Studiepunten

Studiepunten are units used in higher education to quantify the workload and progress of a student. They are part of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which is used across many countries in the European Higher Education Area. One studiepunt typically represents about 25 to 30 hours of total student effort, including lectures, practical work, and self-study. A full academic year usually accounts for about 60 credits.

Courses and modules carry a credit value, often ranging from 2 to 6 ECTS, with larger modules or theses carrying more. Credits are earned by completing assessments such as exams, assignments, or projects; successful completion adds the appropriate number of studiepunten to the student’s record. The earned credits reflect workload and learning outcomes rather than the time spent in class alone.

The total number of studiepunten required depends on the program. A bachelor’s degree commonly requires around 180 ECTS credits, while a master’s degree may require about 60 to 120 credits, depending on the country and field. In practice, the credit system enables progression tracking and degree planning across institutions.

Credits are designed to be transferable between institutions within the European Higher Education Area, facilitating recognition of prior studies and student mobility. Transcripts list earned studiepunten and often include corresponding grades. While credits measure workload and achievement, they are not a direct measure of instructional quality, and grading systems may vary between programs.