RPL for International Students

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that determines whether your skills, knowledge and experience align to those required by one or more units of competency, based on what you have learnt through your work and life experience.

You may have developed your skills and knowledge through a combination of:

• Work experience
• Life experience, such as community involvement
• Previous training and education

The RPL process considers all relevant skills, knowledge, and experience that you have. Through this assessment process you may be able to gain a complete qualification subject to individual course rules. The process may identify gaps in your knowledge, skills, or other parts of a qualification, which you can then complete with addition training.

You will be asked to supply evidence of your  experience during the RPL process. This evidence needs to reflect current practice.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for VET courses

If a student applies before enrolment, the student should upload their documentation with their online application following the RPL Application Information. Following assessment of the RPL application, TAFE SA will notify the student of any changes to the course duration and/or tuition fees and issue the offer letter accordingly.

If a student is applying after enrolment, the student should make sure that they bring their information and speak to their program coordinator as soon as possible.

Refer to the fees and charges schedule.

When a student applies for RPL the student must provide evidence of their skills, experience and/or studies. This evidence can include certification, academic transcripts, subject descriptions, testimonials, references from employers and work samples. This evidence of knowledge and skills is then measured against the equivalent unit(s) in the relevant VET course.

Credit for higher education courses

Students may wish to apply for credit prior to or upon enrolment and commencement in a higher education course. Students will need to provide evidence, transcripts and possibly study materials, of their previous study for which they are seeking credit. Only formal study can be recognised for higher education courses.

There is no fee for the assessment of credit.

Receiving RPL or Credit

If the RPL or credit application is successful, the student will be deemed as having already completed those units in their course. These courses will not need to be studied at TAFE SA and therefore, depending on the timetable, an international student may be able to complete their studies in less time and at less cost.

If course credits or exemptions are granted after a student visa is granted, the student will be notified of any changes to the course duration and fees.  If required a new Confirmation of Enrolment will be issued to the student and Immigration notified.

Students who have received course credits or exemptions must continue to keep their enrolment load at a level to allow them to complete their course within the expected duration.