Search

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS-AKTS) is a credit system adopted by over 30 European countries as part of the Bologna Process, which began in 2001. It is also implemented in Turkish universities that have adopted the Bologna Process. The ECTS system is a crucial requirement for accreditation in European higher education and is rapidly gaining global recognition.

What is the Purpose of ECTS?

ECTS is a student-centered system based on student workload rather than traditional classroom hours. The workload is calculated based on the number of hours a student is expected to spend to achieve the defined learning outcomes. This includes lectures, practical applications, independent study, seminars, exams, and assignments. Unlike traditional credit systems, which rely on weekly class hours, ECTS represents the total workload required for a student to successfully complete a course, ensuring international standardization.

Why Does ECTS Exist?

ECTS facilitates the recognition of academic programs across different institutions, both domestically and internationally. It enables credit transfer between universities and enhances institutional transparency. The key principles of ECTS are:

• Transparency
• Recognition of academic qualifications
• Determination of student workload
• Quality assurance
• Credit transfer
• Enhancement of student mobility
• Integration of education systems

How is ECTS Calculated and Applied?

Each program outcome is assigned an ECTS credit value ranging from 1 to 60 per semester. A full-time student is expected to complete 30 ECTS per semester and 60 ECTS per academic year. To graduate, students must complete the following minimum ECTS requirements:

• Associate degree: 120 ECTS
• Bachelor’s degree: 240 ECTS
• Non-thesis Master’s degree: 60 ECTS
• Thesis Master’s degree: 120 ECTS
• Doctorate (PhD): 240 ECTS

ECTS credits apply to both elective and compulsory courses and also cover activities such as thesis work, specialization, seminars, projects, and field studies.

What is the TYYÇ Catalogue?

The Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (TYYÇ) was developed in accordance with the Lisbon Strategy (2000) set by the European Union (EU) and the Bologna Process, which Turkey joined in 2001. The TYYÇ framework ensures transparency, recognition, and mobility within higher education systems across Europe.

The National Qualifications Framework structures and classifies qualifications recognized at both national and international levels, enabling institutions to align their learning outcomes with broader educational standards. Through this system, higher education qualifications and learning achievements can be systematically explained and correlated with one another.