Credit transfer

Recognition of previous studies

If you come to the University of Helsinki with previous university experience, the University will try to give you as full recognition of your previous studies as possible. The better your earlier programme compares with the programme offered in Helsinki, the better the transfer of credits will be. As a rule, students with a Bachelor's degree start their studies at the advanced level (i.e. at the Master's level).

Note that usually your academic credits can be transferred only by submitting an application for credit transfer at your Department here in Helsinki. The application must include an authorised transcript from your perivous institution. Detailed course descriptions (syllabi) will greatly help in the process.

Starting the process

It is highly recommendable that you get the transfer process under way as soon as possible after getting accepted to the University. As in most Faculties there is no fast, standardised system for the transfer, it may take some time before all your previous work has been transferred.

Detailed information on credit transfer is available at the International Coordinator's office of your Faculty.

Recognition and validation of prior learning

The recognition and validation of prior learning allows the student to have credits for previous learning, acquired either before the beginning or during their studies transferred towards the degree they are currently pursuing. Prior learning can consist of learning acquired either through formal education, e.g. studies at a university or polytechnic, or through means other than formal education, e.g. work experience or elected positions in student bodies.

A prerequisite for credit transfer is always that the acquired learning is in line with the objectives set for the degree and the course. A student does not have to complete certain studies again if he or she can prove that he/she already possesses the competences specified in the learning outcomes of the studies. The prior learning has to be demonstrated in such a way that it can be verified and assessed.

As the prior learning has to be in line with the objectives set for the degree and the course, the faculty practices of credit transfer may differ between the faculties. There are however some general principles that are agreed on a university level.

Credits that can be transferred include

• required language studies
• the ICT Driving License completed at the University of Helsinki
• learning acquired in non-formal and informal education. (A prerequisite is always that the acquired learning is in line with the objectives set for the degree and the course and that the prior learning can be demonstrated in such a way that it can be verified and assessed.)

Credits that cannot be transferred include

• previously completed theses and dissertations (with the exception of the Faculty of Medicine)
• studies included in a first-cycle degree (e.g. a Bachelor’s degree) cannot be transferred to a second-cycle degree (e.g. a Master’s degree)
• studies completed more than 10 years prior to the date of registration for the graduation ceremony or the date of the application for a degree diploma.

The recognition and validation of prior learning cannot be applied for in advance when applying to the University. A convenient opportunity to discuss the credit transfer of prior learning is at the beginning of the studies. The initiative and responsibility for the recognition and validation of prior learning always lie with the student, as they do for the substantiation of learning. The recognition and validation of learning is always conducted by the relevant discipline.

More information is available at the faculties on

• the faculty’s practices in regard to credit transfer
• how and where to apply for credit transfer
• which documents are needed for the application and demonstration of prior learning
• who makes the decision on the credit transfer.

Faculty councils may decide that credit transfer for prior learning can also be applied to postgraduate degrees and other education provided by the faculty.

More information is available in the Rector’s decision 77/2011 and in the attached appendix to the decision.