Chapter 4
Studying here: grades, credits and classroom culture
A 7 in the Netherlands is a good grade, and so is 14 out of 20 in Belgium. If you know the rules, your first results will not shock you and you will know when to pay attention.
Credits (ECTS)
The Netherlands and Belgium both use the European credit system (ECTS). A full-time academic year is 60 credits. You only get the credits for a course once you pass it.
Classroom culture
- Being on time matters, especially for tutorials and appointments. If you cannot make it, let people know in advance.
- Lecturers and classmates can be very direct. A clear opinion or criticism of your work is usually not meant rudely; it is just how people talk here.
- Asking questions yourself is expected. Feel free to email or talk to your lecturer; check how your lecturers want to be addressed (first name or professor).
- Independent work: you get a lot of freedom and have to plan yourself. Start reading and assignments early.
- Fraud and plagiarism are taken seriously. Cite your sources properly, and when in doubt ask what is allowed (also with AI).
How StudySlim helps
Stuck on an exercise, a lecture in a language that is not yours yet, or a test coming up? StudySlim explains it step by step, in every subject, and you can ask in your own language. It does not just give you the answer, so you really understand it.
In the Netherlands
Grades from 1 to 10
The Netherlands grades from 1 to 10. A 6 is the minimum to pass. Most grades fall between 6 and 8; a 9 or 10 is rare and an 8 is already very good. So do not compare a Dutch grade with a percentage.
Binding study advice (BSA)
In many programmes you get a binding study advice at the end of your first year. If you earn too few credits, you get a negative advice and usually have to leave that programme (you can still choose another one). How many credits you need differs per programme: it is in your programme's rules. If things go wrong because of illness or personal circumstances, tell your study adviser in time.
In Belgium
Scores out of 20
In Flanders you usually get a score out of 20. From 10 out of 20 you pass; 0 to 9 is a fail. 14 out of 20 is a nice result.
Study credit (leerkrediet, Flanders)
- You start higher education with 140 credits of study credit.
- Each time you enrol, the credits you enrol for are deducted. If you pass, you get them back. If you fail, you lose them.
- With a degree contract, you get your first 60 passed credits back twice.
- If your study credit runs low or out, your institution can refuse your enrolment or charge a higher fee.
Each institution also has rules on study progress (for example how much you must pass in your first year). They are in your school's education and examination regulations.
Wallonia and French-speaking Brussels
French-speaking institutions have different rules on study progress and funding. Ask your institution.