Credit for Prior Learning


Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) — formerly known as transfer credit or advanced standing — is a way of recognising your previous study or work experience by granting credit towards your current program.

When your CPL application is approved, it means you've already demonstrated the knowledge, understanding, and skills that match the learning outcomes of similar subjects or programs at WSU.

At WSU we have three types of CPL:

Credit for Prior Study

Recognition of previous completed Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Degree level study which is not a recognised pathway. This also includes Cross Institutional and International Exchange Study.

Credit for Work Experience

Recognition of work experience.

Pathway Credit

Recognition of previously completed Diploma or Advanced Diploma study that is listed as an approved Western Sydney University Tertiary Education Pathway.

Defining My Credit for Prior Study

The below section indicates the type of prior learning you may have completed and what you need to select when filling in your CPL application:

Type of prior learning

Action Required

Cross-Institutional

Select this option when approval is given from the school and a case number is assigned. This case number will start with CS, and you will be asked for this number in the application.

If you do not have an assigned case number, you will need to apply as normal academic prior learning.

Exchange

Select this option if you have been approved to study overseas and a case number is assigned. This case number will start with CS, and you will be asked for this number in the application. 

If you do not have an assigned case number, you will need to apply as normal academic prior learning.

Academic prior learning

Select this option for any learning completed outside of WSU, domestically and internationally that is not an exchange or approved cross-institutional study. 

If you are a new student, please select this option for prior academic learning.

Work Experience

Select this option for any work experience.

Supporting Documentation For Credit For Work Experience

When applying for credit to recognise work experience, you are required to submit the following certified supporting documentation. If you do not submit certified documentation, this will delay the assessment of your application.

Certified Statement of Service

You must provide a certified copy of your Statement of Service. Please ensure your statement of service contains the following:


1. The company letterhead.

2. Your full name.

3. Whether you were employed on a full-time or part-time basis.

4. The hours you worked per week.

5. Your position title.

6. The period of employment in the position.

7. Details of the duties of the position.

8. A signature from your employer.

Certified Statement of Service (Self-Employed)

If you are self-employed, you must provide a certified copy of the two documents listed below:

1. Your business certificate of registration.

2. A letter from your accountant or solicitor which includes the following information:

1. Written on the accountant’s or solicitor’s letterhead.

2. Your full name.

3. How long you have been continuously engaged in the business.

4. The nature of the business.

5. Signature of the accountant or solicitor.

Supporting Documentation For Credit For Prior Study

When applying for credit for prior study, you are required to submit the following supporting documentation:

Certified Copy of Academic Transcripts

You must provide a certified copy of your academic transcript from your previous institution.

Subject Outlines

A subject outline, also known as a unit guide, is a document which provides information about the subject including learning outcomes, content and assessments.

You must provide a subject outline for each subject that you are using as your basis of claim. They do not need to be certified.

Subject outlines are only required if your previous study was with an Australian University.

Supporting Documentation For Cross-Institutional Or International Exchange Studies

When applying for cross-institutional or international exchange studies, you are required to submit the following supporting documentation:

Certified Copy of Academic Transcripts

You must provide a certified copy of your academic transcript from your previous institution.

Copy of your approval form

If you have a copy of your approval form, please include this in your application.

Translating My Documentation

If your documentation is in a language other than English, you can contact NAATI - The National Standards and Certifying Authority for Translators and Interpreters in Australia, to have your documentation translated for the purpose of assessment.

Credit for Subjects Completed At WSU

Previous successfully completed subjects at WSU will be automatically recognised in the new program as CPL, where they are part of the new program's structure.

If subjects have not been recognised and your Academic Program Advisor (APA) agrees to have them recognised, then the APA must submit a ‘Contrary to Program Rules’ Western Now ticket

Applying for Credit For Prior Learning

This knowledge article may help you with the process of completing the application for CPL.

You can also call or visit your closest Student Services Hub for assistance.

Once you submit your form, you will receive an automated confirmation email acknowledging its receipt.  The form will be checked and forwarded to the relevant Director of Academic Program (DAP), Academic Program Advisor (APA), or equivalent authority for assessment.  You will receive an email when the form has been sent to the school for assessment.

CPL applications can be submitted at any time, except for subjects that you are registered into. For registered subjects need to be submitted prior to census of the session the subjects are registered in. Applications for registered subjects made after census will be declined, or if stated otherwise, granted but financial and in some case academic penalties will apply. This will depend on when the application was submitted

Estimated Time To Process Application

It can take up to two weeks for the CPL Team to initially assess your application, and up to three weeks for APAs to assess your application; and provide an outcome.  Under normal circumstances, you could expect to know the outcome of your application within five weeks.

If you have been asked to submit further documentation, or have documentation certified, this will delay the processing of your application. Once requested documentation is received, your application is assessed as a priority and sent to the APA to complete their assessment.

Following Up A Submitted Application

If you have not received information after two weeks of your submission date, you can submit a Western Now ticket to receive an update on the initial assessment.

If your application has already been sent to the school for assessment, please use the following link to the Schools webpage to contact your relevant school administrative staff for an update. If you don’t know which school you belong to, you can log into your Degree Works to find out this information.

Next Steps Once Your Application Has Been Assessed and Processed

It can take up to two weeks for the CPL Team to initially assess your application, and up to three weeks for APAs to assess your application; and provide an outcome.  Under normal circumstances, you could expect to know the outcome of your application within five weeks.

If you would like to request an update on the status of your application, you can submit a Western Now ticket.

Once your application has been assessed and processed, you will be notified via email of the outcome to your student account.

If CPL has been granted, your student record will be adjusted accordingly. This may take up to 24 hours to reflect in Degree Works. You may need to seek academic advice from your APA to ensure you are now registered into the correct subjects. Any registration changes can be made through MySR.

If you are an international student you can contact Student Services Hub for guidance about how this may affect your Student Visa.

Appeals

If you wish to appeal the outcome of your application, please submit a ticket via Western Now. There is no deadline to appeal.

It can take up to two weeks for the CPL team to initially assess your appeal, up to three weeks for the Director of Academic Program (DAP) to assess your application and provide an outcome.  You could expect to know the outcome of your appeal within five weeks.

Amendments To Credit for Prior Learning

For any changes to CPL on your student record, contact your relevant APA in the first instance for course advice. Your APA may then submit a request in the form of a Western Now ticket on your behalf for these changes to be assessed and applied.

Amendments to CPL cannot be made for International Students based on visa/immigration requirements.

Support

APA

Please contact your APA through the Schools webpage if you have any questions regarding previous study and/or work experience, and equivalency to WSU subjects.

Support for Students at The College

If you are studying at The College and have questions regarding previous study and/or work experience, and equivalency to WSU subjects, please contact your Student Success Coaches. 

Student Service Hub Support

If you need further help completing your application, Student Services Hub can help. You can call the Student Services Hub Infoline on 1300 668 370 or drop in to a Student Services Hub on campus.

Support for WSU Online Students

If you are a WSU Online student, please contact WSU Online Student Support.

Credit for Prior Learning Team

If you would like to request an update on the status of your application, you can submit a Western Now ticket.