Credit for TAFE courses
Credit is used to recognise your prior learning, work and life experience. It reduces the number of units (subjects) required to complete your chosen course at VU.
You can apply for credit towards a TAFE certificate or diploma.
- Credit transfer may be granted if you have completed the same units elsewhere.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be granted for equivalent work experience.
Credit for units completed at VU is automatically granted.
Choose the right information for you
This information is for Australian citizens and permanent residents, New Zealand citizens and permanent Australian humanitarian visa holders.
1. Explore course requirements
Visit your course page and navigate to ‘Course structure’ to find the units and credit points required to complete the qualification.
Open the 'Units' section and click on the items to read the descriptions to determine if you have completed the unit previously, or if you have equivalent knowledge gained at work or through other learning. If so, write down the unit name and code to use in your application.
2. Identify the credit type
Credit transfer
If you have completed identical or equivalent units at another institute, apply for credit transfer in the same application portal as you apply for your course. You'll need to complete an online form and provide evidence. If your application is approved, you will be granted a credit for the relevant unit(s).
You do not need to apply for credit transfer for units completed at VU.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) acknowledges your learning at a school, TAFE or uni, or during short courses, seminars and workshops. It can also be used to recognise paid and voluntary work experience.
To apply for RPL, download the following form, complete the relevant sections and upload it to the course-application portal.
Note there is an admin fee for processing RPL.
3. Gather your evidence
You will need to provide supporting evidence for your application.
Please send certified copies, not originals. You may be asked to show the original documents to us at a later stage.
Overseas or private University transcripts must be provided from the appropriate government body/professional association recognised in Australia. Documents not in English must be accompanied by an English translation from an accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
Each document should be clearly identified and listed on your application form.
For credit transfer
To be eligible for credit transfer, you need to have qualifications and statements of attainment issued by any Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTO), such as a TAFE or university.
You will need to provide:
- certified copies of qualifications (what is a certified copy?)
- unit(s) of competency/study/syllabus information from the relevant course guide.
For Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Your evidence should relate to work, study, informal learning and qualifications attained within the past three years, such as:
- current resume or job position descriptions
- certificates from short courses or professional development activities
- workplace documents, project reports, or third-party reports (references)
- photographs, videos or portfolios.
4. Apply
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, we will help you to identify any skills that could be recognised as part of your application's pre-training review.
It may take some time to assess your application. You can start the course in the meantime, and discuss with your teacher about attending classes for the units in question.
Cost: You’ll need to pay an administrative fee for RPL, but not for credit transfer.
New applicants
You can apply fill in or upload the application form along with any supporting documentation in the same portal as you apply for the course.
If you don’t enrol at VU within 12 months of approval, you will need to resubmit your application.
Current students
If you are already enrolled, submit the Recogition of Prior learning form to your assessor, course coordinator, or course manager. You should attend classes while you wait for the result.
This information is for Australian citizens and permanent residents, New Zealand citizens and permanent Australian humanitarian visa holders.
1. Explore course requirements
Visit your course page and navigate to ‘Course structure’ to find the units and credit points required to complete the qualification.
Open the 'Units' section and click on the items to read the descriptions to determine if you have completed the unit previously, or if you have equivalent knowledge gained at work or through other learning. If so, write down the unit name and code to use in your application.
2. Identify the credit type
Credit transfer
If you have completed identical or equivalent units at another institute, apply for credit transfer in the same application portal as you apply for your course. You'll need to complete an online form and provide evidence. If your application is approved, you will be granted a credit for the relevant unit(s).
You do not need to apply for credit transfer for units completed at VU.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) acknowledges your learning at a school, TAFE or uni, or during short courses, seminars and workshops. It can also be used to recognise paid and voluntary work experience.
To apply for RPL, download the following form, complete the relevant sections and upload it to the course-application portal.
Note there is an admin fee for processing RPL.
3. Gather your evidence
You will need to provide supporting evidence for your application.
Please send certified copies, not originals. You may be asked to show the original documents to us at a later stage.
Overseas or private University transcripts must be provided from the appropriate government body/professional association recognised in Australia. Documents not in English must be accompanied by an English translation from an accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
Each document should be clearly identified and listed on your application form.
For credit transfer
To be eligible for credit transfer, you need to have qualifications and statements of attainment issued by any Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTO), such as a TAFE or university.
You will need to provide:
- certified copies of qualifications (what is a certified copy?)
- unit(s) of competency/study/syllabus information from the relevant course guide.
For Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Your evidence should relate to work, study, informal learning and qualifications attained within the past three years, such as:
- current resume or job position descriptions
- certificates from short courses or professional development activities
- workplace documents, project reports, or third-party reports (references)
- photographs, videos or portfolios.
4. Apply
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, we will help you to identify any skills that could be recognised as part of your application's pre-training review.
It may take some time to assess your application. You can start the course in the meantime, and discuss with your teacher about attending classes for the units in question.
Cost: You’ll need to pay an administrative fee for RPL, but not for credit transfer.
New applicants
You can apply fill in or upload the application form along with any supporting documentation in the same portal as you apply for the course.
If you don’t enrol at VU within 12 months of approval, you will need to resubmit your application.
Current students
If you are already enrolled, submit the Recogition of Prior learning form to your assessor, course coordinator, or course manager. You should attend classes while you wait for the result.
After you apply
How we assess applications
We assess your application in accordance with our VU Skills Recognition Procedure and Credit Policy.
