Credit or Advanced Standing for Higher Education Students

If you have undertaken study in the last ten years, or relevant in-formal or non-formal learning, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. Please note that some courses have reduced timeframes within which prior study remains eligible for credit. Full details on the requirements for each course can be found in the CQUni Handbook.

International students can apply for a credit pre-assessment through iStart, our easy to use online application system for international students. For more information please visit the International Credit Transfers page.

Commencing Student

How you submit a credit application will be based on the method by which you apply for admission within CQUniversity. The table below provides a summary of the credit application method.

Please submit only one credit application for your nominated course.

1. Direct Entry (ApplyOnline)

VET Applications:

If you are applying for direct admission into a VET course, you will have the ability to submit a credit application along with your admissions application. The credit application form will be displayed on the educational background screen.

Higher Education (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)

If you are applying for direct admission into a Higher Education (Undergraduate or Postgraduate) course, you can submit a credit application with your admission application. The credit application will display depending on the commenced and completed qualification recorded in the educational background screen.

For more information on the how to submit a credit application using the direct entry method please refer to the “Credit Transfer Application Information sheet”.

The Credit Transfer Section will display* when there may be credit exceptions to a particular course. Examples listed below:

VET Credit Application will * display when:

• Highest commenced and/or completed qualification is a Certificate/Diploma.

Higher Education Undergraduate Credit Application will display * when:

• Highest commenced qualification is a Bachelor or above and is completed in the last 10 years
• Highest completed qualification is a Diploma or above and is completed in the last 10 years

Higher Education Postgraduate Credit Application will display * when:

• Highest commenced qualification is a Postgraduate or above and is completed in the last 10 years
• Highest completed qualification is a Graduate Certificate or above and is completed in the last 10 years

2.Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)

Refer to ‘Current Students’ information below.

3. International

International students can apply for a credit pre-assessment through iStart, our easy to use online application system for international students. For more information please visit the International Credit Transfers page.

Current Students

Internal Credit Transfer (Previous Study at CQUniversity)

If you are a current or previous CQUniversity student, please submit a Credit Application Form for the units you previously studied that you would like assessed towards your course.

Students can perform a credit precedent search in the Credit Calculator. The search results will show you the relevant CQUniversity units that are equivalent to other CQUniversity units. Apply for credit using the Credit Application Form.

Where no equivalencies are listed, students should submit a Credit Application Form listing the unit/s they would like to receive credit for.

Please note students are not required to submit documentation for CQUniversity internal credit transfers, unless specifically requested by the Academic Pathways Team.

Credit Transfer from other Institutions

Where students have completed study at another institution, they may be eligible to receive credit. A search of the Credit Calculator will show approved precedents that match external study to CQUniversity units.

If the search does not return any results, students may submit a Credit Application Form. Students are to list completed unit/s from their previous institution for assessment towards CQUniversity unit/s.

Apply for credit using the Credit Application Form.

Students in Engineering and Information Technology, Aviation, Built Environment, and the CL39 Master of Business Administration (Leadership) courses are required to complete the relevant Credit for Prior Learning kit. These kits will assist complete your application and outline additional documentation required.

• Credit for Prior Learning Kit Built Environment & Design
• Credit for Prior Learning Kit Engineering & IT
• Credit for Prior Learning Kit Aviation
• Credit for Prior Learning Kit MBA (Leadership)

All supporting documentation must be received before your application will be assessed. It is the student’s responsibility to provide this documentation. CQUniversity is not responsible for contacting other institutions or organisations on your behalf. Please refer to the Credit Calculator FAQ's page for further information.

Credit for most degree-level courses are only granted for qualifications at diploma-level or higher, Students should refer to the Handbook for further details.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

RPL as defined by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a process that involves the assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the outcome of an individual application for credit (or exemption).

RPL may apply where a student can show evidence, they have the skills and knowledge matching the learning outcomes and volume of learning of a particular unit.

You may apply for recognition of prior learning you have completed, either through formal study or through informal and non-formal methods, such as life experience, work experience or on-the-job training.

Students applying for RPL should read the RPL Guidelines Kit. This document will assist you to complete your application and outline additional documentation required.

• RPL Guidelines Kit

Please submit your completed mapping sheet (Appendix A of the RPL kit) with your supporting documentation through the Credit Application Form.

Note: Not all courses allow for RPL, please contact the Academic Pathways Team to check eligibility.

Credit applications should be submitted at least four (4) weeks before the relevant term commences, please refer to CQUniversity Academic Calendar for key dates.

Applications must be complete with all supporting documentation to be assessed. It is the student’s responsibility to provide this documentation. CQUniversity is not responsible for obtaining documents from other institutions, organisations or individuals.

Applications submitted less than four (4) weeks before term commencement will be assessed, however CQUniversity cannot guarantee the assessment will be completed or credit awarded prior to the commencement of Term or Census Date.

To ensure your application is assessed for your commencement term, please refer to the information on this web page and the Credit Calculator FAQ's and submit your application and supporting documentation on time.

For Domestic students, we recommend you search the Credit Calculator as your first step to determine eligibility. Credit for prior learning is assessed only after you have accepted your offer with CQUniversity. Please contact credit@cqu.edu.au

International students can apply for a credit pre-assessment through iStart, our easy to use online application system for International students.

For more information please refer to the International Student Credit Transfer page.

Credit assessment is a complex process due to the number of factors that need to be individually assessed. Complete applications may take up to four (4) weeks to be assessed and finalised. Submit your complete application as early as possible to ensure you receive an outcome before the Last Day to Add and/or Census Date. During peak periods there may be a delay.

A complete application is when CQUniversity has received all relevant documentation required to make an assessment. You will receive notification at this time.

Credit application outcomes will be sent via email to your student account.

Students have until Census Date to withdraw from unit/s for the current term without financial or academic penalty. Key dates, including the last day to add units and Census date, are listed in the Academic Calendar.