European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)

ECTS is a student-centered system based on the student workload required to achieve the learning outcomes, skills and competences that define the qualification. 

ECTS was set up initially for credit transfer within the Erasmus program. The system facilitated the recognition of periods of study abroad and thus enhanced the quality and volume of student mobility in Europe. Recently, ECTS has developed into an accumulation system implemented at institutional, regional, national and European level. 

ECTS is based on the principle that 60 credits measure the workload of a full-time student during one academic year. It is the only credit system that has been successfully tested and used across Europe. The student workload of a full-time study program in Europe amounts in most cases to around 1500-1800 hours per year and in those cases one credit stands for around 25 to 30 working hours. 

Student workload in ECTS consists of the time required to complete all planned learning activities such as preparing for a lecture, attending lectures, seminars, independent and private study, preparation of projects, examinations, and so forth, and reflects the quantity of work each component requires to achieve its specific objectives or learning outcomes in relation to the total quantity of work necessary to complete a full year of study successfully. All forms of learning – formal, informal and non-formal – are included in the credit value. 

Credits in ECTS can only be obtained after successful completion of the work required and appropriate assessment of the learning outcomes achieved. Learning outcomes are sets of competences, expressing what the student will know, understand or be able to do after completion of a process of learning. 

MEF University is using ECTS as its internal and only credit system. The annual workload for a full-time student is 60 ECTS; the bachelor degree consists of 240 ECTS, master’s 60-120 ECTS depending on the program type and thesis/non-thesis option, and doctorate 180-240 ECTS.  For each course in the specific program structure, the workload has been estimated and this estimation constantly verified by student workload surveys for the sake of accurate credit allocation. 

MEF University students’ study mobility is based on the principle of full recognition of successfully completed educational components and their ECTS value.  The original codes and names of courses are written on the students’ MEF transcript and Diploma Supplement, and the credit counted towards degree requirements.  The credit transfer is guaranteed by a Learning Agreement signed prior to the mobility period including the information on the set of components to be replaced at MEF University upon successful completion of those elements at the receiving institution. ECTS credit is also allocated for training mobility. The country of traineeship is written on the student’s transcript and DS, and the credit value counted towards graduation requirements.