Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have previous study in our subject areas from an Australian University, International University, UTS College, TAFE (see below) or another higher education provider such as a college or institution you are eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

DAB has an established list of approved exemptions for several TAFE courses and UTS College known as articulated courses. The Recognition of Prior Learning tool details the articulated courses and can be used as a guide to see what RPL you may be eligible for. You must have completed a TAFE or UTS College qualification at the level specified in order to be considered for RPL.

If you have not completed an articulated TAFE course, or have a qualification from a non-articulated TAFE course, your application will be assessed on an individual basis. Time restrictions may apply surrounding the eligibility of applying for RPL.

Please note: the RPL tool is only a guide and is by no means exhaustive. The amount of credit indicated for a course may not be applicable for all majors within the course. If your search does not return any results, you may still be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning at UTS.

Currency of knowledge and skills

Subjects completed more than 5 years prior to the student's first session of study in the relevant degree from the School of Design will not be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Subjects completed more than 5 years prior to the student's first session of study in the relevant degree from the School of Built Environment, Architecture and Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) may be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Portfolios to accompany applications

Portfolios may be required to support a Recognition of Prior Learning application that has been lodged.
Portfolios will be required to establish clarity when students appeal a decision.
Portfolios are to be in the following format only:

  • Electronic (hard copy portfolio material will not be accepted).
  • 5 pages (maximum) of digital files (PDFs) and/or photographs of original work appropriate to the course.
  • 1 page written submission (150 – 200 words) that addresses equivalence of their work for subject they applying for, discussing the aims of the work. This page should have the applicant name and be the first page in the pdf document followed by the images.
  • File name for each electronic document: lastname_firstname_title.

Portfolios are not required for courses under the School of Built Environment or Institute for Public Policy and Governance.

Work experience

The School of Built Environment may consider Recognition of Prior Learning for postgraduate degrees on the basis of work experience AND supported by an underpinning relevant qualification. Applicants will need to provide a current resume, outlining the related experience, accompanied by supporting reference/s from relevant employer/s and a certified copy of any academic transcripts for any underpinning qualification/s.

The School of Architecture and the School of Design do not grant Recognition of Prior Learning on the basis of work experience.

When to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning

Local students

If you have been made an offer to study at DAB. You should apply for Recognition of Prior Learning when you accept your offer.

International students

  1. It is best to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning at the same time as applying to study at UTS for a DAB course.
  2. Complete the Recognition of Prior Learning application form and lodge it with your UTS application.

This provides the Faculty with sufficient time to assess your eligibility and means your offer letter will have the correct course duration.

How to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning

Local students

Apply by following the application process below.

International students

Apply by submitting an application at the time you lodge your application. 

Applications can be submitted in person to:

Manager, International Recruitment
UTS Building 5, Block A (CB05A)
Corner of Quay Street and Ultimo Road,
Haymarket, 2000
(Former UTS Library)
View on map

UTS International mailing address:

Manager, International Recruitment
UTS International
PO Box 123
Broadway, NSW 2007
Australia

Application forms can be found on the Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application Process

Step 1.

Some courses have pre-determined credit arrangements, while others will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

  • Use the Recognition of Prior Learning tool to find arrangements that may apply to your previous study.
  • If your Institution or Course is not listed you may still be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Step 2. 

Step 3. 

For Work Experience supporting documentation (for Built Environment postgraduate degrees only):

  • Each application will be assessed individually. Applicants will need to provide a current resume, which outlines the related experience and supporting letter from the employer, and copy of academic transcripts for any underpinning quailfication/s.

Step 4.

  • Attach all documentation to the application by uploading your completed RPL form to an AskUTS enquiry.
  • For the application to be accepted it must be accompanied by the appropriate documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to source the required documents and compile the document set.

Application Checklist

Only a complete application will be accepted and must include all of the following:

  • A completed original hard copy UTS Recognition of Prior Learning application indicating the credit sought along with providing the equivalent subject completed, and institution.
  • Include your full name, student ID and signature. (If there has been a name change, please include supporting evidence).
  • A certified copy of your testamur and academic transcript indicating the qualification previously awarded and the year in which they were awarded. These copies must indicate the grading system that was used in the previous study.
  • Copy of the Subject Outlines from the year in which the relevant subjects were undertaken. Subject Outlines must include:
    1. learning objectives
    2. details of topics covered
    3. types of assessment
    4. list of readings/textbooks used
  • Ensure that official translations of all material are included if your documentation is in a language other than English, these must all be officially certified.
  • If applying for an exemption on the basis of work experience, please attach a current resume, which outlines the related experience, and supporting letter from your employer.
  • Submit your application by the due date (Refer to Timeframes for Application).

Enquiries

For further information please call us on 1300-ASK-UTS (1300 275 887), contact us online via ASK UTS or visit the managing your course page. 

International students can seek further advice by dropping into our International Student Centre, by email international.applications@uts.edu.au or by phoning +61 2 9514 1531.

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.