Recognition of prior learning

What is recognition of prior learning?

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) turns your study and life experience into course credit that can reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your tuition. We consider all university, TAFE and private tertiary education provider qualifications from around the world, as well as informal learning that relates to your course.

How to apply for RPL

Applying for RPL is easy at Deakin. If you’re a future student, RPL is automatically assessed with your course application. That means where you can demonstrate that you’ve achieved learning outcomes equivalent to learning outcomes in the course or units you’re applying for, you may be given RPL credit. Learning outcomes may include your previous study, as well as any relevant knowledge and experience.

Future students

When you apply for a course at Deakin, we’ll use the information in your application to assess your eligibility for RPL. When you receive your offer, your credit entitlement will be confirmed with your offer, or as soon as possible. If you want credit for specific units from a previous course, upload the supporting documents required with your course application.

Learn more about supporting documents

Current students

Simply complete the online RPL application form to apply. You'll be prompted to upload relevant supporting documents to provide evidence of your learning outcomes and give you the best chance of ensuring credit.

Apply for recognition of prior learning

Research students

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students and applicants may request RPL only for coursework components of the degree by including a written request and supporting evidence in their application. Requests for an RPL assessment for HDR students must be made by via email.

Email your RPL request

International students

Future international students can request an RPL assessment by indicating this on the international application for undergraduate or postgraduate study form. You’ll need to provide supporting documents relevant to the type of previous study or experience you’d like assessed.

Learn more about supporting documents

Understanding RPL

An introduction to understanding and applying for recognition of prior learning at Deakin.

Application criteria and deadlines

The qualifications in your application must be completed within the last 10 years. Shorter time periods apply for some courses. Please check the course, discipline or professional accreditation information or contact our Domestic Admissions or International Admissions teams. Make sure to apply for RPL as soon as you enrol in your course. Applications for units in the current teaching period must be submitted by the first day of Week 1.

Credit for Concurrent formal learning

Credit for concurrent formal learning is when credit is granted for relevant concurrent studies completed when a Deakin student is enrolled, inactive or on intermission from their Deakin course. On successful completion of these studies, students will then be eligible to apply to receive recognition of prior learning towards their award course.

Concurrent formal learning requests must be approved prior to a student undertaking these studies and needs to be approved by the relevant Faculty. To seek prior faculty approval, domestic students should contact domestic-rpl@deakin.edu.au and international students should contact deakin-int-admissions@deakin.edu.au. Learn more about supporting documents.

When applying for RPL for concurrent study, students must include evidence of faculty approval in writing with their RPL application.

How to transfer to Deakin

Are you interested in transferring to Deakin? We can recognise the units you've already completed through RPL. This will reduce your tuition and study duration by turning your previous work and study experience into credit.

Learn more about transferring to Deakin

Applications are now open

The Deakin Application Portal makes applying for your ultimate course easy. Plus, you can chat with our application experts on 1800 693 888 if you need support at any step.

Apply now

How much credit can I get?

For most courses, Deakin policy requires that at least one third of the course needs to be completed at Deakin in the current course. Where this is not the case, the credit limit is detailed in the following table or in course, discipline or professional accreditation information. Please remember limitations do apply and are dependent on the requirements of external accrediting associations.

Type of course	Maximum credit you can receive	Minimum credit you must undertake
Associate degree (16 credit points)	10 credit points	6 credit points
3-year bachelor degree (24 credit points)	16 credit points	8 credit points
4-year bachelor degree (32 credit points)	21 credit points	11 credit points
Graduate certificate (4 credit points)	2 credit points	2 credit points
Graduate diploma (8 credit points)	4 credit points	4 credit points
Masters degree (coursework) (12 credit points)	8 credit points	4 credit points
Masters degree (coursework) (16 credit points)	10 credit points	6 credit points

^{This table is a guide only and credit limitations are subject to course rules.}

The total credit given can include combinations of specified and unspecified credit for individual units and block credit.

When deciding how much credit is appropriate and the level of learning that should be demonstrated, our assessors need to ensure that the integrity of the course is maintained and that your studies aren’t disadvantaged. You’ll still need to successfully complete sufficient units at the appropriate AQF level to demonstrate achievement of the course learning outcomes.

Recognition of prior learning calculator

Use the calculator below to discover what you may be able to gain credit for. Please note you may need to disable Chrome Autofill to be able to select from the Check your country field.

Check your country: ^*

If your country isn't listed here, it means that we don't have any current information available for institutions/qualifications from that country. You may still receive credit for previous study, and we will review your study history at the point of admission. Please contact us directly to learn if you qualify.
Check your institution: ^*

If your institution isn't displayed, it means that we don't have any current information available for that institution. You may still receive credit for previous study, and we will review your study history at the point of admission. Please contact us directly to learn if you qualify.
Check your course, degree or qualification:

Credit arrangements have been established for the following courses. If your course isn't displayed, please check your units below to find any specific matches.
Check specific units:

Check your previously completed units against our credit database. Please note that credit isn't granted for 'fail', 'pass conceded' or equivalent grades. To check, enter the unit code or unit name. You can enter as many units as you like by selecting 'add another unit'.

Other factors to keep in mind

Deakin will provide credit for overseas qualifications when they're benchmarked against relevant Australian qualifications.
Centrelink benefits may be affected if your study load becomes part time. Speak to a student adviser about maintaining a full-time load.
Check with your relevant professional association to see if receiving RPL may affect your recognition (and note that credit may not be available for courses that require accreditation).
Even if you're eligible for RPL, you'll still need to meet the entry requirements for the course you're applying for.
RPL will not be awarded for Certificate IV qualifications.
Postgraduate students are not eligible for credit for undergraduate units.
RPL will only be granted for 50% of a major/minor/specialisation – the remainder of the major/minor/specialisation needs to be completed at Deakin in the current degree.
RPL will not be granted for capstone, work-integrated placements or other units as determined by the teaching faculty. Please read Deakin's recognition of prior learning policy for more information.

Got a question but can't find the answer?

Unsure where to start? Find out what type of applicant you are and what type of course is right for you. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get about applying to Deakin:

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Do you offer any guaranteed recognition of prior learning (RPL)?

We can only confirm your RPL once you have submitted an application. If you're an international student you can request an RPL assessment on your international application for undergraduate and postgraduate study form. We assess all applications individually and consider your previous course structure, credit weightings, in-depth unit assessments and learning outcomes.