ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) is the standard for credit transfer and academic recognition across European higher education. Part of the Bologna Process.
Core rules:
- 1 ECTS = 25-30 hours of student workload
- 1 academic year = 60 ECTS (2 semesters in Germany)
- 1 semester = 30 ECTS
- Bachelor = 180-240 ECTS (3-4 years)
- Master = 60-120 ECTS (1-2 years)
From Türkiye to Germany: Turkish universities are mostly ECTS-compliant — credits transfer 1:1. For lateral transfers, each course's ECTS is checked.
Important: Some Turkish universities use AKTS (Turkish ECTS equivalent) — not identical to German ECTS, structure may differ.
Transcript of Records: University shows each course's ECTS value + grade. Required for German applications.
ECTS Grading Scale:
- A — Top 10%
- B — Next 25%
- C — Next 30%
- D — Next 25%
- E — Last 10% (passed)
- FX/F — Failed
Use /en/tools/grade-converter for Türkiye AA-FF → ECTS conversion.
Official source:
education.ec.europa.eu →Frequently Asked Questions
How much workload is 1 ECTS? ▾
Approximately 25-30 hours (class time + exam prep + assignments + reading).
Is Turkish AKTS = German ECTS? ▾
Mostly yes in Bologna-compliant Turkish universities. But actual workload should be verified; older programs may differ.
How many ECTS for Master's? ▾
Master programs in Germany: 60-120 ECTS. 4 semesters (2 years) = 120 ECTS is common.