Applying for Credit and RPL in Higher Education Courses
Ensure you submit your application at least four (4) weeks before the commencement of your term. Refer to the CQUniversity Academic Calendars for key dates.
Credit Application Process
The process for applying for credit depends on the way you have submitted your application to study your course of interest with CQU.
Please submit only one credit application for your nominated course.
If you are submitting a direct application to study with CQU, you'll need to apply for credit through ApplyOnline when submitting your application. For more information on how to submit a credit application using our Apply Direct Portal (direct entry), please refer to the Credit Transfer Application Information sheet.
If you have applied to study your CQU course via QTAC or UAC, wait to receive your offer from CQU, accept your offer and apply for credit through our Credit Calculator page.
If you are an international student seeking credit – apply through iStart. Find out more about international credit transfers.
RPL Application Process
- Review the RPL Guidelines Kit in full, outlining the RPL process.
- Using the instructions in the RPL Guidelines Kit, complete the Unit Mapping Sheet for each unit you wish to receive credit for.
- Review the supporting documentation as listed in the RPL Guidelines Kit and gather any relevant documents.
- Submit your completed mapping sheet/s with your supporting documentation through the Credit Application Portal in MyCredit (domestic students) or iStart (International students).
If you have additional documentation that exceeds the limit of the Application Form, please email directly to credit@cqu.edu.au, including your name and student number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying at least 4 weeks before your studies commence ensures enough time for your application to be processed, and if successful, a revised course planner to be provided.
The revised course planner will take into consideration the applied credit and outline a recommended order to enrol into the remaining units for your course. This is important in case you need to add or remove units for the relevant study period. To view key dates, including last day to add units and census date, refer to the CQUniversity Academic Calendars.
Students who submit an application less than four weeks before the commencement of their studies are not guaranteed to have their application assessed, or credit applied, before the start of term and/or census date.
If you are unable to meet the deadline, contact us to discuss your unit enrolment.
If you have studied a SUN unit, you can potentially receive credit towards your CQUniversity higher education course You'll need to follow the same process as normal credit applications outlined on this page.
Yes, have a read through our RPL guidelines kit. This document will assist you to complete your application and outline additional documentation required.
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.
You can see what credit you may be eligible to receive for your previous studies through CQU’s precedent database by utilising the Credit Calculator.
If you are studying a Higher Education course, then credit will only be considered for studies undertaken at a diploma level or higher qualification within the last ten (10) years.
A time limit of less than 10 years applies for some courses and units due to relevant professional accrediting body requirements, statutory authority and/or industry advisory group requirements.
Credit for prior learning is a complex process due to the number of factors that need to be individually assessed. Your complete application* may take up to four weeks to be assessed and finalised. Please note, during peak periods, this assessment period may extend to up to six weeks due to the volume of credit applications.
*A complete application is when CQUniversity has received all relevant documentation required to make an assessment.
We will notify you of the outcome of your credit application via email.
You have until the Census Date to withdraw from units for the current term without financial or academic penalty. Key dates, including the last day to enrol in units and the Census Date, are listed in the Academic Calendar.
Important: Students are responsible for managing their enrolments in line with the Key Dates. Credit cannot be granted towards units with an Enrolled status following the Census Date for the enrolled term.
If credit is approved, students will receive an updated Course Planner from the Course Management Team via email following their credit outcome.
Credit for prior learning will be assessed only after you have accepted your offer with CQUniversity, and applications should be submitted at least 4 weeks before the relevant term commences.
