RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING APPLICATION
The trading name for the Lincoln Institute of Higher Education (LIHE) is Lincoln Education Australia (LEA).
To avoid delays in processing your application, complete ALL the details including your email address. LEA will contact
you after processing your application.
For more information refer to LEA Recognition of Prior Learning Policy published on LEA
Recognition of Prior Learning Policy .
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), also referred to as advanced standing or subject exemption, is a process for
establishing credit or advanced standing. RPL enables credit to be given for student achievement through other formal,
non-formal or informal learning.
RPL applications must be received with the course application or at least 6 weeks prior to course commencement,
whichever is sooner.
RPL Considerations
Completed studies shall be at a comparable AQF level to the subject for which students are seeking an exemption. If
the prior study was at a lower AQF level to that in which the exemption is sought, the application shall include
evidence (e.g. verified CV, job description, employer letter) showing that the applicant operates at the higher level
(e.g. extensive work experience at the higher level).
Students may typically obtain exemptions for up to 50% of subjects in a specified course.
Study completed more than five (5) years prior to admission to LEA shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and
may include a review of the applicant’s relevant work history.
Previous study graded as an exemption cannot be used for an exemption into a LEA qualification.
Block credit is a pre-determined form of the granting of credit specified in formal articulation agreements between
LEA and partner higher education institutions offering comparable courses of study.
RPL Applications
Applications for RPL should demonstrate prior study and/or professional experience in a relevant field. Prior learning may be from:
- a recognised higher education provider
- a registered Vocational Education Training (VET) provider
- a professional body
LEA may provide additional methods to assess a student’s knowledge of a given subject, which may include a challenge exam, portfolio or other assessment methods
The Student and Recognitions of prior learning Flowchart details schematically the six stage RPL process.
Before applying for RPL, please ensure that you have read the Recognitions of Prior Learning Policy.
Work Experience
Students who have completed related studies from an accredited higher education provider may apply for RPL.
Prospective students who wish to apply for RPL must indicate this intent on the Student Application Form.
The form must be completed in full and submitted to the Admissions Office with the supporting documents.
LEA shall review the application once the student has submitted all relevant documentation.
Students shall be advised of the outcome of their application within 10 working days of the application being received.
Evidence
Students seeking RPL shall be required to provide evidence such as:
- Subject outlines
- Certified copies of certificates and academic transcripts
- A Curriculum Vitae
- Details of relevant work experience (such as a job description or duty statement)
- Professional references
International Student Exemptions
LEA may recognise training outside of Australia into its courses, provided they meet the AQF standards.
If an international student is granted credits/exemption into a course prior to being granted the student visa, LEA shall
indicate the actual course duration (i.e., shorter duration taking account of course credit) in the confirmation of enrolment
(CoA) issued to that student for that course.
If an international student is granted credits/exemption into a course after the student’s visa is granted, LEA shall report the
change of course duration via PRISMS as per the Education Services of Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000
requirement.