⏱️ Study Hours Calculator
A credit (EC or ECTS) officially represents a fixed amount of study time, including lectures, self-study and exams. With that figure you can calculate how many hours per week a course realistically demands, so you avoid under- or overestimating your week.
Study hours per week
42 uur
Total study load
840 uur
Total load: credits × hours per credit: 30 × 28 = 840 uur
Spread across the weeks: 840 ÷ 20 = 42 uur/week
Formula
Study hours/week = (credits × hours per credit) ÷ number of weeks
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) assumes 25 to 30 study hours per credit; in the Netherlands 28 hours per EC is commonly used. Multiply your credits by this figure for the total study load, then divide by the number of weeks for the weekly load.
Steps
- 1Enter the number of credits (EC) for the course, block or semester.
- 2Choose the hours per credit (typically 25 to 30; often 28 in the Netherlands).
- 3Enter the number of weeks and read off the total and weekly study load instantly.
Credits converted to hours (at 28 hours per EC, 20 weeks)
| Credits | Total hours | Hours per week |
|---|---|---|
| 5 EC | 140 | 7 |
| 10 EC | 280 | 14 |
| 15 EC | 420 | 21 |
| 30 EC | 840 | 42 |
| 60 EC | 1,680 | 84 |
Based on 28 hours per EC spread over 20 weeks; adjust with the calculator above for your own situation.
commonMistakes
- Only counting lecture time and forgetting self-study, while the credit covers the entire study load.
- Using an hours-per-credit value that does not match your country or institution, when it can range from 25 to 30.
- Confusing the total study load with the weekly load, and forgetting to divide by the number of weeks.
useCases
- Planning your study week at the start of a semester.
- Comparing the study load of different courses before choosing.
- Estimating whether a study programme can be combined with a part-time job.