When you're looking at a career change to a new discipline or upskilling an existing qualification, it's possible you'll encounter subjects or courses that you've successfully completed in the past.
Credit for Prior Study means you can apply for credit to skip those subjects the second time around, saving both time and money to complete your new degree.
Here, we will explain how the system works at RMIT, whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate or Vocational Education (TAFE) student.
Credit for Prior Study is for previous studies at RMIT or other tertiary institutions, either in Australia or overseas.
It’s either for new RMIT students who have completed the same course (or course units) at another institution, or for RMIT students who have completed one or more RMIT subjects/course units and are enrolling into another RMIT course that features the same subjects.
If you are enrolling in a course which includes subjects that are a like-for-like match to subjects that you have studied in the past then, once you have enrolled, you can apply for a reduction in the number of credits required to complete your new degree, meaning that you wont need to study the same subject again, which will save you both time and money.
To be considered for credit for your prior study, you must be a current or incoming student in an RMIT course.
Your previous study must:
Credit may be granted from completed qualifications such as diplomas and bachelor’s degrees, or incomplete qualifications, if individual subjects match.
International students need to be aware that credit will reduce the time to complete your degree.
To apply, you’ll need to provide an official academic transcript* showing the subject(s) completed, final results, institution name and a detailed course or subject outline that includes:
This will allow the assessor to compare what you have previously studied to what is expected in the comparable subjects and make a determination about your eligibility for credit.
*Please note: Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Let’s have a closer look at how it works, step by step:
First you need to apply for your preferred course. If you meet the entry requirements and are successful, you will receive an offer.
Once you accept your offer you will receive the enrolment details for your course, including your student number.
As soon as you receive the enrolment details, you will be able to log into the to the RMIT Connect Service Catalogue and access the credit and RPL application page.
Complete the Credit and RPL Application form online and remember to attach all the required documents (outlined above).
Your application will be reviewed. If we need more information from you, we will be in touch.
Your application is then sent to the academic assessor who will assess your application.
You'll receive a notification of the outcome of your credit application via the system.
You’ll need to review the outcome. If your application is successful, you’ll need to accept the credit. This is a very important step as otherwise your credit will not be processed.
Once accepted through the system, the credit transfer team will process your credit.
First you need to apply for your preferred course. If you meet the entry requirements and are successful, you will receive an offer.
Once you accept your offer, you'll receive the enrolment details for your course, including your student number.
As soon as you receive the enrolment details, you will be able to log into the to the RMIT Connect Service Catalogue and access the credit and RPL application page.
Complete the Credit and RPL Application form online. Remember to attach all of your relevant documentation (outlined above).
Your application will be reviewed. If we need more information from you, we will be in touch.
Your application is then sent to the academic assessor who will assess your application.
You'll receive a notification of the outcome of your credit application which can take up to 2 weeks.
In every case, we will assess your prior experience using the following criteria:
RMIT offers credit to eligible students which can reduce the duration and cost of your degree
Masters Advanced Standing (MAS) is a specific form of Credit for Prior Study, for masters by coursework students. It’s based on tertiary study and industry experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is for non-study-based learning formats, as well as skills and knowledge gained during employment, professional development or life experience.
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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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