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Advanced Standing
What is Advanced Standing?
Advanced Standing is recognition of prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Advanced Standing, we will assess your prior learning and may award you Advanced Standing in the course in which you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved.
At Western Sydney University, we have two types of credit for previous study:
- Pathways credit – if you have completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma that is listed as an approved Western Sydney University Tertiary Education Pathway, you may be eligible to claim Pathways credit. Find out if you're in a Western Sydney University Tertiary Education Pathway and claim your pathways credit online
- Advanced Standing – if you have completed any previous study (Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Degree level) which is not a recognised pathway as above
Accessing the EForm
All Advanced Standing applications can now be completed online via the eForm Portal.(opens in a new window)
Supporting documentation
The supporting documents you need to supply will depend on the basis on which you're applying for Advanced Standing. All supporting documentation must be certified.
Find out how to certify your documents.
If you are applying for Advanced Standing on the basis of prior study, you need to include the following documents with your application:
- Awards or testamurs
- Results notices or academic transcripts
- Subject or unit outlines (do not need to be certified)
- If you are claiming on the basis of study at Western Sydney University, you do not need to attach any documentation
If you are applying for Advanced Standing on the basis of prior work experience, you will need to submit the following document/s with your application:
- Certified supporting statements from employers
The Statement of Service must be on company letterhead and include the following information:- your full name
- whether you were employed on a full time or part time basis
- the hours you worked per week
- your position title
- the period of employment in the position
- details of the duties of the position
- a signature from your employer
If you are self-employed you must include all of the following documents with your application:
- A copy of your business certificate of registration
- A letter from your accountant or solicitor stating:
- The nature of the business
- How long you have been continuously engaged in the business
How to submit your supporting documentation
If you have a certified electronic copy of your documents or access to a scanner, you can submit your supporting documentation as part of the online process. All documents scanned to the University must be certified. Scanned original documents cannot be accepted unless they have been certified.
If you need to supply hard copies of your documents, you can post them to the University. If this is the case, you will need to select this option when you complete your online form. Once you submit your Advanced Standing application, an email will be sent to your student email account with instructions on how to submit your supporting documentation by post.
You must submit all of your supporting documentation at the same time using only one of the methods outlined above.
After you've applied
Please allow up to five weeks for applications for Advanced Standing to be processed. Your application must be lodged before the closing date if you would like an outcome before the next teaching session starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is specified Advanced Standing?
What is unspecified Advanced Standing?
What kind of supporting documentation do I need to submit?
- awards or testamurs
- results notices or academic transcripts for all non-Western Sydney University study
- subject or unit outlines
If you are applying for Advanced Standing on the basis of prior work experience you will need to include the following document/s with your application:
- certified supporting statements from employers.
If you are self-employed you must include all of the following documents with your application:
- a copy of your business certificate of registration
- a letter from your accountant or solicitor stating:
- how long you have been continuously engaged in the business, and
- the nature of the business
All documentation must be certified.
Please note: We will not be able to assess your work experience if you do not supply documentary evidence when you lodge your application.
In some instances, the academic staff member assessing your application may require further documentation before a decision can be reached. If this happens, you will receive written notification clearly identifying the documentation required, such as relevant course handouts, calendar extracts or unit outlines. These should then be supplied directly to the academic who made the request.
How are applications assessed?
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
Is Advanced Standing automatically granted?
Can I contact someone if I have a general question about my application?
Make sure your email includes your full name and, if you are an existing Western Sydney University Student it should be sent from your student email account and also include your student ID number.
What if I have questions specific to my Advanced Standing?
What if my qualifications are not in English?
What is a challenge examination?
What do I need to do if my application is successful?
How can I view my Advanced Standing in MySR?
- Log into MySR
- Click on 'Course & Unit Details' on the top left hand side
- Click on the blue course code next to 'Advanced Standing for Course'
Will Advanced Standing affect my study load?
Yes, it can affect your study load. If you are receiving a benefit from Centrelink you may be affected if your study load reduces from a full-time load to a part-time load. It may be necessary to enrol in additional units. If this happens, you are able to add units online in MySR. Please note you can not add units after the second week of the teaching session without academic approval. To do this, you will need to submit an online Rule Waiver.
If you are an International student, it is a visa requirement that you maintain a full study load and granted Advanced Standing may affect your visa. You should seek advice from the International Student Advisor on your home campus.
I am an International Student how does Advanced Standing affect my Student Visa?
If you are an International Student studying while on a Student Visa and you receive Advanced Standing that reduces the duration of your course, this will mean your Student Visa duration will also be reduced. Not all Advanced Standing will mean your course duration is reduced. In some cases, the Advanced Standing may be for electives that you take over the full length of your course so you will still need to study for the same number of semesters, just in less units in some of the semesters. There are 3 times you might apply for and receive Advanced Standing:
Can I appeal against a decision?
Advanced Standing
Western Sydney University
Locked Bag 1797
Penrith NSW 2751
Your request must provide details for the basis of your appeal together with any relevant supporting documentation.
When is the deadline to appeal a decision?
When will I receive a decision on my appeal?
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