If you’ve ever browsed through university brochures or looked at courses in Europe, you’ve probably seen those four letters – ECTS – next to every module. For a long time, I ignored them. They looked technical, academic, and honestly, not something I needed to worry about.
But once you start comparing programmes or thinking about studying abroad, ECTS suddenly becomes important. And the funny thing is… it’s actually very simple. I just wish someone had explained it in plain language from the start.
So, here’s the explanation I wish I had.
The term ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. It sounds complex, but at its core, it’s just a way for universities and training organisations across Europe to speak the same “academic language”. Instead of each country having its own way of measuring workload or course value, ECTS creates a common standard so everyone understands what a course is worth – students, universities, and even employers.
The most useful part? 1 ECTS credit equals roughly 25 to 30 hours of work. Not just lecture time, but everything: studying on your own, assignments, projects, reading, group work, and exam preparation. So, when you see a module worth 6 ECTS, that’s around 150 to 180 hours of your time. Suddenly, it becomes much easier to understand what you’re signing up for.
Where ECTS really shines is in mobility. If you’ve ever considered studying abroad, you’ll appreciate how valuable this system is. Because ECTS is recognised widely, a 30-credit semester in Malta is understood the same way in Italy, Germany, Portugal, or anywhere else in the European Higher Education Area. This consistency is what allows your credits to “travel” with you and be accepted when you return home. It removes the guesswork and ensures your effort is recognised, no matter where you study.
ECTS also helps make sense of full degrees. A typical Bachelor’s degree in Europe is 180 ECTS, usually spread over three years. Some countries stretch it to four years with 240 ECTS. Master’s programmes often range from 60 to 120 ECTS, depending on the depth and structure of the course. Even though PhDs aren’t always calculated using credits, many structured programmes still include ECTS for taught elements.
What I personally find most helpful is how ECTS turns something abstract – like “how difficult is this programme?” – into something concrete. If someone tells you their degree was 90 ECTS, you immediately know it involved around 2,250 to 2,700 hours of learning. You get a clearer picture of the commitment involved, even without knowing the subject.
At the end of the day, ECTS exists to make education fairer, clearer, and more transparent. It helps students make informed decisions, gives universities a common framework, and even supports employers in understanding academic backgrounds across borders.
Most importantly, it removes confusion. And if you’ve ever tried to navigate higher education systems, you’ll know that clarity is something we can all appreciate.