The Academic Credits Certificate is an EAHEA document that confirms a graduate’s diploma, specialization and earned credits and converts those credits into U.S. (USC), UK (CATS) and European (ECTS) systems. It is issued to graduates of EAHEA-accredited institutions, if the accreditation was valid when the program was completed, and to graduates of institutions with an equivalent accreditation approved by EAHEA. It helps a receiving institution read the credits, but the decision to accept them stays with that institution.
Graduates who move between countries or institutions find that credit systems differ, and their transcript may state credits in a way that the new institution cannot read. This article explains when the certificate helps, what it contains, how to obtain it and what it cannot do. It is based on the published information of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA).
What It Is
A single document that lists the verified diploma, specialization and total credits, shows how the credits are composed in hours of study and gives equivalents in USC, CATS and ECTS. It also confirms that the awarding institution meets EAHEA’s quality standards. Its purpose is to make a graduate’s credits readable in the systems that receiving institutions use.
When You Need It
- Applying to a university in another country that asks for credits in ECTS, CATS or U.S. credits.
- Asking for exemptions or advanced standing from a university on the basis of earlier study.
- Presenting a qualification to a credential evaluator or an employer who thinks in another credit system.
- Moving between institutions and needing a neutral statement of credits.
It is not needed if the receiving institution already understands your transcript and accepts it on its own terms.
Who May Apply
- Graduates of EAHEA-accredited institutions, if the institution’s accreditation was valid when the program was completed.
- Graduates of institutions with an equivalent accreditation, where EAHEA decides on equivalency after receiving an application.
If your school is not on EAHEA’s accredited list, you may recommend that it seek EAHEA accreditation. Check the list in the Accredited Institutions directory.
What It States
- The graduate’s full name.
- Verification of the diploma and specialization.
- Verification of the total credits for that diploma and specialization.
- The composition of those credits in hours of study.
- Credit equivalents in USC, CATS and ECTS.
- Confirmation that the awarding institution meets EAHEA’s quality standards.
The equivalents are derived from study hours. As a general guide, one ECTS corresponds to 25 to 30 hours of study work, one CATS to 10 notional hours and one USC to about 45 hours, as described in the EAHEA credit information. See credit systems compared.
Process and Payment
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the proof files.
- Pay online by card or bank transfer.
- EAHEA reviews the application.
- Receive the certificate and files.
Fees follow the World Bank income classification of your country of residence, in euro, with possible further discounts. Card payments add 3 percent, and VAT of 24 percent applies to applicants in Estonia and EU applicants without a valid VAT number. Signed and sealed copies of the diploma and transcript are available on request. See the Service Fees page.
How to Use It
- Ask the receiving institution which documents it needs, and in which credit system.
- Attach the certificate with your transcript and diploma.
- Explain the equivalents as comparison figures from study hours.
- Offer the institution the means to confirm the certificate with EAHEA.
- Be ready to supply syllabi if the institution wants to compare content.
How It Differs from Related Documents
| Document | Main Function |
|---|---|
| Degree Validation Certificate | Confirms that the specific degree is valid and the institution meets standards |
| Academic Credits Certificate | States earned credits and their USC, CATS and ECTS equivalents |
| Academic Equivalency Statement | Compares the qualification with international standards |
| Credit Certification | For institutions: states the credits of an accredited course |
Limits
- Accreditation is voluntary and non-governmental. No accreditation in the world can provide automatic acceptance of credits.
- EAHEA does not guarantee that any institution or employer will accept the credits or the graduate.
- Acceptance decisions belong to the receiving institution or employer.
- It is not a degree, a recognition decision or a visa document.
See credit transfer between countries: how receiving institutions decide. Apply online or contact the Secretariat.
Related reading: equivalency statement vs. credit transfer, why graduates need a Degree Validation Certificate.
Services This Guide Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
An EAHEA document that confirms a graduate’s diploma, specialization and credits and states them in USC, CATS and ECTS equivalents.
Graduates of EAHEA-accredited institutions, if the accreditation was valid when the program was completed, and graduates of institutions with an equivalent accreditation approved by EAHEA.
When a receiving institution, employer or evaluator needs credits in a system other than the one on your transcript.
That is the university’s decision. EAHEA does not guarantee that any institution will accept the credits.
From the study hours of the program. In EAHEA information, one ECTS is 25 to 30 hours, one CATS 10 notional hours and one USC about 45 hours.
No. It documents the credits of an existing qualification.