IGI recognises the importance of supporting students to continue their study and future learning and adheres, as articulated in the Credit for Prior Learning Policy and Procedure, to the following guiding principles to determine credit for prior learning:

• Evidence-based: evidence of prior learning is sufficient to verify achievement at the appropriate standard.
• Transparent, fair, and equitable: credit articulation agreements are publicly available and applied fairly and equitably.
• Academically defensible: the prior learning aligns with the appropriate AQF level of the relevant course.
• Facilitate academic progression: credit agreements support and facilitate progression into, within, and between qualifications.
• Authenticity: evidence of prior learning has been undertaken by the applicant.
• Currency: the prior learning demonstrates current skill and knowledge requirements.
• Recognise accredited awards and statements of attainment issued by any Australian Commonwealth, state or territory authorised issuing organisation (or comparable international equivalents).
• Comply with applicable Australian laws, regulations, and standards, including the VET Quality Framework, the Higher Education Standards Framework, and the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Types of credit

As identified in the Credit for Prior Learning Policy and Procedure, IGI has implemented processes to support students in gaining the following types of credit for prior learning

Specified Credit based on prior formal learning that is deemed equivalent when considering the specified learning outcomes, the volume of learning, course content, and the learning and assessment approach implemented. Specified credit is generally determined on a case-by-case basis or as part of a credit transfer agreement. The student is exempt from completing the unit to meet course requirements when specified credit is awarded for specific units of study within a course. Further, as specified credit acknowledges that a student has achieved equivalent unit learning outcomes, the student is deemed to have met the pre-requisites.

Block credit is granted when a student has completed a formal qualification, or the formal qualification is identified in a formal articulation pathway agreement. The formal credit agreement exempts a student from completing some of the unit components of a course. A block credit agreement does not recognise that the student has achieved equivalent units, learning outcomes, or content. The units being granted as credit are determined by mapping the desired learning outcomes, with consideration given to supporting academic progression by linking defined qualifications and a credit pathway.

For a list of IGI’s current articulation pathway agreements please click here.

Recognition of Work and Life Experience may be granted if a student can provide evidence to support and demonstrate the student’s achievement. It can be formal, informal, or non-formal learning.

Credit limitations

Aligned with sector norms, the credit granted to a student for an individual course may not exceed 50% of the total credit points of the course being considered. Credit will not be granted for partial completion of units; a student must have successfully completed the unit to be considered for credit.

Applications for credit

• Applications for credit for prior learning must be made using the relevant form accompanied by supporting documentation and submitted either together with the application for admission or after at least ten working days before the census date of the first study period. Applications made after a student has been admitted must be submitted prior to enrolment in the unit(s) of study for which credit for prior learning is sought.
• Documentation submitted in support of the application must include certified copies of certificate/diploma/award (for completed qualifications), academic transcripts, unit outlines and any other documents that can support the assessment and demonstrate the equivalence between respective units. Documents issued in languages other than English must be submitted in official translations into English. Evidence provided to demonstrate prior learning must have been achieved within the last seven (7) years.
• Applicants seeking credit based on previous work experience must attach to their application an up-to-date CV, copies of relevant position description(s) for the previous role(s) held, and official proof of employment in the role(s) indicating dates and length of employment.
• The assessment of the application for credit and associated documentation will be undertaken by the IGI Dean (or delegate). Within 10 working days of submitting the application for RPL, the student will be informed in writing of the outcome and amount of credit granted.
• Students must confirm the acceptance of the credit granted in writing. If a student is dissatisfied with the outcome, they can appeal the decision in accordance with the IGI Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure.