The European Higher Education Area evolves constantly as part of a dynamic education landscape in Europe. Having the developments of new forms of learning and new educational pathways in mind, the Tirana communiqué mandated a review of the ECTS Users’ Guide to reflect efforts making the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System more accessible, transparent, and flexible for all learners. An Advisory Group, chaired by the European Commission and involving experts from EHEA member countries and key stakeholder organisations, picked up on this work in January 2025.
The Advisory Group’s pivotal role was, after assessing the current application and implementation of ECTS, to identify possible weaknesses or impreciseness of the Guide and propose adjustments. Comprehensive research focused on various aspects of the use of ECTS, including study programme design and delivery, mobility, transfer, recognition, and lifelong learning. Through surveys, focus groups, and desk research, a consultant team provided the Advisory Group with groundwork for informed adaptations.
As a result, the current draft looks at ways to make the Guide fit for purpose: it proposes the integration of micro-credentials as standard educational opportunities, acknowledging the link to the relevant qualifications framework level for awarded ECTS credits. It equally proposes accommodating lifelong learning beyond higher education better in ECTS, positioning it in future as a universal credit system with inclusive terminology. The Guide also tries to better distinguish between credit transfer and recognition, supported by a reorganised framework outlining the stages of learner mobility, along with scenarios for free individual mobility and embedded mobility pathways. A simplified grade conversion methodology is a key asset, as well as the incorporation of digital tools into the system.
To increase accessibility and adaptability, a proposed web-based format of the guide (in addition to a traditional PDF) may help to navigate more easily in the document and add possible later updates, while ensuring that the core principles outlined in the Guide remain unchanged without ad hoc approval.
As the next step, the Advisory group will integrate feedback from the Copenhagen BFUG meeting in December 2025. The ambition is to produce a ECTS Users’ Guide that continues to enhance learner mobility, recognition, and lifelong learning within the EHEA, considering all the diverse and evolving needs of learners in Europe. The revised guide will ultimately be presented for approval at the 2027 Iaşi-Chişinau Ministerial Conference.
Please find the Draft 2 of the Guide here