Credit for Prior Learning

Application Types

You can apply for CPL based on:

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Previous Academic Study	Study completed at another education provider that is not part of an approved pathway arrangement.
Work Experience	Relevant professional experience that demonstrates equivalent learning outcomes to a Western subject.
Approved Exchange or Cross-Institutional Study	Study completed through an approved exchange or cross-institutional arrangement.
Pathway Credit	If you have completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma that forms part of an approved pathway into your Western program, you may be eligible for Pathway Credit and can apply via the application Form.

Before You Apply

Before submitting a CPL application, you should:

• Identify the Western subjects you are seeking credit for.
• Ensure you have all required supporting documentation ready to upload.
• Review the documentation requirements for your application type.

You can submit one application for multiple subjects.

Eligibility Criteria

Select the application type that best matches your circumstances and review the eligibility requirements and supporting documentation before applying. The table below outlines the requirements for each application type.

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Application Type	Eligibility Criteria
Academic Studies	Your application will be assessed to determine whether you can be awarded credit for your program at Western based on previously completed academic studies undertaken at another provider that is not part of a recognised pathway. Assessment will be based on your certified copy of academic transcript and relevant supporting documentation.
Work Experience	Your application will be assessed for recognition of relevant work experience. Assessment will be based on your certified copy of Statement of Service template and relevant supporting documentation.
Cross-Institutional / Exchange (Go Global)	Apply if you are seeking recognition of approved Cross-Institutional or Exchange (Go Global) studies. If you select this option, you cannot also select Academic Studies or Work Experience within the same application.
Pathway Credit	Apply if you have completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma that is part of an approved Western Sydney University Tertiary Education Pathway. Pathway Credit is a separate process and requires submission of a Pathway Credit application Form.

Supporting Documentation

Please see the table below outlining the supporting documentation required, which varies depending on the type of application you are submitting.

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Application Type	Examples of Supporting Documentation
Academic Study	You must provide a certified PDF copy of your academic transcript from your previous institution. You must also provide subject outlines for each subject you are using as the basis of credit. A subject outline, also known as a unit guide, is a document which provides information about the subject including learning outcomes, content and assessments. Subject outlines are only required if your previous study was with an Australian University. These do not need to be certified If you are claiming prior study completed at an international institution, translated copies of subject outlines may be required. Should these documents be needed, you will be contacted and advised accordingly.
Work Experience	You are required to submit a certified 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/attestation from your employer. 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.
Cross Institutional or Exchange Go Global	You must provide a certified copy of your academic transcript from your previous institution. You must have an approved Cross Institutional/ Exchange Go Global WesternNow application prior to submitting a Credit for Prior Learning form and you will need to provide the case number for this application in your credit for prior learning application.

Translating 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 School agrees to have them recognised, then the School must submit a ‘Contrary to Program Rules’ Western Now ticket. To request this, please reach out to your school contact.

Applying for Credit for Prior Learning

This knowledge article will help you complete your application for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

CPL applications can be submitted at any time, except for subjects that you are registered into. For subjects you are currently registered in, your CPL tickets need to be submitted prior to census of the session you are registered in.

Applications submitted after the census date for subjects in which you are currently enrolled will still be assessed; however, a financial liability may apply. If credit is granted, you may choose to either remain enrolled and complete the subject or withdraw from the subject after census and incur the applicable financial penalty

Please note:

• You must complete this application in one sitting. Progress cannot be saved for completion later.
• You can include multiple subject requests within a single application.
• When completing the form you must know which WSU subjects you are seeking credit for. You can refer to the Western Sydney University Handbook to identify relevant subjects.
• Ensure you review the supporting documentation requirements outlined below before submitting your application and confirm that all documents are certified in accordance.
• For more information, please view the Student Administration Policy - CPL Procedure.

To seek approval for:

• Exchange (Go Global) requests: Please go to Overseas Academic Credit Approval
• Cross-institution requests: Please go to Academic approval for Cross-Institutional study

Application Processing Timeframe

Once you submit your form, you will receive an automated confirmation email acknowledging its receipt. The form will be assessed and if required, forwarded to your School for further assessment. You will receive an email if the form has been sent to the school for assessment.

Note, it can take up to five weeks for your application to be assessed and provide an outcome.

If you have been asked to submit further documentation, or have documentation that is not certified, this may delay the processing of your application.

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. If you require any academic advice, please contact your School. 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.

Appealing the Outcome

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 five weeks for your appeal to be assessed and provide an outcome.