Ghent University uses a grading system of 0-20 with intervals of 1 point. No half points are used. 10 to 20 are the passing marks, 0 to 9 are failing marks. Grades higher than 18 are in practice seldom or never given, but they do occur.
No overall average is necessary to pass a year (60 credits – deliberation package).
If you have only a few courses with a small failing grade, a tolerance is often applied by the faculties. In such cases the grade is masked but the credits are awarded. More information about this procedure can be found in the Education and Examination Code article 71. Only a limited number of faculties calculate a final degree score (often on 1,000). Ghent University does not use a GPA system.
A grade of merit (e.g. distinction) is only awarded at the end of a degree.
The above remarks are valid for almost all institutions in Flanders (Belgium).