Apply for credit and recognition of prior learning
Gaining credit and recognition of prior learning may reduce the time it will take to complete your degree. Find out more about the types of learning you may gain credit for, how to apply for credit transfers and examples of credit decisions that have been made in the past.
The University may grant credit for
Formal study
The University may grant credit for formal study that takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification. Examples include:
- study undertaken with other Australian higher education providers
- study at recognised overseas institutions
- credentialed programs provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities.
Non-formal learning
The University may grant credit for non-formal learning that takes place through a structured program of learning but does not lead to an officially accredited qualification.
For example, learning and training activities undertaken in the workplace, voluntary sector or in community-based settings.
Informal learning
The University may grant credit for informal learning that is gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experience.
Informal learning is not organised or externally structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.
Pathways with credit
The University may grant credit for pathways that are approved with other institutions via an articulation agreement.
Such an agreement is between Griffith and another institution to document and publicise a specifically approved pathway for progression between a program at the other institution and a Griffith award program, involving specific credit arrangements.
Credit Precedent Database
Griffith's innovative Credit Precedent Database allows you to find out what credit decisions have been made in the past. These precedents will give you an idea of what you can expect.
Another Australian university
or training organisation
Overseas institutions
Open Universities Australia (OUA)
Another program at Griffith
Transferring between programs
Griffith College
TAFE
On exchange
(Griffith Global Mobility Studies)
High school students
(GUESTS)
International Baccalaureate diploma
Micro-credentials
MOOCs
PATHWAYS WITH CREDIT CALCULATOR
The Pathways with Credit Calculator is a list of all pre-approved Griffith University pathways based on formal arrangements with other institutions. You can check approved pathways via the calculator to get results for maximum credit transfer.
Informal and/or non-formal learning
The Learning Profile is a statement of an applicant’s achievements of learning outcomes, knowledge, skills and competencies, supported by appropriate evidence, relevant to the particular program for which advanced standing or transfer is requested or for specific course/s for which credit is sought. The Learning Profile forms part of the Online Credit Application.
In order to obtain credit for a Griffith course, you must demonstrate that you have achieved the course (specified course) or program (unspecified/elective) learning outcomes. A close match with the aims, objectives and learning activities for the course/program for which recognition is sought is required.
Self-help resources
The self-help resources below will guide you on how to apply for credit.
Step-by-step user guide for GUESTS
Important dates
Applications for credit may be lodged at any time. However, an application for credit will not be accepted for a course(s) a student is enrolled in, if the census date has already passed. It is far better to have your credit determined prior to the commencement of trimester as it may impact on which courses you enrol in.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 31 January | Final day for credit applications to be lodged to guarantee a decision prior to Trimester 1. |
| 31 May | Final day for credit applications to be lodged to guarantee a decision prior to Trimester 2. |
| 30 September | Final day for credit applications to be lodged to guarantee a decision prior to Trimester 3. |
Information for institutions
Educational institutions wishing to have credit articulation arrangements approved with Griffith University may do so by lodging an
Application for articulation arrangement form (PDF 25k)
All articulation arrangements are listed in the University's Credit Precedent Database.
Credit awarded
Once your application has been processed you will be notified via your Griffith student email address. Your award of credit can be viewed on your Unofficial Transcript or the Transfer Credit Report available from myGriffith.
The Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy allows for up to two-thirds credit towards a Bachelor degree depending on the nature of the previous study, but notwithstanding the amount of credit awarded, a student is required to complete a minimum amount of study at Griffith University.
Credit may be awarded as advanced standing, unspecified credit, specified credit or provisional credit.
Advanced standing is the granting of block credit of a trimester or more, and reduces the number of courses the student must undertake to successfully complete the program. Specified and unspecified credit is granted for one or more specific courses in a program, exempting students from those courses or electives, and awarding the appropriate credit points in their place. Provisional credit is the granting of credit or the recognition of prior learning subject to prescribed conditions being met.
Refer to the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy (PDF 276k) for full descriptions of these terms.