Credit transfer

What is credit transfer?

Credit transfer is also known as:

• exemption
• status
• recognition of prior learning
• advanced standing.

It is a process that allows students to seek recognition for prior studies.

Eligibility for credit does not guarantee admission to a course at Flinders. If you would like more information about the admission requirements for a particular course, please refer to the undergraduate study applications or postgraduate study applications.

When we receive your credit transfer application we will compare the level and content of topics you have already completed with the syllabus and learning outcomes of topics in the Flinders course you are about to undertake.

If your previous area of study is not related to your university study, some degrees allow for general credit to be awarded based on your level of your TAFE/VET qualification only, irrelevant of the content matter.

More information

For more information, refer to the policy on Credit Transfer .

What kind of credit can I get?

There are three types of credit:

• Specified credit . This is awarded when the study already undertaken is substantially the same standard and has substantially the same syllabus as an equivalent topic offered at Flinders.
• Unspecified credit . This is awarded on the basis of work which is deemed to be equivalent in amount and academic value to a body of work at Flinders for which there is no direct topic equivalent.
• Block credit . This is awarded for work of a similar standard in a program of studies (eg major/minor) which is equivalent to one offered at Flinders.

A student who has undertaken a topic at another institution which is not directly equivalent to a Flinders topic, but has a significant similarity, may, in some cases, be exempted from components of a topic. Please ask the relevant Credit Transfer Officer in your faculty for further details.

Why apply for credit transfer?

If you are eligible for credit transfer the length of time taken to complete your studies at Flinders may decrease and the tuition fees will be reduced.

Examples of how credit transfer works

John has completed the Diploma of Nursing (Pre-enrolment) at TAFE/VET. He will receive up to 36 units of credit (equivalent to 1 year of full-time study) towards the Bachelor of Nursing.

Erika has completed some topics towards the Bachelor of Technology (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) at Flinders University but has now decided to transfer to the Bachelor of Science. She will receive some credit towards the Bachelor of Science based on the topics already completed.

Andrew was undertaking a Bachelor of Arts (BA) at a university in Victoria when his partner moved to South Australia. Andrew gained entry to the BA at Flinders and applied for credit transfer. He may be eligible for a maximum credit of two thirds of the degree, provided the topic content is similar.

Sarah is applying for a 36 unit Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care with Flinders University. She has completed a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care Nursing with the New South Wales College of Nursing. She will receive 18 units (6 units specified and 12 units unspecified) of credit towards the Diploma at Flinders, leaving 18 units to complete.

Am I eligible for credit?

You may be eligible for credit if you have undertaken study at a registered training organisation or tertiary institution, either in Australia or overseas, including TAFE/VET.

Study undertaken at overseas institutions will be recognised as long as the study is considered to be equivalent to the level of education in Australian registered training organisations or tertiary institutions.

Students transferring from one Flinders University degree to another

Students who have completed topics within a degree at Flinders and wish to transfer to another degree at Flinders may wish to apply for credit transfer. This is not an automatic process so you will need to lodge an application, however it is not necessary for you to provide an academic transcript or syllabus.

Students from other Australian universities

Credit may be granted for studies successfully completed at any accredited Australian higher education institution.

Students from TAFE/VET

In most cases you need to have completed a qualification at Certificate IV level or higher in order to be considered for credit transfer. Credit may be given to a maximum of 54 units (towards a 3-year degree) for holders of a completed TAFE diploma, associate diploma, advanced diploma, degree or equivalent.

If you are studying/have studied for a TAFE/VET qualification refer to the TAFE credit and transfer page to see if your qualification is listed. Otherwise, we will assess your qualification individually.

TAFElink provides a guaranteed entry pathway for applicants who have completed a TAFE/VET certificate 4 or higher level qualification (provided the applicant meets the course prerequisite requirements). Refer to guaranteed entry pathway for TAFE/VET students for further information.

Students from overseas institutions

Credit for studies at overseas tertiary institutions will be awarded on the same basis as that for studies within Australian institutions, subject to those studies being assessed by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR), or an equivalent body, as comparable to tertiary level studies in Australia.

Do you need to lodge an application?

Everyone seeking credit transfer needs to lodge an application, including Flinders students transferring to another degree at Flinders.

Application deadline

You should lodge your application no later than 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant semester/teaching period. If you do not lodge your application by then it may not be processed in time for your enrolment.

When do I apply?

If you have applied for admission to a course at Flinders, you can apply for credit in that course.

Note : For some courses, credit applications will only be assessed once the applicant has received an offer of admission to the course. Ensure that you lodge your application no later than 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant semester/teaching period, otherwise you may be unable to finalise your enrolment by the last day to enrol.

What information do I need to submit with my credit application?

In order to ensure that your application is processed in time for your enrolment, it is essential that your application includes the following:

• complete Official Academic Transcripts* and an explanation of the grading system
• topic/subject outlines (syllabus) provided by the institution at the time when the study occurred
• course outline explaining the structure of the program including topics covered, contact hours, duration of the program, and methods of assessment. This is not required if the course was undertaken at Flinders or if an articulation agreement is in place, (if you have completed a TAFE qualification, please check our the TAFE credit and transfer page copy of the completed award*, if relevant (eg. TAFE/VET or overseas diploma)
• any prior correspondence you may have received from Flinders regarding this credit application.

* Documents must be originals or certified true copies . Certified copies must bear an original signature and certification that the document is a true copy of the original. This can be obtained from a University Registrar, a Justice of the Peace, or you can bring originals to the Student Centre or relevant Faculty Office for photocopying and certification.

How do I apply?

To apply for credit transfer, complete these steps.

1. Download the Credit Application Form (PDF 184KB) . If you have studied at Flinders, go to step 4.
2. Obtain a complete, original or certified copy of your academic transcript (which lists the topics you have completed and your grades). If your academic transcript shows topics for which you have received credit you will need to provide earlier transcripts showing the grades you received for those topics.
3. Obtain detailed descriptions/learning outcomes for the topics completed (syllabus).
4. Access the Program of Study for the Flinders course. Find the topic description and competencies for each subject. To do this, click on the highlighted topic code and select Show educational aims and expected learning outcomes .
5. Compare the topics you have completed to the outcomes of the Flinders topics. If they meet these learning outcomes, you can apply for specified credit. If you need help please contact the course coordinator or faculty credit transfer officer. Unspecified credit may be granted for study which is equivalent in terms of level of study, but not equivalent in content/outcomes.
6. Complete the Credit Application Form.
7. Submit your application no later than 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant teaching period. Lodge your application with supporting documentation in person or by mail to the relevant faculty credit transfer officer.
   

How will I be notified?

You will receive a letter outlining the credit transfer granted.

How will I enrol?

After receiving your Credit Transfer Notification you may need to change your study plan. Contact your course coordinator or faculty credit transfer officer for advice.

If you are an international student , please contact the International Student Services Unit (ISSU) for assistance.