ECTSlike

ECTSlike is a term used to describe educational credit systems that are inspired by or function similarly to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). ECTS is a student-centred system developed by the European Union to promote student mobility and cooperation between higher education institutions across Europe. It assigns a standardized credit value to academic programs, allowing students to transfer credits more easily between universities and recognize prior learning.

ECTSlike systems are adopted by institutions outside the European Union or by non-EU institutions that wish to align with ECTS principles. These systems typically use a credit-based approach to quantify the workload of academic programs, with one credit representing approximately 25–30 hours of student effort, including contact hours, independent study, and assessment. This standardized measurement facilitates transparency and comparability in education, making it easier for students to study abroad or pursue joint degrees.

While ECTSlike systems share core features with ECTS, such as credit allocation and workload measurement, they may differ in implementation details. Some variations include adjustments to the credit scale, workload definitions, or assessment methods to fit local educational contexts. Institutions adopting ECTSlike often do so to enhance international collaboration, improve credit recognition, or align with global academic standards.

The adoption of an ECTSlike system can benefit students by providing clearer expectations for course workloads and enabling smoother credit transfers. For educational institutions, it fosters greater compatibility with international partners and supports the development of joint or dual-degree programs. However, successful implementation requires careful coordination to ensure consistency in credit definitions and assessment practices.