Credit for previous study or work experience
You may be able to complete your degree in a shorter amount of time. At Curtin we grant credit for units within your course, based on your previous study or work experience. It's called recognition of prior learning (RPL).
RPL is awarded to all types of students, for all types of study or work experience, including:
- TAFE qualifications
- Degrees from tertiary institutions
- Units/subjects at a tertiary institution
- Relevant work experience.
Use the RPL search below to find out what credit you might be eligible for:
Use this search if you have studied at another tertiary institution (e.g. TAFE or another university) and want to find out the RPL you may receive at Curtin.
Use the RPL search now
About the different types
General/elective credit
General/elective credit may be granted for prior learning, knowledge, skills or work experience to reduce the credits required to complete a course. It is applied only to a structured course and is usually granted for studies or work completed external to Curtin. This type of credit is expressed as a total amount of credit.
Unit exemption
Unit exemption may be granted on the basis of equivalent study completed in a course either at Curtin or another institution, or on the basis of practical experience. This is granted against a specific unit and will appear on your plan and academic record as exempt.
Credit/unit transfer (or automatic credit)
Credit/unit transfer refers to the transfer of identical units from one Curtin course to another Curtin course. These units will be automatically recorded on your study plan as credited (if they are the same unit number and version).
For further information about the arrangements, please contact your Student Services Office.
Designated
This is similar to unit exemption but is granted for completion of Curtin units provided by our business partners (e.g. Curtin International College and Canning College). The units will appear as designated on your academic record and its credit amount, grade and mark are recorded against the unit.
How to apply
To apply, you need to lodge your completed RPL application, along with the necessary documentation, at the time of applying to Curtin.
If you are unable to apply for RPL when submitting your course application, you should submit the forms prior to enrolment into your course of study.
Complete the RPL application form
Print out and complete the following application form. If you have any questions, contact the relevant Faculty Student Services Office.
Attach necessary documentation (proof of your prior learning)
For an outline of the documentation requirements please refer to the Supporting Documentation Guidelines on the application form. Ensure that any certified documents you attach conform to the University Admission Centre Certification Guidelines [.pdf - 41 kB]
Submit your application to your Faculty Student Services Office
We endeavour to process Applications for Admission and RPL Applications within ten working days. A longer period may be required where full RPL assessment is required, particularly at peak admission and enrolment times.
Note: If you are a current student seeking RPL for a unit in which you're currently enrolled, you must lodge your application for unit exemptions at least two weeks before the teaching census date for the study period you are enrolled. If your application is not submitted, processed and approved by the census date you will be liable for the cost of those units.
Important notes before you apply:
- Curtin's faculties offer RPL to students who have successfully completed courses at other universities and colleges. The information in the RPL Search is a guide only and can be subject to change according to changes in curriculum at the institution noted.
- Not all forms of RPL are applicable to all programs offered. For example, where there are no electives in a major, no electives can be granted, or if equivalent studies have not been undertaken at the prior institute exemptions cannot be granted.
- Qualifications or institutions not included in the RPL search are assessed individually. Applicants are asked to provide relevant documentation (complete unit outlines and academic transcripts) for assessment.
Special notes for Curtin Business School applicants:
- RPL shall not be granted on the basis of a qualification that is more than seven years old, unless the applicant can demonstrate that they have maintained the competencies and/or knowledge and/or skills inherent in the qualification being recognised.
- Accounting majors: Unless specified, the RPL noted in the RPL search may not apply to Accounting majors. The School of Accounting advises that by granting RPL from particular units, graduates are not guaranteed that all requirements of CPA Australia or other professional bodies will be met. Where an applicant produces awards containing exemptions for prior qualifications, the School of Accounting will have to determine RPL for our degree on a case by case basis in line with CPA requirements.
