Get credit for your previous studies and/or work experience by applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is when your previous studies and/or work experience are recognised and counted towards your degree as credit.
By accepting credit, you may:
The University may recognise prior learning by granting specific credit, non-specific credit, reduced volume of learning (RVL) or an enrolment exception request. The way in which your prior learning may be recognised will be determined by the course you enrol in at the University and the level, content and completion status of your previous studies.
Credit may affect your study load, which can affect your eligibility for government assistance such as Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy.
You need to consider student visa requirements and eligibility for future visas. If your expected course duration is decreased, we're required to notify the Department of Home Affairs.
You may be able to apply for credit for previous study if you've already completed:
Refer to the faculty handbook for more information. Your eligibility will be assessed by the faculty once you apply.
For students applying to transfer into a combined law degree after completing at least one year in a bachelor's degree, the credit policies of the Law School and its partner faculties are used when determining the amount of credit for previous studies. It may not be possible to complete combined Law within the standard course duration if you transfer after more than one year of university study.
Refer to the faculty handbook for more specific RPL information including relevant disciplines. Your eligibility will be assessed by the faculty once you apply.
For some postgraduate courses, if you have completed previous studies in a relevant area or relevant work experience, you may be eligible to reduce the length and cost of your studies through reduced volume of learning. The reduction in course length may vary based on units of study, course structure and your enrolment.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of courses and areas of study where you may be able to apply for RVL and is provided as a guide only.
For more specific information, refer to the faculty handbook, including relevant disciplines. Your eligibility will be assessed by the faculty once you apply.
Reduced volume of learning (RVL) | Eligibility criteria | Sample eligible courses |
---|---|---|
Up to 24 credit points or 1 semester, for courses with a 1.5 year duration | You may be able to reduce your course duration from 1.5 years to 1 year, if you've completed:
|
Examples of courses to which this RVL applies, subject to a successful application are:
|
Up to 24 credit points (1 semester), for courses with a 2 year duration | You may be able to reduce your course duration from 2 years to 1.5 years, if you've completed:
|
No specific courses |
Up to 48 credit points (2 semesters or 1 year) | You may be able to reduce your course duration from 2 years to 1 year in the below courses, if you've completed:
|
Courses to which this RVL applies, subject to a successful application are: |
Eligible course | Reduced volume of learning (RVL) | Eligibility criteria |
---|---|---|
Master of Commerce (Extension) and Master of Commerce | Up to 12 credit points (two foundational units of study) | You may receive this if you have:
For further information, refer to our Master of Commerce frequently asked questions (FAQs) page. |
Master of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations | Up to 12 credit points | You may receive this if you have:
For more specific information, refer to the faculty handbook. Your eligibility will be assessed by the faculty once you apply. |
Master of Management | Up to 12 credit points (two elective units of study) | You may receive this if you have:
|
Eligible course | Reduced volume of learning (RVL) | Eligibility criteria |
---|---|---|
Master of Engineering (all streams) | Up to 24 credit points or 1 semester | You may be able to reduce your course duration from 1.5 years to 1 year if:
|
Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) - all streams | Up to 48 credit points or 2 semesters | You are eligible to apply for the accelerated version of the Master of Professional Engineering, which is two years in duration instead of the three-year Master of Professional Engineering if:
|
Master of Professional Engineering (all streams) | Up to 24 credit points or 1 semester | You may be able to reduce your course duration from 3 years to 2.5 years if:
Note: If you have an equivalent of an Australian Bachelor of Engineering degree with a 65 percent average in a related discipline, apply for the relevant two-year Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) degree. |
Up to 72 credit points or 3 semesters | You may be able to reduce your course duration from 3 years to 1.5 years if:
|
|
Master of Data Science | Up to 24 credit points or 1 semester | You may be able to reduce your course duration from 1.5 years to 1 year if:
|
Master of Cybersecurity | Up to 24 credit points or 1 semester | You may be able to reduce your course duration from 1.5 years to 1 year if:
|
Master of Complex Systems | Up to 24 credit points or 1 semester | You may be able to reduce your course duration from 1.5 years to 1 year if:
|
You may be able to receive credit for all or any part of the previous higher degree candidature, if you've:
Due to the complexity of the application process, we can offer you general advice about applying, but we won’t be able to assess whether, and how, your prior learning will be recognised until you have submitted an application. Prior learning is assessed by the Student Administration Services team in conjunction with our faculties/schools.
You can apply for credit as part of your course application, or after you've accepted your offer.
The University has international articulation pathway arrangements with selected overseas universities, polytechnics and colleges – these can help fast-track your studies by providing you with credit towards your degree.
If your institution and program is included in our list, credit may be awarded as part of your application for admission. You won't need a separate application for credit.