Studiepoeng

Studiepoeng is the Norwegian term for academic credits used in higher education to quantify the workload and learning outcomes of courses and programs. They align with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). In practice, one studiepoeng corresponds to roughly 25–30 hours of total student work, including lectures, seminars, assignments, and private study. A full academic year usually equals 60 studiepoeng, distributed across two semesters.

Credits are earned by completing courses or modules and achieving satisfactory assessment results. The total number of studiepoeng in a program indicates its length and workload. In Norway, most bachelor's degree programs are around 180 studiepoeng, and many master's degree programs are around 120 studiepoeng, though there is variation between disciplines and institutions.

Each course is assigned a certain number of studiepoeng, reflecting its workload. Programs and courses may be delivered full-time or part-time, and some credits can be earned through recognition of prior learning or exemptions. Credits earned are transferable within the Norwegian system and, under the European framework, often transferable to partner institutions abroad through the ECTS system. Grades, transcripts of records, and progression criteria accompany credits.

Studiepoeng are used for admission decisions, progress tracking, and degree conferral. They enable comparability of study commitments across institutions and countries and support student mobility and program planning.