ECTSpoeng

ECTSpoeng, often written as ECTS-poeng, is the unit of measure used in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System to quantify the workload associated with a course or program. One ECTSpoeng typically represents about 25 to 30 hours of student work, including class contact time, independent study, assignments and exam preparation. Degrees are expressed in total ECTSpoeng, with common benchmarks such as 180 ECTSpoeng for a bachelor’s degree and 60 to 120 ECTSpoeng for a master’s program, varying by country and program requirements. The system is designed to facilitate transfer, accumulation and recognition of learning across institutions and national borders.

The ECTS originated in the Bologna Process, launched in 1999 to harmonize higher education across Europe. Its main purpose is to make learning outcomes, qualifications and study programs more transparent and comparable, supporting student mobility and easier recognition of completed studies between institutions and countries.

Credits are awarded by institutions based on estimated student workload for each course or module. This includes lectures, seminars, practical work, assignments and exam preparation. Credits earned in one institution can be accumulated toward degree completion and transferred to another institution through credit transfer arrangements or learning agreements. Internships and work placements may also count toward ECTSpoeng, depending on national rules and program design.

Limitations and considerations include variability in how workload is estimated across countries and programs. ECTSpoeng measures workload rather than quality or difficulty, and credit recognition can depend on national recognition agreements and institutional policies. Nevertheless, ECTSpoeng remains a central element of mobility and comparability in European higher education.