Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) FAQs

RPL is an assessment process that evaluates whether an applicant’s prior learning, professional experience, and life achievements are equivalent to formal educational qualifications. It allows students to gain admission to or progress within degree programs by meeting eligibility requirements through non-traditional pathways, such as credit transfer or exemptions.

RPL offers the following key benefits:

• Access to Higher Education: Provides opportunities for students without standard qualifications to enroll in degree programs.
• Recognition of Experience: Validates prior learning from work, informal education, or incomplete degrees.
• Efficient Progression: Grants exemptions to avoid redundant learning, enabling students to focus on new knowledge and skills.

Skilled, experienced, and capable applicants who seek the benefits of having an accredited degree but do not meet the admissions requirements may be eligible for admission through RPL. Examples include:

• Non-traditional learners: Individuals who lack standard or formally-accredited academic qualifications, such as an incomplete bachelor’s degree, but possess equivalent learning through professional or life experiences.
• Professionals with experience: Those with significant work or informal educational experiences that demonstrates competencies equivalent to those required for the degree program.

RPL is offered through two pathways:

1. Admission Pathway:
   • For students lacking standard qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree, RPL assesses whether their experiences (e.g., professional practice or informal education) demonstrate equivalent competencies.
2. Credit Transfer Pathway:
   • RPL facilitates credit exemptions or transfers of previously earned credits from accredited institutions to a Woolf program, reducing redundancy in coursework while acknowledging prior achievements.

RPL is offered through two pathways:

1. Admission Pathway:
   • For students lacking standard qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree, RPL assesses whether their experiences (e.g., professional practice or informal education) demonstrate equivalent competencies.
2. Credit Transfer Pathway:
   • RPL facilitates credit exemptions or transfers of previously earned credits from accredited institutions to a Woolf program, reducing redundancy in coursework while acknowledging prior achievements.

RPL applicants come from a variety of backgrounds. Examples might include:

1. Admission by exemption: A mid-career professional with extensive relevant experience but lacking a formal degree. Through a comprehensive portfolio of past projects and obtaining references from previous managers and colleagues, they demonstrate that their experience constitutes equivalence to entry requirements, and they enroll on a Woolf degree by exemption.
2. Progress by exemption: A current Woolf student who has already acquired specific foundational knowledge through previous work, training, or self-directed projects and submits detailed documentation of that learning. Upon review, the student receives module exemptions, allowing them to skip redundant coursework and advance more quickly.
3. Admission by credit transfer: An applicant who has completed equivalent university-level courses elsewhere - but not necessarily completed a full degree - and seeks to use those accredited credits to satisfy Woolf’s entry criteria. By providing official transcripts and course descriptions, the student gains admission to the Woolf degree.
4. Progress by credit transfer: A Woolf student who holds prior accredited coursework at an advanced level in their field and requests transfer of those credits to be granted exemption from similar modules in their Woolf degree. After verifying the previous degree’s syllabi and grades, Woolf grants credit toward the fulfilment of the degree, enabling the student to focus on their specializations.

Applicants should provide evidence to support their case, such as:

• Professional Experience:
  • Updated Resume/CV.
  • Letters of recommendation from employers or supervisors.
  • Employment verification documents (e.g., pay slips or official letters).
• Educational Background:
  • Transcripts or certificates from prior studies.
  • CPD (Continuing Professional Development) credits or bootcamp certifications.
• Additional Supporting Evidence:
  • Statement of Motivation outlining the relevance of prior experiences to the program.
  • Portfolios, project reports, or published work.

• If you have been invited for an eligibility check, refer to the guide on Completing RPL Eligibility Check for detailed instructions.
• Upload your documents in a single PDF (refer to the document preparation guide for tips on combining files).
• Pay the $200 application fee (colleges may cover this fee for students). Learn about the key considerations when applying for RPL.

RPL Officers evaluate applications by reviewing evidence of an applicant’s prior learning and experiences. They assess:

• Relevance and quality of professional experience.
• Educational achievements, formal or informal.
• Adequacy and authenticity of supporting documents.

The evaluation committee receives your completed application from the RPL Officer. The committee consists of senior Woolf postholders, who assess whether your application meets the requirements to be approved for full or partial RPL.

• Initial Review: RPL Officers review your documents and may request additional information if necessary.
• Decision: Based on the evaluation, your application will be:
  • Approved: You will be admitted into the program.
  • Partially approved: You will be admitted into the program with the specified credit exemptions or transfers.
  • Rejected: You may appeal the decision with stronger evidence or additional documents.

No, ECTS credits are only awarded after full matriculation into a program. However, RPL grants exemptions for completed learning, helping students progress faster in their studies.

You can appeal the decision by contacting Woolf at registrar@woolf.education. Include additional evidence or stronger documentation to support your case.

High-quality evidence like signed employer letters, transcripts, informal education certificates, bootcamp certifications, CPD credits, or licenses (e.g., CPA, CFA) significantly enhance the chances of approval.

Applications missing required documents will not be considered. Woolf may request additional information, delaying the review process.

Yes, applicants may reapply with additional or stronger evidence to support their case. Woolf allows appeals and reevaluation.

The RPL review process costs $200, covering the evaluation of your life and professional experiences. Certain colleges may cover this fee for students.

RPL assesses prior learning and professional experiences for direct admission or exemptions, while PBA requires students to prove academic ability through coursework before matriculation.

The process typically takes a few days once all required documents are submitted. Delays may occur if additional evidence is requested.

No, the pathway through which the admission was done (PBA, RPL, or standard admission) does not appear on the degree certificate. All degrees are fully accredited and carry equal value. Please note that RPL-based admission does not affect or update previous degrees. This may be important in professional pathways that require, for example, both bachelor's and master's degrees in a given subject to qualify for employment. Please ensure that you have checked any applicable requirements in your sector and/or region.