If you have completed studies prior to enrolling at UNSW, you may be eligible for a credit transfer, giving you credits towards your current degree. Credit transfers are also known as 'advanced standing' or 'recognition for prior learning' (RPL). Any credit transfer or advanced standing can potentially affect your program completion date.
You can lodge an application for recognition of prior learning as part of your degree application through the new Applicant Portal. You must provide the following documents to be considered for RPL:
- An official academic transcript of your previous qualification
- Course outlines of all relevant studies completed at another institution. (See more information on course outline requirements on this website).
Failure to provide all information and documentation will delay the assessment of your application.
Assessment depends on the similarity of the courses and the institution where they were studied, compared with the available UNSW courses. There is no guarantee that credit will be awarded. Due to the constant changes in the courses at different institutions, we are unable to pre-assess any applications. The final approval for credit transfers rests with the Program Authority that offers the course.
As part of the UNSW Recognition of Prior Learning policy, students may be offered credits for courses amounting to a maximum of 50% of their degree requirements. However, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Credit can only be awarded for courses completed no more than 10 years prior.
If the course credit is given before your visa is granted, your Confirmation of Enrolment end date will reflect this. The length of your program will be reduced.
If course credit is granted after your visa is issued and results in a shorter program length, UNSW must report the change in program length to the Immigration Department. This will affect your visa expiration date.
You are required to maintain a full-time study load, even if you have been given course credit. The University will only report changes to your program duration to the Immigration Department if your program is shortened due to credit transfer or advanced standing. You would then receive a revised Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) that reflects the new length of your program.