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Credit Transfer Information: ISEP Students
Credit Transfer: General Notes
How do I earn credit at The University of Montana for the classes I took abroad?
- You will earn credit at The University of Montana for all of the classes that you passed at your host institution.
- Credit transfer is performed by The University of Montana's Admissions office, based on the information contained in the transcript you will receive from your host institution upon completion of your studies.
- If you enrolled in and passed a full-time course load at your host institution, you will usually earn 12-16 University of Montana credits for the classes you take abroad.
- If at any time you are unsure about what is considered a full-time course load at your host institution, notify the Office of International Programs (OIP) for our assistance.
- Credits will transfer back to The University of Montana as elective credits, unless you have taken steps to have them approved to meet specific graduation requirements (see next section).
How do I earn credit towards my major, minor, or General Education Requirements?
- Complete your Study Plan Approval Form according to the directions provided on the form to ensure that classes you take abroad will fulfill requirements towards your degree at The University of Montana.
- Consult the appropriate person(s) to earn approval for credit transfer
towards your degree:
- Your advisor and major department chair approve credit transfer for your major
- Your minor department chair approves credit transfer for your minor
- Admissions and New Student Services approves credit transfer for General Education Requirements
Some advice:
- Remember that you must abide by host institution requirements if you add, drop, or withdraw from classes. If you make any special arrangements to deviate from normal academic procedures at your host institution, be sure to get the conditions of your agreement in writing.
- If you are unsure of any academic advice given you by your host institution advisor, notify OIP and we will help you. Remember that your host coordinator, though well-meaning in giving advice, can only advise you concerning the host institution; they have no knowledge of The University of Montana's credit transfer policies.
- Keep copies of course descriptions, syllabi, assignments, and any other records you feel may be important for the proper evaluation of your courses upon your return.
- Before you leave your host institution, order a transcript to be sent to your home address, to 0IP , or to The University of Montana's Admissions and New Student Services office. It will be difficult to order a transcript once you have returned to the US. Your foreign transcript is the only way that Admissions and New Student Services can give you academic credit for your study abroad experience. You should consider ordering more than one copy; and be sure the transcript will be sent after all your grades have been posted.
- Some credits taken at a foreign institution will carry more credits than their University of Montana equivalent. For example, Marketing Communications taken in Wales may be worth 5 UM credits, while the equivalent course at The University of Montana is only worth 3 credits. Ask your advisor if those extra two credits can be counted towards some other requirements, or towards upper-level electives for your degree.
- Your Study Plan Approval Form is a work in progress!! You may decide to take classes that are not preapproved. That is okay; just be sure to email your advisor/department chair and receive written (via email) approval for the new class. Then save this email or forward it to our office ( goabroad@mso.umt.edu ) where we will keep it in your file. Don't forget to take your advisor's email address with you!
- Your transfer grades will appear on your transcript, although they won't be calculated into your GPA, except when applying for graduate or professional programs, or when applying for honors.
Most importantly : Remember that the Study Plan Approval Form is your responsibility. You need to be aware of your graduation requirements, and you need to seek approval for credit transfer from the appropriate persons prior to or during your term of exchange.
Argentina
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
At Argentinean universities, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Grade conversion
| Argentine Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 10 | Sobresaliente | A |
| 8-9 | Distinguido | A |
| 7-8 | Bueno | B |
| 4-5 | Aprobado | C |
| 0-3 | Insuficiente/Reprobado | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Argentine universities tend to be more severe in their grading than in the US and a mark of 10 is very rare.
Australia
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Full-time enrollment usually equates to 4 classes.
University of Southern Queensland
Full-time students at Southern Queensland usually take four classes per semester. Students of The Univeristy of Montana who pass 4 classes will receive 16 credits at The University of Montana, or 4 credits per class.
Grade conversion
| Australian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 10-8 | High Distinction | A+ |
| 7 | Distinction | A |
| 6 | Credit | B |
| 5 | Pass | C |
| 4 | Conceded Pass | D |
| 3 and less | Fail | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Classes taken at the 200-300 level will be counted at UM as upper division credits.
Austria
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take six to eight classes and spend 12-16 hours in class per 15 week semester in Austria . At Austrian universities, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits (usually six courses), students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Many Austrian institutions use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). If the host institution uses ECTS credit transfer system, students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| Austrian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 1 | Sehr gut | A |
| 2 | Gut | A |
| 3 | Befriedigend | B |
| 4 | Genugend | C |
| 5 | Nicht genuedgend | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
The equivalent to the US "D" does not exist in Austria . Also, an individual grade ("note") is awarded for a class, thesis, or part of a large exam. An overall grade ("Gesamtnote") is awarded for multi-part exams.
Brazil
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take 3 to 5 classes per 15 week semester in Brazil and spend a total number of 20 hours per week in classes.
Grade conversion
| Brazilian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 10.0-9.0 | Exclenete | A |
| 8.9-7.0 | Bom | B |
| 6.9-5.0 | Regular | C |
| 4.9-3.0 | Insuficiente | D |
| 2.9-0 | Deficiente | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
There is no uniform grading scale used in all Brazilian schools. Many use the 0-10 scale while others use letter grades similar to the US .
Transcripts from the ISEP member in Brazil give the number of hours spent in class per week and per semester to assist home universities in determining the number of credits for each class.
Bulgaria
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take four classes per 12 week semester in Bulgaria . Each class is approximately 3 hours per week.
Grade conversion
| Bulgarian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 6-5 | Otlichen (Excellent)/Mnogo Dobor (Very Good) | A |
| 4 | Dobur (Good) | B |
| 3 | Sreden (Satisfactory) | C |
| 2 | Slab (Fail | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Please note that the American University in Bulgaria uses the American system of credits and grading.
Canada
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take five classes per 15 week semester in Canada . Students spend an average of 15-20 hours a week in class.
Grade conversion
| Canadian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| A | A |
| B | B |
| C | C |
| D | D |
| F | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Grading is roughly comparable to the U.S. university system.
Chile
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take four to five classes per 15 week semester in Chile. A typical student will spend 20-22 hours in class per week. At the Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at the University of Montana . To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Grade conversion
| Chilean Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 6.0-7 | Muy Bien | A |
| 5.0-5.9 | Bueno | B |
| 4.0-4.9 | Suficiente | C |
| 0-3.9 | Insuficiente | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Chilean transcripts will include the number of contact hours per class to assist schools in determining the appropriate number of credits.
China - Hong Kong
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take four to six classes (12-18credits/units) per semester in China . ISEP students are required to take 12 units each semester. One unit is roughly equivalent to one hour of instruction per week. A full workload for a semester is about 12 to 18 credits/units. A student with a minimum full-time workload of 12 credits will have an average of 12 hours of lecture per week.
Grade conversion
| Chinese (Hong Kong only) Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| First Class Honours | A |
| Second Class Honours, Upper Division | A |
| Second Class Honours, Lower Division | B+ |
| Third Class Honours | B |
| Pass | C |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
The number of weeks per semester is different: 13 during the first term and 15 during the second.
Costa Rica
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
At Universidad Nacional Autónoma Heredia, students usually take five to six classes per semester, which equal 15-16 U.M. semester credits.
Grade conversion
| Costa Rican Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 10-9 | 100-90 | A |
| 8 | 89-80 | B |
| 7 | 79-70 | C |
| 6-0 | 69-0 | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Czech Republic
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Masaryk University uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| Czech Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 1 | Vyborny (excellent) | A |
| 2 | Vel'mi dobry (good) | B |
| 3 | Dobry (pass) | C |
| 4 | Nevyhovel (fail) | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Denmark
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take four to six classes per 10 week semester in Denmark followed by a group based project work. A typical student will spend 12-15 hours in class per week. Danish institutions use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| Danish Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| 13-10 | A |
| 9-7 | B |
| 6 | C |
| 5 | May be considered passing in various subjects |
| Below 5 | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Estonia
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
University of Tartu 's credits are given in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| Estonian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| A | 5 | A |
| B | 4 | B |
| C | 3 | C |
| D | 2 | D |
| E/F/FX | 1 or 0 | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
ECTS grades are equivalent to US grades.
Fiji
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take three to four classes per 14 week semester in Fiji . A typical student will spend 12-21 hours in class per week.
Grade conversion
| Fijian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| 80-100 | A |
| 65-79 | B |
| 50-64 | C |
| 0-49 | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Finland
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
University of Helsinki uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| Finnish Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 3 | Erinomainen tieto | A |
| 2 | Hyvaa tieto | B |
| 1 | Tyydyttava tieto | C |
| 0 | Hylatty | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Grading scale may vary between institutions. Please refer to the grading scale on the transcript.
France
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
One term of full time studies in France is about 15-20 hours per week. At French universities, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Many French institutions use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). If the host institution uses ECTS credit transfer system, students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
The French ISEP member institutions offer pre-session language intensive courses. Credit will be given in correspondence to the amount of in-class contact hours per class. Fieldtrips will not be included in the total amount of in-class hours.
Grade conversion
| French Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 20-16 | Tres Bien | A+ |
| 15.9-14 | Bien | A |
| 13.9-12 | Assez Bien | B |
| 11.9-10 | Passable | C |
| 8-9.9 | May be considered passing if entire year is passed. |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Generally the highest grades awarded by French professors are 14 or 15. Grades of 10 or 9 are satisfactory. Students need an average of 10 out of 20 to pass the year at university. Grading varies greatly from subject to subject. Students studying in France through ISEP usually find controls at the DEUG level best fit their needs and activities. It should be known that the French grading system is very strict and students often do not receive high marks.
Germany
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take four to six classes per semester in Germany . At German universities, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Many German institutions use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). If the host institution uses ECTS credit transfer system, students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| German Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 1-1.5 | Sehr gut | A |
| 1.6-2.5 | Gut | B |
| 2.6-3.5 | Begriedigend | C |
| 3.6-4.0 | Ausreichend | C- |
| 4.1-4.3 | Mangelfhaft | D |
| 4.4-6 | Ungenuegend | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
German universities do not issue a record of your academic study while on an ISEP exchange. Procedures for obtaining credit are outlined below.
Credit transfer from a German university
German universities do not have centralized or departmental registration, primarily due to the law governing the protection of personal data. In addition to the lack of centralized registration, there is no centralized recording of grades and transcripts are not automatically produced at the end of each semester. To obtain a transcript containing a record of courses taken and grades earned, you need to follow the procedures outlined below and any specific procedures required by your host institution. It is extremely important that you complete all the required steps before you leave your German host university. Transcripts cannot be prepared after you have left the campus. The process includes two essential steps:
1. collect "Scheine" for your coursework from professors, and 2. secure an ISEP transcript.
Earning a Schein
To receive credit for courses taken at a German institution, you must earn a Schein in each course. At the beginning of the course, the professor will explain what is required to earn a Schein in that particular course. The requirements may be different for each course:
- You may have to submit a paper, or Referat, at the end of the course or at the beginning of the next semester (usually six weeks later). You may also be asked to present your paper in class. Often several students join together to prepare a single Referat, with each student responsible for a particular section. In most cases, the paper accompanying the speech must be at least 10 pages long.
- You may be required to take a final exam. This is often the case with foreign-language courses. The final exam may be oral or written.
- You may be required to prepare a Hausarbeit, or term paper. Although group efforts are sometimes permitted, as with a Referat, a Hausarbeit is usually written by one student. The information presented in a Referat, however, often serves as a foundation for the Hausarbeit. Frequently, the paper is not due immediately at the end of the term. Many German students work on their Hausarbeit during the semester break.
Please keep in mind that students at German universities are expected to do independent reading during the course of their studies. If required to take an oral or written final exam, you may be expected to be more conversant in the topic than is possible from just memorizing lecture notes. Ask the professor for a suggested reading list to complement the course in order to prepare for the exam.
A Schein is not usually awarded in a lecture course, or Vorlesung, but the professor will administer a final exam or allow a student to submit a paper if a request is made. You should therefore explain that, as a U.S. ISEP student, your performance in class must be assessed in order to allow you to receive credit at your home institution.
Obtaining the Schein
Once you have completed the requirements for a course, you must obtain the Schein yourself, directly from the secretariat of the appropriate faculty. When you pick up the Schein, it should already have been signed by the professor. The secretary will validate it with the university seal.
The Schein will contain the following information:
- your name
- course title
- your professor's name
- year and semester
- number of hours per week
- how you earned the Schein (e.g., by term paper, final exam, etc.)
- your grade (may be on a pass/fail basis, or on a German scale, where 1-4 is considered passing)
OBTAINING CREDIT AT YOUR HOME INSTITUTION
Obtain a Transcript
After you have obtained all of your Scheine, complete the transcript form provided by your host institution coordinator and present this, along with your Scheine, for verification and validation by your host institution coordinator. This form will serve as your official transcript, and will be sent by your host institution coordinator to ISEP for forwarding to your home institution. Please keep a copy for yourself along with the original Scheine. Do not carry the original transcript back to your home institution. Note: Some German universities have slightly modified procedures for issuing transcripts. Please refer to section #17 of the Institutional Information Sheet (IIS) of your host institution.
Please note that the ISEP transcript is not intended to replace Scheine. It is designed as a mechanism whereby record of your academic work is reported through official channels back to your home institution. Even with a properly validated transcript, you should produce Scheine for back-up verification at your home institution.
Take Proof of Course Hours Credit is usually granted at U.S. institutions on the basis of hours that the course met each week. For example, two credits may be granted for a two-hour lecture course. More credit may be awarded for a higher-level course such as a Hauptseminar. You may want to bring the semester course catalogs home with you to use as proof of the number of course hours. You should also save all written work, course outlines and any other written materials to facilitate credit transfer.
Questions If you have any questions about obtaining Scheine, contact your host institution ISEP coordinator, your professor or the faculty secretariat. Questions regarding the actual transfer of credit should be addressed to your home ISEP coordinator.
Ghana
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
One Ghanese credit equals one credit at The University of Montana, so The University of Montana students must enroll in at least 12 credits per semester at Ghana . Students usually take five classes per 6 week semester in Ghana . A typical student will spend 15 hours in class per week.
Grade conversion
| Ghanan Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| A | 90-100 | A |
| B | 80-89 | B |
| C | 70-79 | C |
| D | 60-69 | D |
| F | 59 or below | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Letter grades from Ghana are equivalent to US letter grades. Other letters are used in Ghana 's system:
"I" - incomplete "X"- student did not complete the course for reasons adjudged by the Board of Examiners as unsatisfactory. "Y"- grade given when a course continues into the next semester "Z"- disqualification from an examination as a result of an examination malpractice or offense.
Please make sure your grades from the courses will appear on your transcript. You should not have a NG (=no grade) as a grade, since if this is the case, UM Admissions office cannot give you credit for the course.
Hungary
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
University of Debrecen UM students receive credits based on how many hours each class meets a week. If the class meets for 2 hours a week (which most of the tutorials and seminars do), the student will receive 2 credits.
Budapest University of Technology and Economics ( BUTE ) Since BUTE credits are equivalent to UM credits, a UM student taking a course at BUTE for 3 BUTE credits will receive 3 UM semester credits. BUTE also uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| Hungarian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 5 | Jeles (excellent) | A |
| 4 | Jo (good) | B |
| 3 | Kozepes (average) | C |
| 2 | Elegseges (pass) | C |
| 1 | Elegtelen (fail) | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Iceland
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take three to five classes per 13 week semester in Iceland . A typical student will spend 14-20 hours in class per week. The University of Iceland uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits. (1 Icelandic point equals 1 US credit.)
Grade conversion
| Icelandic Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| 10-7.25 | A |
| 7.24-6 | B |
| 5.99-5.5 | C |
| 5.49-4 | May be considered passing in individual subjects |
| 3.99-0 | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Italy
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Italian institutions use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| Italian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| 29-30 | A |
| 26-28 | B |
| 22-25 | C |
| 18-21 | D |
| 17 or below | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Most courses run the entire academic year. Course-work is assessed by year-end examination.
Japan
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
At Chukyo University, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Grade conversion
| Japanese Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| 100-80 | A |
| 79-70 | B |
| 69-60 | C |
| 59-0 | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Korea
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
One Korean credit equals one credit at The University of Montana, so The University of Montana students must enroll in at least 12 credits per semester in Korea. However, students are encouraged to take at least 15 credits per semester in order to maximize their credit transfer back to The University of Montana.
Grade conversion
| Korean Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| 90-100 | A |
| 80-89 | B |
| 70-79 | C |
| 60-69 | D |
| 59 or Below | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Latvia
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Students usually take three to four classes per 15-16 week semester in Latvia . This is equivalent to 20-25 hours per week. The Latvia credit refers to an average of 40 hours (one week's study workload), leading to 40 credits per year. Latvian institutions use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits. (One Latvian credit equals 1.5 ECTS credits, and therefore each Latvian credit unit will transfer to The University of Montana as .75 credits.)
Grade conversion
| Latvian Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 10 | Izcili (with distinction) | A |
| 9 | Teicami (excellent) | A |
| 8 | Loti Labi (very good) | A |
| 7 | Labi (good) | B |
| 6 | Gandriz Labi (almost good) | B |
| 5 | Viduveji (satisfactory) | C |
| 4 | Gandriz Viduveji (almost satisfactory) | C |
| 1-3 | Neapmierinosi (unsatisfactory) | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Malta
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
One Maltese credit equals 1.5 UM semester credits. UM students should enroll in 10 Maltese credits per semester and this will transfer back as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load is 8 Maltese credits, which will transfer as 12 UM semester credits.
Maltese institutions also use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| Maltese Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| A+, A | Excellent | A |
| B+, B | Good | B |
| C+, C | Average | C |
| D+, D | Minimum passing grade | C |
| F | Fail | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Mexico
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
The average number of classes taken by a student per semester is 6. The average student has 30 hours of class lecture per week. 8 units is equivalent to roughly 3 credits at the undergraduate level. At the graduate level, 12 units is equivalent to 3 credits.
At Mexican universities, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Grade conversion
| Mexican Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | ||
| 100-90 | 10-9 | Muy Bien | A |
| 89-80 | 8 | Bien | B |
| 79-60 | 7-6 | Regular/Suficiente | C |
| 59-0 | 5-0 | Reprobado/No Suficiente | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Failing courses are not usually included in official transcripts.
The Netherlands
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Dutch institutions use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits. (An average course is worth 4 Dutch credits.)
Grade conversion
| Dutch Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| 10-8 | A |
| 7.75-7 | B |
| 6.75-6 | C |
| 4.75 or Below | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
The grades 9 and 10 are rarely given in the Netherlands and a grade of 6 is considered a satisfactory mark. Grading tends to be a bit more difficult than in the US .
New Zealand
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
A full workload for an academic year is 50 points per semester at Massey University . Usually students take four classes - called "papers" - worth 12.5 points each. The University of Montana students who take 50 points at Massey University will receive 16 credits at the UM (or 4 credits per class)
Grade conversion
| New Zealand Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| A | A |
| B | B |
| C | C |
| Restricted | D |
| CP (Compensation Pass) | |
| D and E | F |
| WD (withdraw) | W |
Upper division
Classes at Massey are listed as 100, 200, or 300 level. Classes at the 200 or 300 level will be counted at upper division UM credits.
Other notes
Nicaragua
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
A full workload for an academic year is 5 classes per semester in Nicaragua. The average student has 18-20 hours of lecture per week for each term.
At Nicaraguan universities, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Grade conversion
| Nicaraguan Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 100-90 | Sobresaliente | A |
| 90-89 | Muy Bueno | A |
| 79-70 | Bueno | B |
| 69-60 | Regular | C |
| 59-0 | Reprobado | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
South Africa
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
At the University of Stellenbosch 4 courses transfer into 12 UM credits and 5 courses equal 15 UM credits. (1 South African credit equals 1 UM credit.)
Grade conversion
| South African Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| 100-75 | A |
| 74-70 | A- |
| 69-60 | B |
| 59-50 | C |
| 49-0 | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
The South African grading system is more stringent than the US system. It is extremely difficult for a South African student, either on the high school or tertiary level, to obtain an "A" aggregate.
Spain
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
A full workload varies from one institution to another, usually between 4-8 classes per semester, or 4-5 classes per year for schools that run on a yearly system. An average of 15-20 hours is spent per week for class lectures. At Spanish universities, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Some Spanish institutions use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). If the host institution uses ECTS credit transfer system, students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Universidad de Malaga
1.5 Malaga credits equal 1 UM semester credit. Students who take 22.5 Malaga credits per semester will receive 15 UM semester credits. A minimum full-time load per semester is 18 Malaga credits, which will transfer as 12 UM semester credits.
Grade conversion
| Spanish Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 10 | Matricula de honor | A+ |
| 9.9-9 | Sobresaliente | A |
| 8.9-7 | Notable | B |
| 6.9-5 | Aprobado | C/D |
| Below 5 | Suspenso | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Sweden
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
One Swedish point equals one week of full time study of 40 hours. Students should enroll in 20 Swedish credits per semester, and this will transfer back as 15 UM semester credits. A minimum full time load is 16 Swedish points, which will transfer back as 12 UM semester credits. Also, Sweden uses the ECTS system. Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, transferring as 15 UM credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits. Thus, one Swedish point equals 1.5 ECTS and 40hours.
Grade conversion
| Swedish Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| VG | Pass with Distinction | A |
| G | Pass | B/C |
| U | Icke godkendt of Fail | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Switzerland
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
A full course load is between 6-8 classes per semester, depending on the institution and the department. Time spent in class is about 20-25hours per week. If the academic work is recorded in in-class contact hours, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Some universities use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). 30 ECTS credits per semester is a full-time class load, and will transfer to the University of Montana as 15 credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
Grade conversion
| Swiss Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| 10-7 | A |
| 6 | B |
| 5 | C |
| 4 or below | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
Thailand
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Thai credits are equivalent to US credits. UM students should enroll in 15 Thai credits per semester. An average workload for an academic semester is between 15-18 credits in Thailand . A minimum workload per semester is 12 credits.
Grade conversion
| Thai Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| A | A |
| B | B |
| C | C |
| D | C |
| D | D |
| F | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
United Kingdom
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
Credits in the UK system do not transfer directly to US credits. In general a full time student usually takes 60 credits per semester/ 120 credits per year. If students take 60 credits this will transfer as 16 UM semester credits.
University of Central Lancashire
Students who take three modules will receive 12 UM semester credits. Students who take four modules will receive 16 UM semester credits.
University College Chester
Students at University College Chester study 4 modules per semester. Students who take 4 modules will receive 16 UM semester credits.
Napier University
Students at Napier study 4 modules per semester. Students who take 4 modules will receive 16 UM semester credits
University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). 30 ECTS credits per semester is a full-time class load, and will transfer to the University of Montana as 15 credits. A minimum full time load per semester is 24 ECTS credits which will transfer as 12 UM credits.
University of Sunderland
Students at Sunderland study 4 modules per semester. Students who take 4 modules will receive 16 UM semester credits
University of Ulster
Students should take three modules per semester which constitutes as a full load.
Grade conversion
| U.K. Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent |
| First Class | A |
| Upper Second Class | A-/B+ |
| Lower Second Class | B |
| Third Class | B- |
| Pass | C |
| Fail | F |
Upper division
Classes are generally listed as 100, 200, or 300 level. Classes at the 200 or 300 level will be counted at upper division UM credits.
Other notes
The percentage ranges for each degree class vary from institution to institution. Individual modules on the transcript carry only the percentage mark.
Uruguay
Full-time credit load (undergraduate)
At Universidad Católica del Uruguay, 15 in-class contact hours is equal to one credit at The University of Montana. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class.
Grade conversion
| Uruguayan Grade | U.S./UM Equivalent | |
| 11-12 | Sobresaliente | A |
| 8-10 | Muy Bueno | A |
| 5-7 | Bueno | B |
| 3-4 | Regular/Aprobado | C |
| 0-2 | Deficiente | F |
Upper division
Upper division credit may be granted upon approval by your advisor/department chair upon your return to The University of Montana. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval.
Other notes
There is no system of credits used in Uruguay.