RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that allows the experience, knowledge and skills you already possess to be recognised, regardless of how you obtained them. These might include skills you picked up on the job or from other life experiences that do not necessarily include formal training.
Transfer credit
You may be entitled to Transfer Credit if you have completed training at another Registered VET Training Organisation and have Statements of Attainment for competencies that are equivalent to Units of Competency contained within the course you are seeking Recognition in.
If there is some determination by a qualified assessor that equivalence exists against the vocational outcomes of the current program, the process is classified as RPL, not Transfer Credit.
Transfer credits are usually only given for equivalent Australian VET subjects completed satisfactorily.
International students
- Student visa holders or people who need to apply for a student visa in order to study in Australia
International students are required to be enrolled in the program before applying for RPL or Transfer Credit. The RPL/ Transfer Credit process can only begin after the student has commenced studying at Southbank Institute.
Non-student visa holders
- Holders of other types of visas such as spouse visas or working visas. Please quote the visa subclass when making enquiries
Non-student visa holders can contact our RPL Coordinator at rplcoordinator@southbank.edu.au for more information.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I apply for RPL or Transfer Credit before I start my course?
As an international student, you can only apply for RPL or Transfer Credit after you have enrolled and started your program. You have to apply for RPL or credit transfer within 5 weeks of course commencing.
If you are a non-student visa holder, you can contact our RPL Coordinator for more information.
2. Will the granting of RPL shorten the duration of my course and reduce tuition fee?
Granting of RPL might result in the shortening of the actual duration of the course or a reduction in the number of contact hours per week during the course. The revised information will be notified to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) via PRISMS. This will have an impact on the student’s visa.
There is a fee for an RPL assessment. The fee varies according to the amount of work involved in the granting of RPL. In most cases, the fee for RPL assessment is approximately the same as normal tuition fees with the possibility of some reduction in fees.
3. Will the transfer of credit shorten the duration of my course and reduce tuition fee?
Transfer Credit might result in the shortening of the actual duration of the course or a reduction in the number of contact hours per week during the course. The revised information will be notified to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) via PRISMS. This will have an impact on the student’s visa.
Transfer Credit might reduce the course tuition fee.
4. Can I apply for Transfer Credit for my VET program at Southbank Institute if I have a university degree in Australia or from overseas?
If there is some determination by a qualified assessor that equivalence exists, the process is classified as RPL, not Transfer Credit.
Transfer credits are usually only given if you have successfully completed equivalent subjects with an Australian provider in the VET sector.
5. After my course has commenced, who do I contact to apply for Transfer Credit?
Students need to contact the Course Coordinator to apply for Transfer Credit within 5 weeks of course commencing.