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Credit/Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Students may seek to shorten the length of the course by seeking

To apply for Credit and RPL, please download the credit application form from the Service Centre forms web page. This form includes information on where you should submit it..

Credit for Prior Academic Work

Academic work includes:

  • university studies taken on award (within a degree program) or non-award (outside a degree program) basis (including enhancement studies)
  • TAFE advanced certificates and associate diplomas
  • Open University studies

Formal credit transfer is normally granted at the time of enrolment or shortly thereafter. The documentation provided with the student's application is the basis for assessing credit. However, it is in the student's interest to provide additional information, for example unit syllabus details.

The principal criteria used in determining credit are the standard and content of previous studies, the results achieved, and their relevance to the course. Credit will not normally be granted for studies completed more than 10 years ago.

Applications for credit received later than three months after a student has commenced the course will not be considered.

Each faculty has procedures to enable students to appeal formally against any credit transfer determination they feel is unfair or appropriate. For information on possible credit transfer, or appeal procedures, students should contact the Faculty in which their course is based. For faculty contact information, see the Monash Faculty site.

Relevant Policy

Monash University Credit transfer policy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The University has endorsed the recognition of prior learning by granting credit for:

  • learning acquired in a 'credentialed context', other than a university or TAFE, such as a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other provider recognised by the university
  • learning acquired in an 'uncredentialed context', such as through work or life experience.

Procedures for Assessment of RPL

Prospective students should determine from the relevant faculty what forms and sources of prior learning the faculty is prepared to consider when assessing entitlement to credit in a university course. Following this, the applicant should:

  • obtain from the relevant faculty information regarding the types of learning that may be recognised and the ways in which this learning will be assessed, including any associated costs.
  • an application form should be completed detailing the applicant's prior experiences and how these relate to the units for which credit is sought. All relevant details, for example references, course details should be included at this stage.
  • the application for credit should then be discussed with a designated RPL adviser (usually the faculty registrar in the first instance) who will provide counselling as to the probability of success of the application.

The university will endeavour to complete the RPL assessment prior to the commencement of the semester for which the credit is sought.

Relevant Policy

Monash University Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Types of Credit

  • Specified credit or exemption from individual units: The student is exempted from having to study that unit within the current course.
  • Block credit from the course or advanced standing: The student is granted credit for a 'block' period such as a semester or a year and is able to enter the course at an advanced level based on previous study.
  • Unspecified credit or exemption from elective units: The student is granted credit for a unit that does not match any of the core units within the course.
  • Exemption without credit or substitution: The student is exempted from having to study a particular unit (based on prior study), but is required to study another unit in its place.