
We understand that life, interests, opportunities and a myriad of other factors can influence the study you undertake. When those factors change, you may need to refocus your study program. This is where Recognition of Prior Learning (also referred to as ‘credit transfer’ or ‘advanced standing’) comes in.
Recognition of Prior Learning is the transfer of credit towards your program from another institution. Where the courses passed at another institution are deemed as equivalent to those studied at UNSW and are required for your program. You can be granted credit from more than one institution, provided that the courses studied are recognised by UNSW as being equivalent.
Recognition of Prior Learning is available in the form of Credit Transfer/Advanced Standing (6 UOC). For more information, please see the Glossary below.
You may receive Recognition of Prior Learning with the approval of the Program Authority if you satisfy the UNSW Credit Transfer Rules and Faculty Enrolment Rules.
Please note that:
Students enrolled in a program that consists of 24 UOC or less are not eligible for transfer credit. The Faculty does not give recognition of prior learning on the basis of work experience.
To apply, submit an application for Recognition of Prior Learning by completing the ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ webform, you will need to submit a copy of your official transcript and (English) course outlines of the studies you have undertaken at another university.
If your Transcript or Course Outline is not in English, it must be officially translated. Applications won’t be accepted where the course outline was translated from an unofficial source or appears to be self-written. If your Transcript or Course Outline is not in English, it must be officially translated. Please refer to the UNSW document certification page for more information.
Students will be disqualified from credit if found to have plagiarised any content in their submission and reported to the relevant authority for further action.
The UNSW Student Code provides a framework for the standard of conduct expected of UNSW students with respect to their academic integrity and behaviour. Where a student breaches the Student Code with respect to academic integrity the University may take disciplinary action under the Student Misconduct Procedure.
If you request the removal of Recognition of Prior Learning and it’s approved, you won’t be eligible to have them reinstated under any circumstances.
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer) is assessed based on transcripts and course outlines. Applications can be assessed at two stages; during Admissions (when applying for a degree) or by submitting an application for recognition of prior learning (after accepting an offer from UNSW).
During the Admissions stage, recognition of prior learning is assessed by the UNSW Engineering Admissions Team (in consultation with the Program Authority). This assessment is based on your academic transcript(s), and you will be notified of your credit in your official letter of offer. If further information is required you will be asked to provide full course outlines (course outline requirements may be found below).
Students who have accepted an offer submit an application for Recognition of Prior Learning by completing the ‘Recognition of prior learning’ webform, you will need to submit a copy of your official transcript and (English) course outlines of the studies you have undertaken at another university. Recognition of Prior Learning will be assessed by the Nucleus: Student Hub (in consultation with the Program Director).
Please contact the Nucleus: Student Hub if you have any further questions.
Students in the Master of Engineering Science (single and dual award) may be eligible for up to 48 Units of Credit recognition of prior learning (credit transfer) depending on your background. You may be awarded:
You will be notified of the credits in your official letter of offer. The amount of credit awarded can reduce your overall degree duration up to a year.
Students in the Master of Information Technology (single and dual award) may be eligible for up to 48 Units of Credit recognition of prior learning (credit transfer) depending on your background. You may be awarded:
You will be notified of the credits in your official letter of offer. The amount of credit awarded can reduce your overall degree duration up to a year.
Each program offered at UNSW is unique and subject to specific requirements. Explore the list below to find the information most relevant to you and click on the link under each specialisation for further details.
Biomedical Engineering students should be aware of the following requirements:
Chemical Engineering students should be aware of the following requirements:
If you’re undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science (Chemical Process Engineering) or (Food Process Engineering) (5341) program, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer).
Civil and Environmental Engineering students should be aware of the following requirements:
o Water Engineering: catchment to coasts
o Water, Wastewater and Waste Engineering
o Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
o Water Engineering: catchment to coasts
o Water, Wastewater and Water Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering students should be aware of the following requirements:
If you’re undertaking a Master of Information Technology (8543, 8544) program you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer).
If you’re undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Information Technology (5543) program, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer).
If eligible, students in Postgraduate Computer Science and Engineering programs will be assessed for specific courses/credits in accordance with their previous studies.
Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications students should be aware of the following requirements:
If you’re undertaking a Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) or (Telecommunications) (8621) program, you’re NOT eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning throughout the duration of your degree
If you’re undertaking a Master of Engineering Science (8338) program in the following specialisations you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer):
If you’re undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science (5341) program in the following specialisations you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer):
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering students should be aware of the following requirements:
If you’re undertaking a Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (8621) program, you’re NOT eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning throughout the duration of your degree
If you’re undertaking a Master of Engineering Science (8338) program in the following specialisations you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer):
If you’re undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science (5341) program in the following specialisations you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer):
Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering students should be aware of the following requirements:
If you’re undertaking a Master of Engineering (Mining Engineering) or (Petroleum Engineering) (8621) program, you’re NOT eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning throughout the duration of your degree
If you’re undertaking a Master of Engineering Science (8338) program in the following specialisations you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer):
If you’re undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science (5341) program in the following specialisations you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer):
If you’re undertaking a Master of Mine Geotechnical Engineering (8059) program you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer) up to a maximum of 12 Units of Credit.
If you’re undertaking a Master of Mining Engineering (8335) program you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer) up to a maximum of 24 Units of Credit.
Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering students should be aware of the following requirements:
If you’re undertaking a Master of Engineering (Renewable Energy) (8621) program, you’re NOT eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning throughout the duration of your degree
If you’re undertaking a Master of Engineering Science (8338) program in the following specialisations you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer):
If you’re undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science (5341) program in the following specialisations you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (credit transfer):
In most cases, applications for recognition of prior learning will be assessed upon admission and will be noted in your offer letter.
Students who have accepted an offer submit an application for Recognition of Prior Learning by completing the ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ webform, you will need to submit a copy of your official transcript and (English) course outlines of the studies you have undertaken at another university. Recognition of Prior Learning will be assessed by the Nucleus: Student Hub (in consultation with the Program Director).
Note: Students are encouraged to submit applications up to 4-weeks prior to the start of term they wish to receive credit. Any applications received after this time may not be processed in time for credit to be awarded for that term. Applications cannot be assessed if you have completed the course at UNSW or have remained enrolled in the course past census date.
If you’ve been approved for recognition of prior learning, you should take care to ensure that your skills are up to date, and your background and/or experience matches the assumed knowledge expected of you. While we have made every effort to ensure that our assessment is accurate, you’re ultimately responsible for your own enrolment and you should seek advice immediately if you have any concerns about your ability to study higher level material.
If your transfer credit has not been approved, you can submit an appeal in writing by responding to the email with your outcome. You must outline the reason(s) why you think the decision should be overturned and you may provide additional documentation if appropriate.
If the decision to deny your credit request is upheld, you may submit a further appeal to the UNSW Student Integrity Unit. You can find details on the procedure on the UNSW Student website.
The Academic Statement screen displays an unofficial record of your academic history. The statement includes details of your program, enrolled courses and results and awards obtained at UNSW.
Please refer to the steps here to access your academic statement.
Students who articulate will receive recognition of prior learning for all eligible courses completed in earlier programs in the articulated suite (e.g. Graduate Certificate and/or Graduate Diploma).
The following components are required when submitting course outlines:
Course code and title
Course description
Total hours for the whole course (e.g. How many lecture/tutorial hours per week and how many weeks per term)
Assessment weighting schedules (e.g. 30% mid-term exam, 70% final exam etc.)
Weekly topic schedule (i.e. Which topics were taught in each week)
Optional components that may be required:
Textbook materials used
Credit units for the course and total credit units for a full-time student per term
Please note: You may be required to submit further proof/ evidence of studies.
The Australian Government wants overseas students in Australia to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place to study. Australia's laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws include the Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code. Please refer to our Student Visa Information for International Students webpage for more information.
Accreditation is the process for approval by an accrediting authority of a program of learning using quality assurance standards. Accreditation may be for recognition of a program of learning as an AQF qualification or by professional bodies for the purpose of professional registration leading to practice in a particular field.
A defined sequence of programs in which the courses and requirements for completion of earlier programs in the sequence are a subset of subsequent programs in the sequence, and full credit is granted for courses completed in earlier programs in the sequence.
A cognate discipline is a closely allied or related discipline, or defined branch of study or learning. The disciplines, branches of study or learning that are considered ‘cognate’ are commonly defined at the program level for the purposes of assessing applicants for entry or for recognition of prior learning.
A type of exemption from a core course or other requirement. Students are still required to complete an equivalent, or near equivalent, course to the same unit of credit value.
Please refer to the Faculty Enrolment Rules for more information regarding course substitution.
A process whereby a student who transfers from a program at another higher education provider, or from another program at UNSW, is granted credit for courses completed at that higher education provider or program.
Please refer to the Faculty Enrolment Rules for more information regarding credit transfer.
The process of assessing an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, non-formal learning and informal / workplace learning) for equivalence to:
the learning outcomes of the qualification specified as a requirement for admission to the program, or
courses in the program to which a student has been admitted to determine the credit value to be granted as advanced standing or exemptions.
Please refer to the Faculty Enrolment Rules for more information regarding recognition of prior learning.
Washington and Seoul Accord are separate multi-lateral agreements between bodies responsible for accreditation or recognition of tertiary-level engineering (Washington) or computing and IT-related (Seoul) qualifications.