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The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)
And how the final grade is calculated at German and European universities
1. What is the ECTS system?
ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System
It is a standardized system across Europe that is used to measure the workload required in higher education programs.
1 ECTS ≈ corresponds to about 25–30 hours of actual study
(including lectures, preparation, self-study, exams, etc.)
60 ECTS = the workload of one full academic year.
2. How are ECTS credits allocated?
| Period of study | Number of credits |
|---|---|
| One semester | 30 ECTS |
| One academic year | 60 ECTS |
| Bachelor’s degree (3 years) | 180 ECTS |
| Master’s degree (2 years) | 120 ECTS |
3. How is the final grade calculated using ECTS?
Some universities use only the numerical grade, while others calculate a weighted average based on ECTS (ECTS-weighted average).
Typical steps:
For each module you receive:
-
A grade (e.g. 1.3 – 2.0 – 3.7)
-
A certain number of ECTS credits
Then a weighted average is calculated as follows:
Final grade=(Grade1×ECTS1)+(Grade2×ECTS2)+…Total number of ECTS credits\text{Final grade} = \frac{(\text{Grade}_1 \times \text{ECTS}_1) + (\text{Grade}_2 \times \text{ECTS}_2) + \dots} {\text{Total number of ECTS credits}}
4. Practical example
| Course | Grade | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Law | 1.7 | 6 |
| Business Management | 2.3 | 5 |
| Bachelor’s Thesis / Final Project | 1.0 | 15 |
Calculation:
Average=(1.7×6)+(2.3×5)+(1.0×15)6+5+15=10.2+11.5+1526≈1.4\text{Average} = \frac{(1.7 \times 6) + (2.3 \times 5) + (1.0 \times 15)} {6 + 5 + 15} = \frac{10.2 + 11.5 + 15}{26} \approx 1.4
5. Final grade (Abschlussnote) in the German system
| German average | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| 1.0 – 1.5 | Sehr gut (excellent) |
| 1.6 – 2.5 | Gut (very good) |
| 2.6 – 3.5 | Befriedigend (satisfactory / good) |
| 3.6 – 4.0 | Ausreichend (sufficient / pass) |
| > 4.0 | Nicht bestanden (fail) |
6. What appears on the final diploma?
Typically, the following information is shown:
-
Total number of credits (e.g. 180 ECTS)
-
The final calculated average grade
-
A verbal evaluation (Sehr gut / Gut / Befriedigend, etc.)
-
Sometimes your rank within your cohort
-
A Diploma Supplement in line with the European standard
7. Frequently asked questions
Can ECTS be converted into a 0–100 grading scale?
Not directly. However, some universities abroad (e.g. in the US) request an approximate conversion that is done using specific conversion tables.
Do all courses have the same impact on the final grade?
No. Courses with more ECTS credits carry more weight in the final average.
Are failed courses included in the calculation?
Generally, they are only counted once you have passed the course. Often the best grade achieved after resitting the exam is used in the final calculation.
* The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may remain uncertain. Therefore, please treat the information in this article as an initial reference and always consult the relevant authorities for confirmed and binding information.
