Overview

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a standardized credit system used by many higher education institutions worldwide. openSIS includes an option to enable ECTS support for institutions that use this framework to measure academic workload and graduation requirements.

When ECTS is enabled, additional ECTS Credit fields become available throughout the application. If your institution does not use ECTS, you can leave this setting disabled and continue using traditional Credit Hours.

Before You Begin

Before enabling ECTS, verify whether your institution:

• Uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.
• Requires ECTS Credits on transcripts.
• Tracks graduation requirements using ECTS.
• Participates in international student exchange programs.

If your institution uses only Credit Hours, this setting is generally not required.

How to Enable ECTS

Step 1: Navigate to Grading Preferences

Go to:

Settings → Grades → Grading Preferences

The page displays the Enable ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) option.

Step 2: Turn On the ECTS Toggle

Click the toggle next to:

Enable ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System)

When enabled, the toggle changes to the On position.

Step 3: Save the Setting

If your version of openSIS includes a save action, click Save or Submit to apply the change.

The ECTS functionality is now available throughout the system.

What Changes After Enabling ECTS?

After enabling ECTS, openSIS displays additional ECTS fields in several academic modules.

These include:

Course Sections

Administrators can define ECTS Credits for course sections.

Graduation Requirements

Course Categories can include Required ECTS Credits alongside Required Credit Hours.

Student Progress View

Student academic progress can be evaluated using ECTS requirements.

Transcripts

ECTS Credit values become available for transcript generation where applicable.

Example

A university offers the following course:

With ECTS enabled, both values can be stored and used when evaluating student progress.

Similarly, a graduation requirement may include:

This allows institutions to monitor graduation eligibility using either or both credit systems.

How to Disable ECTS

If your institution no longer uses ECTS:

Step 1

Navigate to:

Settings → Grades → Grading Preferences

Step 2

Turn the Enable ECTS toggle Off.

Step 3

Save the change if required.

After disabling ECTS, ECTS-specific fields are no longer displayed throughout the application.

Note: Before disabling ECTS, ensure that your institution no longer relies on ECTS Credits for course configuration, graduation requirements, or transcript generation.

When Should You Enable ECTS?

Enable ECTS if your institution:

• Uses the European credit system.
• Requires ECTS Credits on transcripts.
• Defines graduation requirements using ECTS.
• Supports international academic credit transfers.
• Follows the Bologna Process.

Benefits of Enabling ECTS

International Compatibility

Support globally recognized academic credit standards.

Flexible Credit Tracking

Maintain both Credit Hours and ECTS Credits where required.

Improved Graduation Planning

Track graduation requirements using ECTS-based criteria.

Better Academic Mobility

Facilitate student transfers between institutions using ECTS.

Accurate Transcript Information

Include ECTS Credits on academic records where applicable.

Best Practices

Enable ECTS Before Academic Setup

Turn on ECTS before configuring Degree Programs, Course Sections, or Graduation Requirements.

Follow Institutional Policies

Only enable ECTS if it is part of your official academic framework.

Verify Credit Values

Ensure ECTS Credits accurately reflect your institution's curriculum.

Review Transcript Templates

Confirm that transcript layouts display ECTS information as expected.

Inform Academic Staff

Notify faculty and administrators when transitioning to or from ECTS.

Common Questions

Can I enable ECTS after configuring my courses?

Yes. However, if you intend to use ECTS throughout the system, enabling it before configuring courses and graduation requirements helps ensure a consistent setup.

Does enabling ECTS replace Credit Hours?

No. Credit Hours remain available. ECTS adds an additional credit measurement for institutions that require it.

What happens if I disable ECTS?

ECTS-specific fields are hidden from supported areas of the application. Existing academic policies should be reviewed before making this change.

Which institutions should use ECTS?

ECTS is primarily intended for colleges and universities that follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System or participate in international credit transfer programs.