How to apply

Undergraduate RPL

Requests for RPL towards undergraduate courses at Macquarie should be submitted via the RPL application form prior to commencement of session (see deadlines below). Direct offers via a pathway articulation will have their RPL granted based on the pathway.

Postgraduate RPL

New Domestic students are assessed for RPL towards postgraduate courses at the point of application for admission. It is important that you include relevant documentation for your prior qualifications, work experience and other recognised prior learning with your application so RPL can be assessed.

An admission point may provide entry to either a two-year, 1.5-year, or one-year version of your course, as applicable. A one year Masters will not be eligible for further RPL. A minimum of 80 credit points at 8000 level must be completed at Macquarie University to be awarded the degree.

Further RPL (post-admission)

Once admitted to your course, you may apply for further RPL via the online application form prior to commencement of your studies and before enrolling in the unit(s) for which you are seeking credit. The following deadlines apply, depending on your starting session.

Application deadlines

These deadlines are set to allow sufficient time for processing your RPL request before start of session and to give you enough time to modify your unit selections (if required) before the last day for enrolment:

*RPL requests submitted by the submission dates are normally completed within 7 to 10 business days, during peak periods it can take up to 20 business days. Some requests may take longer to process due to the complex nature of RPL assessment.

Steps to follow

Identify

Read the information on formal and non-formal/informal learning. If you believe you meet the requirements, please review what documentation will be required and how it will be assessed.

Check

Understand your Macquarie degree requirements by checking the Course Handbook. If any of the required units for your chosen Macquarie degree are similar to your prior learning, you can apply for "specified credit". Alternatively, you may apply for "unspecified credit" which will reduce the elective component of your chosen Macquarie degree.

Gather

You will be required to upload evidence of prior learning as part of your application – so you need to have all your supporting evidence ready before you start the online application process. Please read the information on this page which details the required documentation for formal and non-formal/informal learning.

Submit

Submit a Recognition of Prior Learning Request. Don't forget to attach copies of all relevant supporting documentation to support your claim.

Assess

We will notify you of the outcome of your assessment via your nominated email address.

Prospective international students should request an RPL assessment as part of their application for admission. Further information is provided below.

Undergraduate RPL

For undergraduate international students, RPL is assessed at the point of application for admission. You will need to indicate that you wish to be considered for RPL on your application form. If your course has majors or specialisations, you must also nominate which one you intend to study to ensure you are considered for all relevant credit.

To enable us to assess you for RPL, you will generally need to provide additional supporting documentation as outlined in the sections above on formal and informal/non-formal learning (eg, unit outlines for any relevant subjects you completed in your previous studies).

Applying for formal articulations

If applying for an articulation listed on the Articulations Register, additional documentation is generally not required. However, you must indicate that you wish to be considered for RPL on your application form in order to be assessed for the relevant credit.

Postgraduate RPL

As part of the standard application process for international students, you will be assessed for admission to the appropriate duration (or admission point) of your postgraduate course. Assessment is based on your prior qualifications and experience and the study preferences you have indicated on your application form.

An admission point may provide entry to either a two-year, 1.5-year, or one-year version of your course, as applicable. A one year Masters will not be eligible for further RPL. A minimum of 80 credit points at 8000 level must be completed at Macquarie University to be awarded the degree.

Additional supporting documentation may be required to consider you for a shorter admission point – refer to Coursefinder for details.

Applying for formal articulations

If applying for an articulation listed on the Articulations Register, additional documentation is generally not required. However, you must indicate that you wish to be considered for RPL on your application form in order to be assessed for the relevant credit.

Further RPL (post-admission)

Once admitted to your course, you may apply for other RPL via the online application form prior to commencement of your studies. You will need to take the following deadlines into consideration, depending on your starting session.

These deadlines are set to allow sufficient time for processing your RPL request before start of session and to give you enough time to modify your unit selections (if required) before the last day for enrolment:

RPL requests are normally completed within 7 to 10 business days but can take up to 20 business days during peak periods. Complex RPL requests may take longer to process.

Steps to follow

Identify

Read the information on formal and non-formal/informal learning. If you believe you meet the requirements, review what documentation will be required and how it will be assessed.

Check

Check the Articulations Register and the Credit Transfer Register. If your previous qualifications aren't listed on the registers, you may still be assessed for credit. Check your Macquarie degree requirements on the Course Handbook and Unit Guide website for more detailed information about each required unit. If any of your degree's  required units  are similar to your prior learning, you can be considered for  specified credit. You will also be considered for  unspecified credit  towards the elective component of your degree.

Gather

You will be required to upload evidence of your prior learning as part of your application, so you need to have all your supporting documents ready before you start the online application process. Please review the sections above on formal and informal/non-formal learning for detailed descriptions of required documentation.

Submit

Submit your application for admission. Tick 'Yes' in the section asking if you want to apply for RPL and make sure to attach copies of all required documentation to support your request.

Assess

We will notify you of the outcome of your application via your nominated email address.