In simple terms, ECTS is a standard grading scale followed in Europe and other collaborating European countries. ECTS – developed by the European Commission dates back to 1989. Introduced as part of the Erasmus framework, today ECTS is counted as part of the Socrates program. It is the only successfully implemented credit system of Europe. With the introduction of the ECTS, Europe experienced greater incoming student mobility on a per year basis. The quality of education in Europe also improved since the introduction of the ECTS system, ECTS is followed at regional and national level across Europe for both local and international students.
The purpose of the ECTS credit system in Europe are as follows:
ECTS recognizes study exchange experiences, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees, in Europe.
Credit scores of ECTS can be transferred from one institute to another.
Though there are many such credit score systems in Europe, ECTS is the most successful and implemented one.
ECTS is popularly used in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, France, and Ireland.
How ECTS works for students?
Students on completing one semester, module, seminar, or degree get the ECTS score. Every SCTS score represents the effort a student made in their academic achievement.
Examples of ECTS score –
|
1 year graduate certificates |
60 ECTS score |
|
2 year master degree program |
120 ECTS score |
|
3 year graduate course |
180 ECTS score |
ECTS score of students differ from country to country –
|
COUNTRY |
STUDY HOURS |
ECTS SCORE |
|
Austria, Spain, Italy |
25 |
1 |
|
Netherlands, Portugal |
28 |
1 |
|
Finland |
27 |
1 |
|
Germany, Belgium, Romania,, Hungary |
30 |
1 |
Please understand, the introduction and use of the ECTS system does not replace the local grading system.
ECTS is closely similar to the American Grading Scale.
The best part is after studying in Europe, students who want to shift to the USA can easily shift their ECTS score.
