 ECTS credit points by the end of their first year of study or if they have not gained their 60 ECTS propaedeutic certificate within two years. > read more about the BSA system