How to apply

Applying for recognition of your prior learning

Learn more about the process for applying for RPL for both domestic and international students.

Undergraduate

Request method:  Via the online RPL application form

Request timing:  Prior to the commencement of your first session (see deadlines below)

You will need to supply:

• Official transcript – must include University logo, name, course title, units, results, credit points, year of study and University seal.
• Unit guides/outlines - must include University logo, year of completion, prerequisite requirements, unit convenor, unit summary and content, learning outcomes and assessment schedule.

Request method:  Either

• Nominate in admission application;  or
• via the online RPL application form (if   requesting post offer acceptance)

Request timing:  Prior to the commencement of your first session (see deadlines below)

You will need to supply:

• Official transcript – must include University logo, name, course title, units, results, credit points, year of study and University seal.
• Enrolment Advice and Unofficial Transcripts will only be accepted for pre-admission applications and the outcomes and credit entries will be conditional on the receipt of the final official documentation.
• Unit guides/outlines – must include University logo, year of completion, prerequisite requirements, unit convenor, unit summary and content, learning outcomes and assessment schedule.

Request method:   Via the online RPL application form

Request timing:  Prior to the commencement of your first session (see deadlines below)

You will need to supply:

• Your current CV.
• Letter/s of reference written on official letterhead from current or past employers (including direct supervisors) verifying your knowledge, skills, duration of service and experience.
• Position description/s.
• A completed informal/non-formal credit application form for each of the units that you wish to receive credit for.

Request method:  Either:

• Nominate in admission application;  or
• via the online RPL application form (if requesting post offer acceptance)

Request timing:  Prior to the commencement of your first session (see deadlines below)

You will need to supply:

• Your current CV.
• Letter/s of reference written on official letterhead from current or past employers (including direct supervisors), verifying your knowledge, skills, duration of service and experience.
• Position description/s.
• A completed informal/non-formal credit application form for each of the units that you wish to receive credit for.

Postgraduate

As part of the standard application process for postgraduate students, you will be assessed for admission to the appropriate duration (or admission point) of your postgraduate course.

An admission point may provide entry to either a two-year, 18-month or one-year version of your course, as applicable.

• 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.

Further RPL (post-admission)

Once admitted to your course, you may apply for further RPL through the online application process.

It’s important to check key dates for your study period so that any potential credit is awarded prior to the start of your session. This ensures you can make informed decisions about which units to enrol in before the last date to enrol.

Request method: Via the online RPL application form

Request timing:  Prior to the commencement of your first session (see deadlines below)

You will need to supply:

• Official transcript – must include University logo, name, course title, units, results, credit points, year of study and University seal.
• Unit guides/outlines – must include University logo, year of completion, prerequisite requirements, unit convenor, unit summary and content, learning outcomes and assessment schedule.

Or, for RPL based on informal/non-formal learning;

• Work experience documentation (current CV, letter/s of reference written on official letterhead from current or past employers (including direct supervisors), verifying your knowledge, skills, duration of service and experience, and position description/s.

Application deadlines

These deadlines are designed to ensure your Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) request can be processed before the session begins. They also give you enough time to adjust your unit selections, if needed, before the final enrolment date.

Starting Session	RPL deadline	Session start date	Last day to enrol
Session 1 2026	9 Feb 2026	23 Feb 2026	8 Mar 2026
Session 2 2026	13 July 2026	27 July 2026	9 Aug 2026
Term based study	Two weeks prior to the term date start	Refer to the Calendar of dates

RPL requests are typically processed within 10 business days. However, during peak periods, processing may take up to 20 business days. Please note that complex RPL requests may require additional time.

Apply now

Here is a run-down of what you need to do to apply for RPL:

1. Check the Course Handbook
   • Start by looking at the handbook for your course to see the list of units you’re expected to complete. This will help guide you on which units you might already have covered through past study or experiences.
2. Check important dates
   • Make sure to check important session dates and ensure to apply at least 2 weeks prior to the start of session so that your RPL outcome does not impact on your enrolment
3. Gather your documentation
4. Apply for RPL via the Service Connect Portal

Important notes

• The information set out in this publication is an indication only and does not guarantee entry into a course of study.
• Regardless of the nature or amount of RPL granted, any specific requirements of a course must be fulfilled.
• The final decision on whether to offer admission and RPL into a course of study resides with the University and depends on factors such as the currency and relevancy of any prior learning and the supporting evidence provided. The maximum amount of RPL that can be granted for particular qualifications is determined in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy at Macquarie.
• The information contained in this publication is correct at the time of publication and the University reserves the right to make alterations to any information contained within this publication without notice.