ESIB Policy Paper on ECTS compatible Credit Transfer and
Accumulation Systems
Preamble
ESIB-The National Unions of Students in Europe has existed since 1982 to promote the
educational, social, economic and cultural interests of students at a European level, and
towards all relevant organisations and institutions. ESIB currently has 50 member
organisations from 37 countries and through these members represents over 11 million
students.
Introduction
The European Credit Transfer system (ECTS) was introduced as a tool within the framework
of the ERASMUS/SOCRATES programme between 1988 and 1995. It was aimed that this
would facilitate the recognition of the courses for these exchange students when returning
home to their own institution. However, under the framework of the Bologna Process it
became a tool that should be used for all students, and not only for the purposes of
recognition. It should however be noted that the implementation of ECTS has been fairly
problematic in most countries. The current discussion surrounding the extension of ECTS
from purely a transfer to an accumulation system as well has also posed new challenges.
With this policy paper ESIB wants to outline what is essential for the successful and proper
implementation of ECTS or ECTS compatible credit transfer and accumulation systems.
Usefulness of a credit system
The use of a credit system can have various advantages, both academically and in the social
dimension. Credit systems can be beneficial for achieving more transparency and
compatibility between different educational structures. The current situation is often based
upon the teaching input being the reference for the recommended duration of a study
programme whereas the actual workload that is necessary to successfully complete part of
study programme is often neglected. ECTS will change this into a system whereby the latter
is taken as the reference for stipulating the duration of a study programme, the result
should be that the duration can become more real