Credits

The allocation of credits for courses

VU University Amsterdam uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The ECTS credit system is based on study workload, which includes contact hours and time spent completing papers and assignments and preparing for examinations. In this system, one ECTS credit represents 28 hours of study (including class attendance). A full time student is expected to earn 60 ECTS credits in one academic year, and 30 credits in one semester.

Grades

The Dutch grading system is generally based on a mark between 1 (minimum) and 10 (maximum). A grade of 5.5 or more is considered to be a ‘pass’, a grade of less than 5.5 is a ‘fail’. Students generally get a grade between 5 and 8. Very few students get a 9, and practically nobody will ever get a 10. An 8 is very high. A 7 is rather usual, many students get this mark.

Certificate

Exchange students are non-degree students, which means that you do not receive an academic degree or diploma from VU University Amsterdam for the courses completed while you hold exchange status. You do receive an official certificate after departure indicating the courses or minor you have followed and the ECTS credits you have earned.