What is RPL?
RPL turns your study and life experience into course credit – credit that can reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your tuition.
We consider all university, TAFE and private tertiary education provider qualifications from around the world, as well as informal learning that relates to your course.
How to apply for RPL
Applying for RPL is easy at Deakin. If you’re a future student, RPL will automatically be assessed with your course application.
That means where you can demonstrates that you’ve achieved learning outcomes equivalent to learning outcomes in the course or units you’re applying for, you’ll be given RPL credit. Learning outcomes may include your previous study, and relevant knowledge and experience.
Future students
When you apply for a course at Deakin, we’ll use the information provided in your application to assess your eligibility for RPL – no further action is required.
What if I want credit for specific units?
To apply for credit for specific units from a previous course, simply upload the information and supporting documents required with your course application.
What happens next?
If you receive an offer for a course at Deakin, your credit entitlement will be confirmed with your offer, or as soon as possible.
Current Deakin students
Simply complete the online RPL application form to apply. While applying, you'll be prompted to upload relevant supporting documents.
International students
Future international students can request an RPL assessment by indicating this on the international application for undergraduate or postgraduate study form.
Learn more about the documents required to support your RPL application
Application time limitations and deadlines
Your application will be assessed if your qualifications were completed within the last 10 years. Shorter time periods apply for some courses. Please check course, discipline or professional accreditation information or contact our Domestic Admissions team.
If you’re seeking RPL after enrolling in your course, please apply as soon as possible. RPL applications that apply to units in the current teaching period must be submitted by the first day of Week 1.
Supporting documents for your RPL application
When you apply, you’ll need to provide supporting documents relevant to the type of previous study or experience you’d like assessed. Supporting documents like transcripts, a reference from an employer and statements (where appropriate) give your application the best chance of success.
Learn more about the documents required to support your RPL application
Transferring to Deakin from another education provider
Has your study experience fallen short of where you thought it would be? Transfer to Deakin to discover why our students are the most satisfied university students in Victoria*. Plus, we can recognise the units you've already completed through RPL.
Applications are now open
Apply via the Deakin Applicant Portal to start in November or March. If you're currently in Year 12, applications are now open via VTAC for Trimester 1, 2023. Plus, you can chat with our application experts on 1800 693 888 if you need support at any step.
How much credit can I get?
For most courses, Deakin policy requires that at least one third of the course needs to be completed at Deakin in the current course. Where this is not the case, the credit limit is detailed in the following table or in course, discipline or professional accreditation information. Please remember limitations do apply and are dependent on the requirements of external accrediting associations.
| Type of course | Maximum credit you can receive | Minimum credit you must undertake |
|---|---|---|
| Associate degree (16 credit points) | 10 credit points | 6 credit points |
| 3-year bachelor degree (24 credit points) | 16 credit points | 8 credit points |
| 4-year bachelor degree (32 credit points) | 21 credit points | 11 credit points |
| Graduate certificate (4 credit points) | 2 credit points | 2 credit points |
| Graduate diploma (8 credit points) | 4 credit points | 4 credit points |
| Masters degree (coursework) (12 credit points) | 8 credit points | 4 credit points |
| Masters degree (coursework) (16 credit points) | 10 credit points | 6 credit points |
This table is a guide only and credit limitations are subject to course rules.
The total credit given can include combinations of specified and unspecified credit for individual units and block credit.
When deciding how much credit is appropriate and the level of learning that should be demonstrated, our assessors need to ensure that the integrity of the course is maintained and that your studies aren’t disadvantaged. You’ll still need to successfully complete sufficient units at the appropriate AQF level to demonstrate achievement of the course learning outcomes.
RPL calculator
Use the calculator below to discover what you may be able to gain credit for. Please note you may need to disable Chrome Autofill to be able to select from the Check your country field.
Other factors to keep in mind
- Deakin will provide credit for overseas qualifications when they're benchmarked against relevant Australian qualifications.
- Centrelink benefits may be affected if your study load becomes part time. Speak to a student adviser about maintaining a full-time load.
- Check with your relevant professional association to see if receiving RPL may affect your recognition (and note that credit may not be available for courses that require accreditation).
- Even if you're eligible for RPL, you'll still need to meet the entry requirements for the course you're applying for.
- RPL will not be awarded for Certificate IV qualifications.
- Post graduate students are not eligible for credit for undergraduate units.
- RPL will only be granted for 50% of a major/specialisation – the remainder of the major/specialisation needs to be completed at Deakin in the current degree.
- RPL will not be granted for capstone, work integrated placements or other units as determined by the teaching faculty. Please read Deakin's recognition of prior learning policy for more information
Understanding RPL
An introduction to understanding and applying for recognition of prior learning at Deakin University.
Deakin Webinar Series: How to apply for recognition of prior learning
Find out how to apply for RPL and how you can use it to fast track your degree and reduce your tuition fees.
Footnotes
*Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2019 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)