Since 2001 the University of Trento has been using the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which is a method that was introduced in 1989 within the Erasmus framework, to facilitate the recognition of study periods abroad and consequently to enhance the quality and volume of student mobility in Europe. Afterwards, it developed into an accumulation system to measure the students workload and their achievement of settled learning outcomes and competences. ECTS is based on the convention that 60 credits measure the workload of a full-time student during one academic year. A university credit point corresponds to 25 hours of work per student, time for personal study included.

Currently the University of Trento also issues the Diploma Supplement (DS), a document attached to a higher education diploma that describes all the academic activities of a student. This document aims at improving international "transparency" and at facilitating the academic and professional recognition of qualifications (diplomas, degrees, certificates etc.).