AUT - Recognition of prior learning (RPL) - academic credit
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Recognition of prior learning (RPL) - academic credit
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - academic credit
RPL is credit granted towards your current AUT programme from tertiary studies you have previously completed or through life or work experience. There are two types of RPL:
Formal - sometimes referred to as transfer or cross credit. Formal RPL gives you credit towards your current AUT programme for papers that you completed in another programme at AUT or another tertiary educational institution.
Nonformal - credit for papers in your current AUT programme from previously acquired learning gained from life or work experience, or a combination of nonformal and formal learning.
When can I apply for RPL?
We advise you to apply for RPL at the same time you submit your application but you may also apply for RPL upon receiving an ‘Offer of Place’ into a programme.
If you are unsure, contact the International Centre by telephone (+64 9 921 9637), fax (+64 9 921 9925) or email (international.centre@aut.ac.nz). Your application for RPL will not be assessed until we have received the RPL Application Form, academic transcripts and the fee.
For full RPL definitions and requirements, refer to General Academic Regulations Schedule 2, section 3.4 of the AUT University Calendar.
Note: If your application for academic credit is successful you will obtain credit points for the relevant paper or papers. This means you will not have to enrol and complete those papers at AUT. Sometimes credit applies just to papers (subjects) and may not alter the length of your study and sometimes it may equate to credit for up to one year (or more) of a programme.
Your student visa
Please be aware that you must undertake a minimum of 80% of a full-time study load to comply with the conditions of your student permit (e.g. 80% of 120 points = 64 points for 1 year, 80% of 60 points = 48 points per semester).
If you have any queries regarding your visa, check with the International Student Support Service
How do I apply for RPL?
To apply for Formal RPL, you will need to submit the RPL Application Form, a copy of your transcript(s) and course descriptors for evaluation. There is a fee of $72. You can obtain the form from your AUT registered agent or from the Student Information Centre.
You can pay the Formal RPL fee online using a credit card or your New Zealand bank account or you can pay by or by cheque, cash or credit card at a fee payment counter at one of the Student Information Centres. For more information, see payment methods.
To be assessed for Nonformal RPL you will need to provide evidence that you have met the learning outcomes in the paper. The assessment method will depend on the type of paper and may take the form of a portfolio, demonstration or challenge exam. To find out more, contact the International Centre by telephone (+64 9 921 9637), fax (+64 9 921 9925) or email (international.centre@aut.ac.nz).