NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

Appendix I
The marking system
The 13-point scale (as defined by the Ministry of Education)
The use of the marking system in primary and lower secondary education
Marks are awarded on a 13-point scale and are divided into three main groups: excellent, average and hesitant (00 lies below
these and is very rarely awarded).
13 is given for an exceptionally independent and excellent performance.
11 is given for an independent and excellent performance.
10 is given for an excellent but not particularly independent performance.
9 is given for a good performance, a little above average.
8 is given for an average performance.
7 is given for a mediocre performance, slightly below average.
6 is given for a somewhat hesitant but more or less satisfactory performance.
5 is given for a hesitant and unsatisfactory performance.
03 is given for a very hesitant, very insufficient and unsatisfactory
performance.
00 is given for a completely unacceptable performance.
The leaving examinations of the folkeskole (folkeskolens afgangsprøve or folkeskolens udvidede afgangsprøve) are voluntary
and may be taken in a number of subjects. No particular mark is required to pass them.
The 13-point system is intended to ensure uniformity in the evaluation
of achievement at the institutions where it is used. Generally, marks awarded in the folkeskole and in lower secondary
education reflect pupils’ achievements in relation to the aims laid down for the subjects
in question.
The use of the marking system in upper secondary higher education
To pass the studentereksamen (upper secondary school leaving examination) or the højere forberedelseseksamen (HF) (higher
preparatory examination) students must obtain a minimum average of 6.0 in the marks for both the year’s work and the
examination.
At institutions of higher education, either a total average of 6 or in other cases a mark of at least 6 in each subject is required
to pass. Marks awarded at these institutions reflect students’ achievements in terms of standards set by the institutions.
Further information about the requirements of any particular institution can be obtained from that institution.