Opintopistejärjestelmän

The opintopistejärjestelmä, or credit system, is a standardized method used in Finnish higher education institutions to measure and quantify the workload associated with academic studies. It is designed to provide a common framework for comparing the academic achievements of students both within Finland and internationally. The system is largely based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which facilitates student mobility and recognition of studies across European countries.

Under the opintopistejärjestelmä, one academic year of full-time study is typically equivalent to 60 credits. This means that a student completing a full year of coursework, including lectures, seminars, independent study, and examinations, would accumulate 60 credits. Individual courses and modules are assigned a specific number of credits based on the estimated time commitment required from the student. This includes time spent in contact teaching, as well as the hours dedicated to self-study, preparation, and assessment.

The credit system serves several important functions. It allows for the transparent calculation of degree requirements, ensuring that all degrees of a similar level demand a comparable amount of study. It also aids in the planning of study paths, enabling students to track their progress towards graduation. Furthermore, the opintopistejärjestelmä facilitates the recognition of prior learning and studies undertaken at other institutions, both domestically and abroad, simplifying exchange programs and credit transfers. The successful completion of a certain number of credits is a prerequisite for degree conferral.