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.
However, it is possible for students to take more or less than 30 ECTS credits per semester.
- The minimum course load is 22.5 ECTS credits per semester.
- The maximum course load is 35 ECTS credits per semester.
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 upper and lower ECTS limits.
You can apply for dispensation from the upper 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 can apply for dispensation from the lower limit if you have a disability or health condition that means you need to take a lower course load.
You will need to provide documentation of your special circumstance.
Please note that dispensation is NOT given for the following reasons:
- you want to do more credits or are used to a higher course load.
- you do not need more credits for your degree.
- you will also be taking courses (e.g. online) at your home university during your exchange stay.
To apply for dispensation, contact the International Education office at INT-admission@adm.ku.dk.