Credit for recognised learning (Advanced standing)

Did you know you can receive credit for prior learning or work experience? Find out how much credit you could receive.

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Advanced standing is also known as recognition of prior learning, credit for recognised learning and credit transfer.

You could receive credit if you have:

• already studied units (subjects) listed in your desired course
• work experience that matches the degree requirements.

If this applies to you, your previous learning may be recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended course. This means you may be exempt from doing part of the course and you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.

How to apply

You will need to apply for your desired course prior to applying for advanced standing. Your CRL application is assessed with your course application and is noted in your letter of offer. You can apply for credit for specific units within your course, or elective units if the course structure permits.

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1. A description of units you have previously studied

In Australia, an accredited unit also may be called a ‘module’, ‘subject’, ‘unit of competency’, ‘topic’ or ‘paper’. The unit outline should contain detailed information about the syllabus, learning outcomes, assessment, texts and learning experiences.

Please note: unit outlines for completed Curtin units are not required.

2. Academic transcripts

Please provide full academic transcripts that contain your unit results as well as the marking or grading key.

3. Official documents to confirm your completed study (if applicable)

If you are using your completed qualification to apply for advanced standing – such as a TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma – please also upload your Final Award Certificate confirming course completion.

4. Evidence of work and life experience

If you are applying for advanced standing based on your work and life experience you must also complete the form titled Supplement for Credit Transfer based on relevant Prior Professional (work) or Life Experience [.pdf 232kB] and include the following supporting documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Position description
• Employment confirmation: A signed official letter or statement on company letterhead from your employer or organisation confirming the dates and type of your employment.

Documents not in English

If your documents are not issued in English, an official translation from a recognised translation service must be provided.

Recognised translation services:

• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translator in Australia
• The awarding institution
• A Notary Public Office
• The official government body
• An official and accredited translator*

*Official translations are subject to review.

Advanced standing is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. To be eligible for advanced standing for Curtin units, you must demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes of those units.

Advanced standing can be assessed as part of your course application. Alternatively, you can submit an application after you have received your course offer. The outcome of your application will be communicated to you via Curtin’s Official Communication Channel, or via email if you’re an OUA student.

1. Advanced standing can be considered for successfully completed units, courses and relevant work experience you have undertaken in the previous 10 years. This time-frame may be shorter where professional accreditation standards must be met, or where there have been significant changes in your field of study.
2. Units studied at undergraduate level are not typically considered for advanced standing at postgraduate level.
3. Advanced standing will usually be considered for all Australian and overseas qualifications above Australian Qualification Framework diploma level or equivalent.
4. Certificate IV qualifications will be considered for enabling or bridging courses only.
5. You must complete either one third or 200 credits of a Curtin course.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the credit for recognised learning manual [.pdf 232kB].

Your application must be submitted by the Friday of the first week of the semester or study period.

Unit transfers between Curtin courses

If you transfer from one Curtin course to another Curtin course, any units you have already completed will be recorded on your study plan. You do not need to include these in your advanced standing application. If unit transfers do not appear on your study plan after you are notified of the advanced standing outcome, please submit an enquiry.

Explore tailored entry pathway options

The pathway finder tool can help you determine entry pathway options for your chosen course based on your current or predicted qualifications.

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Curtin University acknowledges all First Nations of this place we call Australia and recognises the many nations who have looked after Country for more than 60,000 years. We are honoured and grateful for the privilege to maintain campuses operating in Boorloo (Perth) and Karlkurla (Kalgoorlie) in Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present as Custodians and Owners of these lands. We recognise their deep knowledge and their cultural, spiritual and educational practices, and aspire to learn and teach in partnership with them. Curtin also acknowledges First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

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Domestic students

You are considered a domestic student if you are:

• a citizen of Australia or New Zealand
• a permanent resident of Australia
• an Australian Permanent Humanitarian visa holder

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