Recognition of prior learning supporting documents
Crafting your application for RPL
If you have previous study, workplace training or relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for course credit. The required documents for your recognition of prior learning (RPL) application depend on how you've gained your skills.
Credit for previous study
You may be eligible for credit if you've completed units, subjects or qualifications through a university, TAFE, registered training organisation (RTO) or other recognised education provider.
Supporting documents
To assess your application, you may need to provide:
- official academic transcripts
- unit or subject outlines that include learning outcomes and assessment requirements
- a grading key or explanation of results
- additional information about the unit or course, such as weekly topics, assessments or prescribed readings
- a written statement or unit mapping, if requested
- for study completed outside Australia, all documents must be provided in English.
Providing detailed information about your previous studies will help us assess whether your learning is equivalent to a Deakin unit.
Credit for work experience or professional learning
Credit may be granted based on skills and knowledge gained through:
- employment and professional practice
- industry training
- professional development programs
- volunteer or community work
- other relevant life or workplace experience.
Supporting documents
To support your application, you may need to provide:
- a current resume or CV
- position descriptions for relevant jobs
- certificates from workplace training or professional development activities
- references from employers, supervisors or clients
- examples of work you've completed, such as reports, presentations, projects or portfolios
- a written statement explaining how your experience meets the learning outcomes of the Deakin unit for which you're seeking credit.
The more evidence you can provide to demonstrate your knowledge and skills, the easier it will be for us to assess your application.
Important: If you're applying for credit based on work experience or professional learning, you'll need to identify the specific Deakin unit for which you're seeking credit.
Wondering how much credit you’ll 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.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. The documents required will depend on the type of credit you're seeking and your individual circumstances. Providing comprehensive supporting evidence will help us assess your application.
Yes. You may be eligible for credit if you've gained relevant knowledge and skills through employment, professional practice, industry training or other experience. You'll need to provide evidence showing how your learning or experience aligns with the outcomes of a specific Deakin unit.
No. RPL assessments cannot be completed before you've received a course offer. Any assessment is based on the documentation submitted with your application and applies only to the specific course and intake for which you've applied. Credit outcomes may differ for future applications, courses or intakes.
Specified credit is awarded when your previous learning is equivalent to a particular Deakin unit.
Unspecified credit is awarded when your previous learning is relevant to your course but doesn't directly align with a specific Deakin unit. This credit is usually applied towards elective requirements.
Strong applications include clear, relevant and comprehensive evidence that demonstrates your previous learning. This may include transcripts, workplace documentation, training certificates, references and examples of work that relate directly to the learning outcomes of the unit you're seeking credit for.
Contact us
Have questions about the documents you need to apply for RPL? We’re here to support you.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online
