Credit for prior study or experience

Higher education students can apply by submitting our online application form. Please read the form to check what documentation you need to upload with your application. We respond to online applications within five business days. 

You can still apply for credit once you have received your VTAC or direct offer, but you'll need to submit your application by the correct cut-off dates. 

Higher education students must submit their applications by the end of the first week of their course start date.
 

What is a Credit Transfer?

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

How many credits can I expect?

We assess your application carefully and the amount of credits granted will be based on: 

1. the type of study you have completed 
2. how many units you have completed 
3. the relevance to the course at Swinburne you are enrolling into.
    

Note: for a student to be awarded a Swinburne qualification, at least 25% of the course must be studied at Swinburne. Refer to Chapter 3 Study in Course, Part 2 Academic Credit, Item 24 Minimum studies at Swinburne for an award of the Academic Courses Regulations 2013. 

How do I apply for credit transfer? 

You can apply for credit transfer by submitting the Advanced Standing – Credit transfer form with a certified copy of either your academic transcript, statement of results, record of results or statement of attainment either in person or by post to studentHQ or by submitting an online enquiry.
 

If you're currently studying at Swinburne and want to transfer from one related course to another, we will assess and review your currently completed units and apply credits if these units are deemed equivalent and relevant for the other course. 

For example, if you're undertaking a graduate diploma and then wish to undertake a master’s degree in the same discipline, the units you completed as part of your graduate diploma will be credited towards your masters if applicable.

To apply for recognition of prior learning download the application guidelines [PDF 35KB] then submit the apply for advanced standing credits or higher education recognition of prior learning (RPL) form.  

The application guidelines specify the documents that higher education students need to submit. We will only accept original or certified documentation. We will send you an email notification once we've assessed your application.
 

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements but can include for example:  

• employment history 
• volunteering 
• unit content, resources and/or assessments completed from previous studies 
• work documents such as reports, spreadsheets, or products/samples 
• professional development 
• leadership roles in sports clubs, life experiences, coaching experiences 
• in house training programs 
• short courses 
• committees you may belong to 
• project plans 
• any other specific interests.
   

The RPL Student Information Guidelines provide further detailed information about RPL, what is involved in the RPL process, the timeframe allowed, fees and what you are required to provide. 

How many units can I gain through RPL? 

There is no limit to the number of units you can RPL within a course. 

How do I apply for RPL? 

If you are already enrolled and have commenced a unit that you think you will be able to achieve through RPL, speak with your course coordinator or senior educator. 

If you are new to Swinburne, please submit an enquiry and you will be contacted by one of our friendly staff members.