Recognition of prior learning
Be rewarded for your expertise
We value your experience and qualifications. We’ll look at your prior studies and employment history to identify skills or knowledge that can be applied as course credit. This means you get the qualification you want sooner.
What is recognition of prior learning?
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) turns your study and life experience into course credit that can reduce the duration and the cost of your course. Whether you’ve undertaken studies at another university, vocational college (TAFE) or short courses elsewhere in Australia or overseas we can assess it. We also recognise skills and knowledge gained through employment and this experience can be applied as credit for prior learning.
How much credit can I get?
The amount of credit you can get depends on whether you’re enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate course. When applying for RPL, it’s important to understand what we consider as we assess your application credit. These include:
- meeting the course entry requirements, available on the entry requirements tab on individual course pages
- the age of your qualification (maximum 10 years)
- any external accrediting association requirements
- compulsory units such as capstone, work-integrated learning or other units [PDF, 263KB] that must completed at Deakin to meet the requirements for your course
- other individual course-specific rules.
If you need help planning your course and understanding what units you must complete, visit our course maps page on the students website for help.
Below, you’ll find the maximum credit for prior learning you can receive and the minimum study you’ll need to complete at Deakin for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Type of course | Total credit points for course | Maximum credit you can receive | Minimum credit you must undertake |
|---|---|---|---|
Associate degree | 16 | 10 | 6 |
Bachelor degree (3 years) | 24 | 16 | 8 |
Bachelor degree (4 hours) | 32 | 21 | 11 |
Type of course | Total credit points for course | Maximum credit you can receive Maximum credit you can receive | Minimum credit you must undertake |
|---|---|---|---|
Graduate certificate (6 months) | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Graduate diploma (1 year) | 8 | 4 | 4 |
Masters degree (coursework) (1.5 years) | 12 | 8 | 4 |
Masters degree (coursework) (2 years) | 16 | 10 | 6 |
Calculate the credit you can receive
Use our recognition of prior learning calculator to discover what previous study you may be able to gain credit for. Please note this is indicative only and not a guarantee of RPL.
How to apply
You can apply for RPL when you apply to Deakin or even after you’ve started studying here. If your previous study or experience matches the learning outcomes for units in your course, we will award you credit for that experience.
Future students
When you apply for a course at Deakin, we’ll use your application information to assess your eligibility for RPL. If you're seeking credit for specific units, upload relevant documents with your course application to ensure your prior learning is considered.
Current degree students
If you didn’t include supporting documentation for specific units with your application, you can use the online RPL application form. You'll be prompted to upload relevant supporting documents to provide evidence of your learning outcomes.
Current research students
Research students can request RPL for coursework components after accepting their Deakin offer, as RPL is not assessed during the application stage. Learn which supporting documents you'll need and then apply using the online RPL application form.
Supporting documents
To receive credit for specific units or past experience, you will need to provide evidence that your prior learning aligns to our course outcomes. This evidence could include course or unit outlines from previous study. When applying for RPL based on work experience, you will be asked for evidence such as position descriptions and statements from employers.
When do I apply for RPL?
If you didn’t apply for RPL with your application to Deakin, make sure you apply as early as possible. Applications for units in the current teaching period should be submitted by the first day of the teaching period. If you’re already enrolled in a unit and think you’re eligible for credit, you can still apply within the first two weeks of the study period.
Frequently asked questions
No. Credit assessments are only completed after you've applied and received a course offer. Assessment is based on the documentation submitted with your application and applies only to the specific course and intake for which you've applied. If you apply for a different intake or your circumstances change, a new assessment may be required.
Use our calculator to estimate what credit you may be eligible for at Deakin. Please note, this is an indication only. If your institution or course is not appearing in the calculator, it's still possible to receive credit and you should make an application via the recognition for prior learning student portal.
Supporting documents that provide evidence of your prior learning outcomes will give you the best chance of getting as much credit as possible. Deakin offers different types of credit, with each requiring different documents that benefit your application.
You can submit an application as a new Deakin student, rather than a direct 'transfer'. Be sure to include details of all the study you have completed at your previous institutions so we can assess your eligibility to receive RPL based on the study you have completed.
International applicants should submit an RPL request with their application. Based on the documents you provide, we evaluate your overseas qualifications benchmarked against relevant Australian qualifications. We recommend speaking with an authorised agent or contact our team for more information.
You can receive credit for study at universities, TAFEs and many other qualification providers. Prior learning must have been within the past 10 years. However, to ensure currency of knowledge and skills appropriate to the discipline, some courses may have a shorter time limit.
RPL can’t be granted for study completed at the Certificate IV level or below. Postgraduate applicants cannot receive credit for undergraduate study.
RPL can’t be used for credit toward capstone projects or work-integrated learning units at Deakin.
We recommend checking with your relevant professional association to see if receiving RPL may affect your professional recognition. Note that credit may not be available for courses that require accreditation.
Contact us
Have questions about RPL or need help applying for credit? We’re here to support you.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online
