tutkintopisteitä

Tutkintopisteet, also known as opintopisteet, are the unit of measurement for the workload required to complete studies toward a degree in Finnish higher education. In practice, one tutkintopiste corresponds to roughly 25–30 hours of a student’s total work, including lectures, seminars, assignments, and independent study. The system is harmonized with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which enables comparison and transfer of credits across institutions and countries.

Use and meaning: Credits accumulate as students complete modules and courses. They indicate progress toward a degree, determine whether degree requirements have been met, and facilitate mobility between programs, institutions, or countries. Credits are recorded on a student's transcript (opintorekisteri) and form the basis for graduation checks.

Typical degree requirements: A bachelor's degree commonly requires about 180 ECTS, and a master's degree about 120 ECTS, totaling around 300 ECTS for a two-cycle degree. Some programs or fields may have different minimums or additional requirements (such as mandatory practice or a thesis).

Earning and transfer: Credits are earned by successful completion of courses, projects, and examinations; some degrees include a written thesis or final project that contributes a substantial portion of the total credits. Credits earned at one institution can be acknowledged by another within Finland or abroad through the ECTS framework; recognized credits are added to the student’s degree plan. Final graduation depends on meeting the program-specific set of compulsory and elective credits.

Terminology: While "tutkintopisteet" is widely used, "opintopisteet" is the term most commonly used in Finnish education materials. The two terms refer to the same concept in everyday use.