How to apply for credit
You might be able to receive credit for previous studies that can go towards your current qualification.
Credit for previous studies
You can apply for credit if you've successfully completed:
- a unit at Federation University or another higher education institution
- diploma-level or higher studies at an Australian TAFE.
Your previous studies must:
- be relevant
- be equivalent (at least 80%) to current knowledge and practices
- meet the current learning or competency outcomes of the unit or subject.
You can only receive credit for up to two-thirds of a course (measured in credit points), unless there are internal or external credit transfer agreements.
Credit won't be granted for:
- studies with non-passing grades
- studies with credit transfer grades
- studies that are more than ten years old (or shorter if knowledge changes quickly in your field).
Domestic students
You should apply for credit as soon as you receive an offer. Although you can apply any time during your course, if you leave it too late (within two weeks of census date in the relevant semester) you might end up paying and receiving a grade for the unit. (If this happens, we'll get in touch to discuss your options.)
International students
Please apply for credit when submitting your application through StudyLink.
Step 1: Gather your documents
If you're applying for credit for studies at a university other than Federation, you'll need to provide:
- an official academic transcript, including a key to your grades
- official subject descriptors (PDF format) from the year you completed the subject that describe the synopsis, objectives, assessments, contact hours, placement hours
- placement logbooks (if you're an education student).
If applying for credit for previous TAFE studies, you'll need to provide:
- a certificate of completion (or a statement of completion on your transcript)
- an official academic transcript, including a key to your grades
- a copy of your current AHPRA registration (if you're a nursing or midwifery student).
All documents must be in English (or if not, you must provide a certified copy of the translation to English).
Step 2: Apply online
Submit your credit application via our enquiries portal.
Enrol according to your course structure until you receive the outcome of your application. This might take up to 10 business days (or longer between December and March). If you're transferring between Federation courses, your credit application will be assessed once the transfer or results for the current semester are released.
If your credit transfer is approved
You'll get a personalised student plan showing your enrolment and progression, along with a credit outcome letter. Your credit will be recorded on your academic transcript with a TC grade. You'll also be able to view it in my Student Centre.
If your credit application is rejected
If you think the decision is unfair, you can submit an appeal within 30 days of being notified. Follow the Student Appeal Procedure. While you're waiting for the outcome, stay enrolled in your unit(s) and complete all assessments.
Other types of credit
You can get credit for units you complete at other institutions while you're enrolled at Federation. Follow these steps:
- Fill out page 1 of the Application for Cross-Institutional Study (Outbound).
- Send it to the uni you want to study at and ask them to complete and sign page 2.
- Upload the completed application to our enquiry portal by the start of the relevant semester. Include the current subject descriptor for the unit you want to study (which should include the synopsis, objectives, assessments, contact hours and placement details (if applicable)).
We’ll email you to let you know if your application is approved.
Once you pass your unit, upload a copy of your official transcript to the enquiry portal so we can finalise your credit transfer.
You can get credit for units you complete while you're studying abroad or on exchange.
To be eligible to apply, you must have:
- completed at least one year of full-time study at Federation (or equivalent)
- at least one unit remaining when you return
- a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 4.0.
Submit your credit application via our enquiries portal. You'll need to provide:
- an official academic transcript, including a key to your grades
- official subject descriptors (PDF format) from the year you completed the subject that describe the synopsis, objectives, assessments, contact hours, placement hours.
All documents must be in English (or if not, you must provide a certified copy of the translation to English).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgement of relevant non-formal and informal learning and experiences you've had. You might have worked in a similar field to your study area or completed training that didn't have an assessment component.
To apply for RPL credit, your prior learning must:
- be relevant
- be equivalent (at least 80%) to current knowledge and practices
- meet the current learning or competency outcomes of the unit or subject.
You can only receive credit for up to two-thirds of a course (measured in credit points), unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Submit your RPL credit application at least two months before the relevant census date via our enquiries portal. You'll need to provide supporting evidence such as published work, job descriptions, your resume, professional accreditations, licences or references.
Things to consider
Withdrawing credit you've received
You might need to retract the credit you've received because:
- you want to take extra units
- you need to complete a double-credit unit but don't have enough credit points available
- visa requirements mean you need to complete extra units
- your course requirements have changed.
If this is the case, submit a request via the enquiry portal. Do this as early as possible to allow time for us to review, approve and make study plan adjustments. Keep in mind that requests won't be accepted after the start of your final semester.
Need some help?
Submit a question via our enquiry portal or call 1800 333 864, 9 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday.