In addition to grades, Polish higher education institutions use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). ECTS credits reflect the workload required to achieve the learning outcomes of a course or programme and are awarded independently of the grade received.
A full academic year normally corresponds to 60 ECTS credits, typically 30 credits per semester.
ECTS is widely used across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) to make study programmes more transparent and to facilitate the recognition of qualifications and periods of study completed abroad. Since 2007, Polish higher education institutions have been required to use ECTS for both the transfer and accumulation of credits within their degree programmes.
ECTS makes it easier for students to have periods of study completed at another higher education institution, including institutions abroad, recognised as part of their degree programme.
For more information, visit the European Higher Education Area website and the European Commission's information on ECTS and the Bologna Process.