NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

Courses may run for a year, for semesters (two per academic year) or both. The institution itself decides which type is more
convenient for its courses of study. Examinations take place at the end of the semester (for semestral subjects) or at the end of
the year (for annual subjects).
The structure of the curriculum is the responsibility of the institution. Courses may be structured on a traditional basis
(academic years or semesters) or on credit units. A course organised in credit units may be easily updated because institutions
are allowed to modify the curricula every year.
The main components of a curriculum in credit units are: (i) the definition of the main subject; (ii) the listing of the
compulsory scientific subjects and their corresponding credit units; (iii) the listing of the optional subjects and their
corresponding credit units; (iv) the length of the course, in academic years; (v) the total number of credit units required for the
completion of the course. Each credit unit corresponds to 15 hours of theoretical lectures or to 40 hours of practical lectures or
to 22 hours of theoretical-practical lectures or to 30 hours of practical training or seminars.
Assessment of knowledge
Every higher education institution has the authority to lay down the
general rules governing the assessment of knowledge within the overall parameters legally established at national level. They
may opt for either continuous assessment or a final examination, or a mixture of both. Assessment takes place throughout the
course of study in each subject of the syllabus. For instance, a student who is enrolled for five subjects during the first year of
a course will have to undergo at the end of that year five examinations/continuous assessments (one for each separate subject).
In each academic year, students can take examinations at two different periods. A first period (normal) and a second period
(resit). In the latter period (September/October), the student may only take two examinations. Under certain conditions, any
higher education institution may grant a student total or partial exemption from the final examination. This applies to both
public and private institutions.
Results/final grading
The result achieved in a subject, whether through continuous assessment or in an examination, is expressed along a scale from
0 to 20 marks. A pass requires at least 10 marks.
The final grading of a course is shown on the relevant diploma or degree certificate (except on the certificate for a degree of
mestre or doutor) along a scale of 0 to 20 marks (at least 10 marks are required for a pass).
A result, instead of a number, may be entered on diplomas or degree certificates, with the following equivalences:
10 to 13 marks: Adequate
14 to 15 marks: Good
16 to 17 marks: Good with distinction
18 to 19 marks: Very good with distinction
20 marks: Magna cum laude