If you have previous studies or professional experience that is relevant to your current academic program, you can request to receive course credit or an exemption based on your prior learning.

To learn about the University's requirements regarding the application for and processing of requests for credit and exemptions, please refer to the following web pages:

• ANU current students - Get course credit or exemption
• ANU policy: Recognition of prior and external learning
• ANU procedure: Credit and exemptions

How to apply

Before applying, make sure you have all the required supporting documents ready. Incomplete applications will not be processed. (For a list of the required documents, see Formal and Non-formal/Informal learning sections below). 

APPLY HERE  **Credit and exemption applications for Semester 2 2023 closed on Friday, 04 August 2023 at 9:00 a.m. AEST. Please note that applications sent via email will not be accepted. Applications for Semester 1 2024 will open later this year.**

All applications for course credit and exemption require:

• a course details form

Other required evidence depends on the type of prior learning for which you are seeking credit and exemption.

Formal learning

• Official transcript, or a certificate of completion of a microcredential.
• A course outline or handbook entry, unless the application is for prior completed or incomplete qualifications and the student only seeks unspecified credit.

Non-formal or informal learning

• A curriculum vitae identifying periods of full-time and part-time professional experience.
• The contact details of two referees who can verify the experience.
• A statement addressing the relevant learning outcomes as specified in ANU policy: Recognition of Prior Learning.
• A statement from the employer confirming relevant experience, alternative evidence verifying the professional experience or a statement why such a statement cannot be provided.

• A 1000 word statement adressing the relevant learning outcomes of COMP6250 or ENGN6250 as specified in Policy: Recognition of prior and external learning. 

All documents must meet Document certification and translation requirements.

Outcomes

Outcomes for complete applications are provided within 20 working days. Please do not resubmit your application during this time. If you want to check the status or withdraw your application, please contact CECC Student Services. 

Appeals

The decision to award you a given amount of credit or no credit at all are made under the ANU policy: Recognition of Prior Learning. 

If you believe you have grounds, you may appeal this decision. Please follow the appeal process outlined in the ANU current students – Decisions made under the Awards Rules. 

Types of Status

Specified Credit

Specified credit is awarded when prior learning is demonstrated as exact or similar to an ANU course or courses. It can be awarded as a core, major, minor, specialisation or elective course or courses.

Example: COURSE A = COMP1100 (6 units)

If you receive specified credit, you are not required to complete the recognised course or courses and the duration of your degree may be reduced.

Unspecified Credit

Unspecified credit is awarded when prior learning is demonstrated as relevant to the overall learning outcomes of your degree. It is usually awarded as an elective course or courses.

Example: COURSE B = ANU-Elective (6 units)

If you receive unspecified credit, you will complete fewer courses and the duration of your degree may be reduced.

Exemption

Exemption is awarded if prior learning is demonstrated as relevant to part of the learning outcomes of an ANU course or courses. If you receive an exemption, you are not required to complete the recognised course or courses but must complete another approved course in its place.

If you receive an exemption for a course when an alternate is listed, you must complete the alternatively listed course to satisfy the program requirements of the degree.  For example, if a Master of Computing student receives an exemption from COMP6331, they are required to complete the alternative course, COMP6340.

Exemption is also awarded when prior learning is considered to have met the pre-requisites for a higher level course.

Example: COURSE C = COMP6262, allowing you to enrol directly into COMP6320