Credit load and exams
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) defines a full study load for one year as 60 ECTS credits. Typically, UCPH students take courses for 30 ECTS credits per semester, and this is also the number of credits we recommend for exchange/guest students.
Minimum course load
UCPH does not set a minimum course load; however, we expect students to take at least 22.5 ECTS per semester.
Important for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are required to study full-time in order to meet the requirements in their residence permits. To be considered as studying full-time, the minimum course load is 22.5 ECTS per semester.
Maximum course load
The maximum course load is 35 ECTS per semester (not including the pre-semester Copenhagen Past & Present course, see below).
Why are there ECTS limits?
UCPH is required by Danish law to keep a balance in the ECTS credits earned by incoming and outgoing exchange students. To maintain this balance, we have therefore set the above limits. For more information, see §19a in the University Law (in Danish).
Pre-semester course: Copenhagen Past & Present w/ Danish Language
Note that the pre-semester Copenhagen Past & Present course is not included in these limits. Therefore, it is possible for a student to take the pre-semester Copenhagen Past & Present course (7.5 ECTS) and the maximum course load per semester (35 ECTS) for a total of 42.5 ECTS credits.
In general, you will automatically be registered for the exam when you register for a course. However, some faculties may still require exam registration.
If in doubt, please contact the faculty where you are studying to ask about how and when to register for exams:
Note that the procedure and deadline for course/exam registration may vary depending on the faculty.
At the University of Copenhagen, students are assessed after taking one of the following types of examinations: hand-in paper, written examination, oral examination, and/or active participation.
In addition, some courses may require the successful completion of written, oral, or practical assignments during the semester.
Information on assessment and exam form is included in all course descriptions
To make sure that you are able to transfer the credits earned at the University of Copenhagen, it is important that your home institution approves your intended study programme.
In this respect, it is important to mention that your work may be assessed according to the Danish 7-point scale or as pass/fail. Pass/fail grades cannot be changed to a numeric grade or vice versa. We therefore recommend that you check the assessment when considering a course. Contact the international/exchange office at your home university for advice regarding your credit transfer based on pass/fail assessment.
In some special circumstances, it is possible to apply for dispensation from the maximum course load ECTS limit.
You can apply for dispensation from the maximum course load limit if you:
- only require a small number of additional ECTS credits to graduate, and
- your exchange semester at UCPH is the last semester of your degree.
You will need to provide documentation of your special circumstance.
Please note that dispensation is NOT given because you want to do more credits or are used to a higher course load.
To apply for dispensation, contact the International Education office at incomingmobility@adm.ku.dk.