Step 10: Complete Your Semester Successfully
Credit transfer normally depends on successful completion of the agreed academic work.
So while you are enjoying your exchange experience, remember that you’re still completing part of your degree.
Attend classes.
Complete assignments.
Take examinations.
Follow academic rules.
And keep track of your academic progress.
The goal is not simply to travel to another country.
You are there to earn academic credit that contributes to your degree.
Step 11: Obtain Your Transcript of Records
After completing your semester, the host university should provide an official record of your results.
This is commonly known as a Transcript of Records.
It typically contains information such as:
* Courses completed
* Credits earned
* Grades received
Erasmus+ explains that the receiving institution provides a transcript confirming completion and results, which is then used by the sending institution for recognition.
So, Don’t leave without understanding how and when your transcript will be sent.
Some universities send it directly to your home institution.
Others may provide it to you electronically or through a student portal.
Step 12: Confirm the Credits Have Been Recorded
Once your home university receives the transcript, then check your academic record.
Don’t assume that everything has been processed correctly.
Confirm:
- Courses are listed
- Credits are recorded
- Grades are recorded or converted according to policy
- Electives are correctly classified
- Required courses are properly recognized
If something is missing, contact the relevant academic or international office promptly.
Under Erasmus+ rules, successfully completed credits agreed in the Learning Agreement are to be recognized by the sending institution according to the applicable recognition framework.
Understanding Credit Transfer and Grade Conversion
One thing students sometimes misunderstand is the difference between credit recognition and grade conversion.
Your university may recognize that you completed a course and award the appropriate credits without converting the foreign grade in exactly the same way as the host university’s grading scale.
Different countries use different grading systems.
For example, one university may use percentages, another letters and another a numerical scale.
Erasmus+ provides guidance for transparent grade conversion and recognizes that grading systems differ between countries and institutions.
Before leaving, ask:
“Will my grades from the host university appear on my home transcript, and how will they be converted?”
That question is particularly important if your GPA matters for graduation, scholarships or postgraduate applications.
How to Avoid Losing Credits During Your Exchange
Here is a simple checklist:
Before departure⇔During exchange⇔After exchange
Choose approved courses⇒Attend classes⇒Obtain transcript
Get written credit approval⇒Save course documents⇒Submit transcript
Sign Learning Agreement⇒Get approval for changes⇒Check academic record
Confirm credit conversion⇒Complete assessments⇒Confirm credits
Check graduation requirements⇒Keep evidence⇒Resolve discrepancies
If you follow this process carefully, you reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises after returning home.