ECTSjärjestelmässä

The ECTS system, or European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, is a standardized system for measuring and comparing the study workload of students in higher education across Europe. It was developed by the European Commission to facilitate student mobility and academic recognition within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). ECTS aims to make studies and qualifications more transparent and comparable, helping students and employers understand what a degree or qualification entails.

The fundamental unit of ECTS is the credit point, which represents the workload required to complete a given course or module. One academic year of full-time study is typically allocated 60 ECTS credits. These credits are awarded upon successful completion of all learning activities and assessments, including lectures, seminars, practical work, independent study, and examinations. The workload includes not only contact hours but also the time spent on preparation and follow-up study.

ECTS plays a crucial role in international student exchange programs, such as Erasmus+. By using a common credit system, universities can more easily recognize the studies undertaken by students at partner institutions abroad. This reduces the administrative burden and ensures that students receive full academic credit for the work they have completed. The system also aids in the transfer of credits when students move from one program or institution to another within the EHEA, contributing to lifelong learning and greater flexibility in educational pathways.