In actual fact, transfer implies accumulation. It is possible, and indeed logical, to apply ECTS to all educational programmes and not just to the parts that are currently offered in the ECTS framework for the purposes of international credit transfer.
Credits allow bridges and links to be built between different modes and types of education.
They help create multiple entry and exit points essential for lifelong learning. It will facilitate regional, national and international mobility. It also aids the recognition of the whole qualification thereby making it more portable and mobile. A major benefit of this system is that it includes credit transfer and credit accumulation and is available to all students - not just those on exchange programmes. It facilitates collaboration between European institutions e.g. the development of joint curricula, etc.