Advanced Standing

Credit for previous study (Advanced standing)

Different types of study are assessed for equivalency including credential studies and informal (non-credentialed) learning.

Credit towards a La Trobe University course is granted as follows:

1. for a block component of a course (for example, a completed VET diploma may entitle the holder to exemption from the first year of a La Trobe three-year degree course)
2. for specific La Trobe University subjects (if there is a direct correlation between the prior learning and the La Trobe subject) or unspecified subjects (if there is no direct correlation, unspecified credit may be granted towards elective requirements of a La Trobe course).
3. for compulsory coursework subjects within a graduate research degree where a cognate subject has been completed in a previous degree or there is demonstrated sufficient and relevant research experience. For more information please contact the Graduate Research School.
4. For short courses or microcredentials (if these have been completed through recognised institutions or platforms and are deemed equivalent to La Trobe University subjects), credit may be granted either for specific La Trobe subjects or as unspecified credit towards elective requirements of a La Trobe course.

Policy

You can view the Credit (Advanced standing) policies in our Policy Library.

La Trobe Credit search

Use the La Trobe credit search below to see the outcomes of previous credit applications at La Trobe.

This information should be used as a guide only. Credit available may vary as it is assessed on a case-by-case basis and can only be determined during enrolment, or advised by the Admissions officer upon receipt of the applicant's transcript and syllabus.

Applying for Credit

You can apply to have specific subjects credited toward your La Trobe course (i.e. core subjects, list subjects, any other subject that you would like to appear on your transcript ). Please refer to the University Handbook when looking for equivalent subjects

You can also apply to have unspecified credit applied to your course (i.e. electives that will appear as 'UNSPECIFIED CREDIT' on your transcript). To apply with the year level and elective type specified (e.g. '1st year humanities elective')

The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited Credit. See list of limited entry courses.

Please note that there is no Credit for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical).
• Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse) (as per accreditation from Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)).
• Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry) (as per accreditation from Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

Supporting documentation

If you studied at a University other than La Trobe and are seeking Credit, you must provide all the following documents relating to your previous course or learning:

• academic transcripts
• explanation of what the results mean (usually with the transcript)
• details of the course structure and credit points (from the Handbook)
• detailed subject descriptions and related information such as assessment tasks from your past tertiary studies
• detailed evidence of work experience or industry experience

For informal or non-credential learning you need to demonstrate your competence through an appropriate form of assessment. Please submit appropriate evidence such as certified copies of statements from employers, present a portfolio or curriculum vitae. Assessment will be made by the course coordinator who may request you attend an interview. To be eligible for credit, work experience must cover the relevant subject intended learning outcomes (SILOs). For information regarding SILOs please see the subject entries in the Handbook.

When to submit your application

If you have undertaken previous tertiary study, you may be eligible for credit towards your course.

You should submit your fully completed Credit (Advanced Standing) applications along with your course application. However, we'll still accept applications up to four weeks before your current studies begin. If you have all the required documents when you accept your course offer, please submit your advanced standing application as soon as you can. If you receive an offer less than four weeks before the start of your course, you must submit your application within five business days of receiving your offer.

Timely submission of your fully completed credit application will give you an opportunity to amend your enrolment based on the outcome of your application for the current semester. Credit (Advanced standing) applications received after the deadline will not be processed until the next available semester. View dates and deadlines for new students on the Course Key Dates webpage.

If you are a continuing student who has already commenced your course, you must submit your fully completed credit application four weeks before the commencement of the current semester. Applications received after this deadline will not be processed in time for the current semester.

Partner institutions

If you are studying through a partner institution, e.g. OUA or Wiley Education Services, you won't be able to apply for Credit until you receive your La Trobe Student ID number and username (which may take longer than three business days from receiving your offer).

International students

International Student Visa Holder

• You must confirm acceptance of the Credit within 5 business days of the date of your offer
• If your course length reduces as a result of the Credit, La Trobe International will issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• You are required to contact the Department of Home Affairs to advise of any changes to your course.

US Financial Aid or Sponsored student

• You need to seek approval from your sponsor to apply for Credit

Permanent Residency or Post Study Work Rights

• It is your responsibility to check these requirements before accepting Credit.

Credit outcomes and notification

We’ll notify you via email to let you know if your Credit has been approved. While waiting for your outcome, you must continue to attend classes for all of your subjects.

If your application for Credit is approved, the effective date will be the application date.

The Credit you receive will be towards a specific La Trobe course. If you want to transfer to a different course you need to apply to transfer your course and to have your Credit (Advanced standing) reassessed.

How much Credit you can expect

The application of Credit is consistent with the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework for the award of a qualification. The amount of credit you receive depends on the specific La Trobe course you enrol in and:

• the level of tertiary study you have previously completed
• the age of your previous tertiary study – normally within the last 8 years (although some disciplines because of professional/accreditation requirements may have a shorter period). If your qualification is older than 8 years you may be able to apply for non-credentialed learning based on your work experience
• the requirement that a certain minimum proportion of your course be completed at La Trobe, including any capstone subjects and/or thesis components
• the similarity or relevance of your previous tertiary study to your La Trobe course.
• professional accreditation requirements and other international jurisdictional issues as in the case of some Law subjects