Cum laude exceptions and FAQ
Cum laude means 'with distinction': This predicate is awarded to a diploma when a student has shown excellence based on certain criteria.This is measured by study duration, weighted average and graduation grade. The conditions for cum laude are described in article 30 of the RRVE. The conditions of the year in which you started your study program apply to you.
In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Examiners (BoE) can decide to make an exception. They can award the predicate of cum laude to a student who does not meet all the requirements. Read the other tabs for more information.
Nomination for cum laude:
BSc students who meet the criteria are automatically nominated for cum laude.
MSc students who meet the criteria and who have an additional cum laude member added to the graduation committee are also automatically eligible. The student does not have to take any action themself.
FAQ’s cum laude:
- Which completed courses count?
This is stated in the RGBE of your starting year*. Results that are listed under 'other' and 'additional' in Osiris do not ever count.
- Based on which figures is the weighted average calculated?
Rounded final grades for completed courses are included in the calculation. If you have passed a subject twice, the highest grade counts.
- How do I calculate my weighted average?
First check which courses in your curriculum count (see your specific RGBE*). You calculate the weighted average by weighing each final grade with the number of ECs for the relevant course: weighted average = (grade1 * ects1 + grade2 * ects2 + ...) / (ects1 + ects2 + ...).
- How is the weighted average rounded?
The requirement of at least an 8.0 is achieved from a weighted average of 7.95. This was changed in September 2022 and students from cohort 22-23 and later require a minimum weighted average of 8.00 (from 7.995).
- What are exceptional abilities?
These are additional ways in which a student can demonstrate excellence during the studies. Examples include an above-nominal academic study load within or outside the program and making particularly strong progress in science or education. N.B. It does not apply to an excellently conducted thesis research because this is already a separate criterion within the master.
*For example: Students whom started their Bachelor's degree in 2019-2020 or later, grades obtained within the minor do not count towards the weighted average. As a result, all Bachelor students are assessed cum laude for the same subjects.
You can find the old RGBE’s under 'archive'.
If a student does not meet the requirements for cum laude, in rare cases an exception may be made by the BoE. Excellence will then have to be demonstrated in an additional way (see also the “Requests for an exception” tab).
Please note: when not meeting the criteria is mainly the result of the students life choices (side job, sports, volunteer work, club life, etc.), then this is not taken in account by the BoE to make an exception.
1. Duration exceeds criteria (BSc: RGBE article 30.1.c and MSc: RGBE article 30.1.d):
Originally, cum laude was only awarded to students who graduated within the set timeframe of 3 years for Bachelor and 2 years for the Master programmes. However, for the past years, the maximum duration of studies has been increased so students with some setbacks/delays can also obtain a cum laude without applying for an exception. Requests for exceptions to the study duration criterion solely on the basis of special individual circumstances are therefore rarely granted. For the Technical Medicine Master, please see below*.
Profiling fund:
Some students apply to this fund for financial assistance in case of study delays caused by force majeure/ unforeseen circumstances or participation in a board or committee. If the fund is granted, the BoE will accept this as proof and will deduct the acknowledged amount of delay in months if the student mentions the profiling fund on Form 5. Some students are not eligible for the profiling fund, even though they have experienced force majeure. They can still apply to the BoE.
2. Weighted average is too low (Article 30.1.a):
Exceptions for cum laude with a lower weighted average are only very rarely awarded because this is the ideal indicator for demonstrating excellence. In addition, students have the opportunity to improve one or more previously achieved results during the education program and thus increase the average. In addition to exceptional skills, this type of request for an exception also requires a motivation as to why the necessary weighted average for cum laude could not be achieved. To provide a guideline: in practice exceptions are considered at a weighted average from 7.90.
You can calculate the weighted average yourself (see 'How does cum laude work? + FAQ'). Once you have submitted Form 5, you will receive a message from SPA containing, among other things, your weighted average (based on the grades you have achieved at that time). If new results come in after that moment (and before your defense thesis), this will count towards your weighted average.
*Regulations for TM students
For cum laude, Technical Medicine students need to finish within 3 years. Besides the above-mentioned procedure, TM students may also apply for an exception on the grounds of exceptional circumstances without proof of exceptional skills.
3. Too many V or VR (pass or exemption) (Article 30.1.b):
At the end of their study programme, some students unexpectedly find that they have obtained too many V’s and/or exemptions (VR) for cum laude. These students may apply for an exception.
N.B. This rule (30.1.b) has been amended retroactively in the Master TM RGBE 2021-2022 (see Article 30A).
A Master's student or the graduation supervisor sends a motivated request to the BoE well before graduation. An additional cum laude member must also be added to the graduation committee (art. 25 RRVE).
A Bachelor student always submits the request to the BoE themself.
The request is submitted well before the completion of the study (MSc: before the intended graduation date, BSc: examination meeting of the examination results) and contains:
1. A recent printout of the results achieved from Osiris;
2. Indication of:
- student name,
- study number,
- name of the study,
- start date of study and
- expected graduation date;
3. A description of exceptional abilities and* the circumstances:
- Why was the student unable to meet the criteria?
- In what other ways has the student demonstrated excellence?
Substantiate the request with information about academic achievements that demonstrate level and commitment. Mention extra-curricular activities (of an academic nature) that are linked to the study.
4. Additional documents in support of point 3. If the student submits the application themself, at least a statement from the supervisor showing his support for the application will be added.
*For KT and TM programs: exceptional skills or circumstances apply because these programs have a nominal study duration as a criterion.