Recognition of prior learning

 

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) was previously known as credit recognition.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) acknowledges the skills and knowledge that you’ll bring to your studies at UTS through previous education or employment experience. Formerly known as credit recognition, recognition of prior learning is still sometimes referred to as this, as well as advanced standing. 

If you receive a UTS offer of enrolment, and you've undertaken previous studies at another institution, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning. UTS doesn't determine recognition of prior learning until an offer of enrolment is accepted.

For more information please call 1300 275 887, or send an enquiry online. 

Assessment of prior learning

To be granted recognition of prior learning, your previous education or employment must be assessed as being equivalent to the UTS subject outlined in the Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedures. This assessment will take into account each of the following:

  • currency of knowledge
  • relevance of your previous learning 
  • learning outcomes 
  • volume of learning 
  • content of study, and 
  • learning and assessment approaches of your previous learning.

Prior learning can be recognised only once in any individual UTS course. This means that prior learning considered as equivalent to a specific UTS subject(s) or other course component, can’t be recognised again for another subject or course component in that course. Prior learning may also be recognised through a process of subject substitution, where a student doesn’t have to complete a subject and an alternative subject(s) of equivalent credit point value is added to their study plan.

Process and types of prior learning 

Recognition of prior learning can be determined by:

  • Articulation: via established agreements outlined in the Recognition of prior learning tool, which details arrangements for recognition of prior learning with external tertiary institutions, or 
  • Case by case recognition of prior learning following the submission of a recognition of prior learning application and assessment of previous education or employment.

Recognition of prior learning may be granted as either specified credit, or unspecified credit:

  • specified credit (also known as subject exemption): where the prior learning is considered equivalent to a specific UTS subject 
  • unspecified credit (also known as unspecified elective/general advanced standing): where the prior learning is not considered equivalent to a specific UTS subject. Unspecified credit may be approved to count towards an elective component of a UTS course.

Timeframe for applications

Domestic applicants

If you’re a domestic student, your application for recognition of prior learning should be made after you receive a course offer, prior to your initial enrolment. Applications are processed with the recognition of prior learning being approved on enrolment, or at the latest, before the end of the second week of the session to allow for any adjustments to your study plan.

For late UAC offers, applications for recognition of prior learning should be submitted at the time of your enrolment or as soon as possible after enrolment, but no later than one week after the start of the teaching session.

International applicants

If you’re an international student, you'll need to consider the impact of recognition of prior learning on your overall course duration, and the requirements of your student visa. Application for recognition of prior learning must be made at the point of applying for your UTS course.

We'll endeavour to process the application prior to issuing your Letter of Offer. If the duration of the UTS course changes due to recognition of prior learning, the Letter of Offer will state the revised duration of the course. The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued to you for the purpose of obtaining a student visa, will also reflect the revised duration of the course. Where sufficient information is not available to assess an application at the point of offer, recognition may be approved after the offer is issued. 

Applications for recognition of prior learning made after the first session of study will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and must be supported by a written statement. The statement must include full disclosure of any previous applications and reasons why subsequent applications should be considered.

How to apply for recognition of prior learning


Step 1: 
Start by researching potential recognition of prior learning through faculty websites (specific guidelines and requirements including recognition limits or published precedents) and the Recognition of prior learning tool for pre-determined recognition of prior learning arrangements.  A list of faculty websites is provided below to assist you: 

Step 2: 
Research and compare UTS subjects with our previous study content and learning outcomes. 

Step 3: 
Complete the Application for recognition of prior learning (PDF, 404kB).

Step 4: 
Provide a verifiable myEquals link or attach your certified official academic records (transcripts) and qualifications, along with any documentary evidence that may support your application. This includes, but is not limited to 

  • Official subject outlines - must include topics covered, class hours, type of assessment, textbooks used and note the year in which the relevant subjects were completed.  

Some Faculties may also request a:

  • Comparison table - must match the details of the completed previous study with the details of the UTS subject for which recognition is being sought (subject learning objectives, content and assessment).
  • Portfolio - must showcase previous work like design or multimedia projects, drawing or photography.

Step 5:
Please submit you application by uploading your completed RPL form and any supporting documents to an AskUTS enquiry.

Note: Any recognition of prior learning granted may not meet the accreditation requirements of professional bodies and organisations. Please seek advice from the accreditation body on whether the basis for the awarding of prior learning still meets their requirements.

Supporting documentation

Official academic record (transcript)

Your official academic record (transcript) must be certified and sighted as a true copy of the original by one of the authorised offices:

Documents not in English

Any documents that aren’t in English must be officially translated and submitted together with certified copies of supporting documents. Officers authorised to translate official documents into English include:

  • NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators & Interpreters) accredited translators (opens an external site)
  • a translator from a reputable translation company in your home country - please note that the translated documents must have an official (translation) seal and be signed by the translator
  • an official translation from the institution that issued the document
  • UTS registered student recruitment agents.

Comparison table

The comparison table must outline the subject match between the prior learning, e.g. completed subjects/units of study and the UTS subject(s) for which recognition is being sought. UTS subject details can be found in UTS Handbook.

UTS SUBJECT NUMBER AND NAMEPRior learning INSTITUTION SUBJECT NUMBER AND NAME
List of subject learning objectivesMatch the relevant previous study objectives to UTS subject learning objectives and provide a detailed statement of achieved learning outcomes 
List of subject contentMatch the relevant previous subject content to UTS subject content and explain the similarities between individual topics
List of subject assessmentsMatch the relevant previous assessment items to UTS subject assessments and show how they are similar 

Recognition of prior learning based on employment should compare a UTS subject's learning objectives with your competencies. It must also demonstrate your understanding of the UTS subject content.

Please note: All documents submitted with recognition of prior learning application become the property of UTS.

Transferring UTS students

If you've applied for an internal course transfer by submitting an online application form via My Student Admin, then your previously completed subjects including recognition of prior learning will be automatically transferred into your new course. 

If you've applied for a new course via UAC or by submitting a direct application, then you'll need to a request a recognition of prior learning assessment after your offer release. 

Please note that you may not be able to use all of your previous credit in your new degree, as the new course may have a different course structure. 

Advice to applicants

You will be officially notified in writing via your UTS webmail account of the outcome of your recognition of prior learning applications.

The timeframe for a recognition of prior learning assessment may vary, depending on the complexity of the assessment of your prior learning or previous qualifications. However, we aim to contact you regarding your assessment within four to six weeks of submitting your application.  

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) decisions

All RPL decisions are final as per 4.49 of the Admissions and RPL Policy and decisions regarding RPL cannot be appealed. RPL decisions are based on, or form the basis of, precedent decisions, which are recorded in the university’s precedent database and applied equally to all students who submit an application for RPL.

If you are dissatisfied with the university’s approach to recognising prior learning you can submit a complaint to the Student Complaints Resolution Office. This Office will attempt to offer you a resolution to your concerns but cannot offer you a different outcome to that set out in this letter. Alternatively, the Student Ombud is a separate avenue of review that can examine whether the university has followed rules, policies and procedures in a fair and proper manner.

Cancellation of recognition of prior learning

If you wish to rescind a recognition of prior learning that has already been approved, submit an eRequest and a reason for the cancellation. Your request will be assessed in relation to your course structure and course progression.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.