Apply with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Your Experience Matters
Have you gained valuable skills and knowledge through work, volunteering, or life experiences? With Swanston Institute’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, you can turn your expertise into formal qualifications, helping you progress faster in your career or education.
How to Apply with RPL
Step 1: Understand RPL
RPL assesses the skills, knowledge, and experiences you’ve gained outside formal education. This includes:
- Work experience (paid or unpaid).
- Volunteer work.
- Non-accredited training or professional development.
Step 2: Gather Your Evidence
Evidence should demonstrate your competency and may include:
- Resumes and job descriptions.
- Work samples or portfolios.
- Certificates from previous training.
- Letters of validation from supervisors or colleagues.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Complete the RPL Application Form and attach your supporting evidence.
- Submit the form via email or directly to the Student Support Office.
Step 4: Assessment Process
- An experienced assessor will evaluate your application based on industry standards and competency requirements.
- This may include interviews, professional conversations, or supplementary assessments.
Step 5: Outcome and Credit Awarded
- If successful, you’ll receive credit for specific units, reducing your course duration.
- Any changes to your schedule will be reflected in your enrolment details.
Tip:
RPL is a great way to formalize your expertise, especially if you’re looking to switch careers or upskill.
Benefits of RPL
Gain qualifications faster by recognizing what you already know.
Avoid studying units you’ve already mastered through practical experience.
Achieve career advancement with formal credentials.
Ready to Apply?
Download the RPL Application Form and take the first step toward formalizing your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
RPL is a process that allows you to gain credit for skills, knowledge, and experience you’ve acquired through work, volunteering, or informal education. It reduces your study load and accelerates qualification completion.
You are eligible for RPL if you have significant industry experience, non-formal training, or transferable skills that align with the units of your chosen course.
You’ll need to provide:
- A resume detailing your work experience.
- Job descriptions, performance reviews, or references.
- Certificates, portfolios, or any other evidence of your competencies.
Fill out the RPL Application Form and submit it along with your supporting evidence to the Student Support Office or via email.
An experienced assessor will evaluate your evidence against industry standards and course competencies. This may include interviews, professional conversations, or supplementary assessments.
The RPL assessment typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your application and the quality of evidence provided.
Yes, RPL applications can be submitted after your course begins, but applying early ensures your study schedule is adjusted promptly.
Yes, successful RPL applications may reduce your course duration. Changes will be reflected in your enrolment details and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), if applicable.
If your RPL application is unsuccessful, you will receive feedback on areas where additional training is needed. You can then complete the required units as part of your course.
There may be fees associated with the RPL assessment process. Contact our admissions team for detailed information about costs.
If the course duration is reduced due to RPL, it may impact your student visa. Swanston Institute will update your CoE, and you should contact the Department of Home Affairs for advice.
Yes, you can apply for both processes simultaneously if you meet the criteria for each.
RPL formalizes your existing skills and experience, helping you gain recognized qualifications faster. This can open new career opportunities or support your professional growth.
Reach out to our Student Support Team at admin@swanston.edu.au or call +61 3 9100 2111 for assistance.
