Apply for credit and recognition of prior learning
Gaining credit and recognition of prior learning may reduce the time it will take to complete your degree. Find out more about the types of learning you may gain credit for, how to apply for credit transfer and examples of credit decisions that have been made in the past.
Save time
Fast-track your studies and graduate sooner.
Save money
Spend less on fees by not repeating courses (subjects) you have already completed.
Be recognised
At Griffith, your past formal and informal achievements are valued and your experience matters.
Our Credit Guarantee
If you already have a diploma or degree, you will be guaranteed at least 40 credit points (CP), or six months of full-time study, towards your eligible undergraduate Griffith degree - for studies completed in the past 10 years at time of application.
If you’ve completed a Certificate III or IV, you may be able to access up to 20 CP. So, whatever your experience, you can use it to go further, faster, at Griffith.
What does credit and recognition of prior learning mean?
If you have already have prior formal learning or have significant relevant work experience, you may be eligible to have your prior learning recognised. Prior learning can be formal, non-formal or informal.
Formal learning
Formal learning includes any study undertaken through an accredited education provider that leads to an officially accredited qualification. Such providers include:
- Australian universities
- vocational education and training (VET) providers, e.g., TAFE or private colleges
- recognised overseas institutions
- recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities.
Non-formal learning
Non-formal learning occurs through a structured program of learning but does not lead to an officially accredited qualification.
Examples include learning and training activities undertaken in:
- the workplace
- the volunteer sector
- community-based settings.
Informal learning
Informal learning includes any learning that is not organised or does not have externally structured objectives, time requirements or learning support.
You can engage in informal learning in a range of settings, including at work and through social, family, hobby and leisure activities and experience.
How do I apply?
Ensure you are familiar with the requirements and courses offered for your program (degree). You can find this information on the Programs and Courses page. Use the search bar to find courses (subjects) within your degree for which you may wish to apply for credit.
Check your Starting at Griffith email or MyGriffith page for more details.
The Credit Precedent Database keeps record of courses for which we have previously granted credit. You can use this tool to check for applicable precedents and what supporting documentation, if any, you will need to provide.
To use the database, select a relevant institution or provider type from the Credit Precedent Database below.
Please note: If your prior courses are listed for your degree, you won’t need to provide course outlines—but be sure to review each course before submitting your credit application if you’ve studied with more than one provider.
Once you have completed the first two steps, you can start your application whenever you’re ready. It will remain active within our system until you submit.
Please note: You only need to submit one application, regardless of how many previous providers you have studied with.
You do not need to complete a credit application if you are:
- approved for an internal transfer or program change
- a Griffith College student who has received a direct admission offer to a Griffith degree
- an international student notified of credit at the time of admission.
You may experience issues with your submission if you try to request credit for more than 18 courses at once. To apply for additional courses, you’ll need to submit a second application.
Ensure you only list courses relevant to your Griffith degree, as your maximum Free Choice Elective credit will be applied when your application is assessed. See the Programs and Courses page for more information about elective requirements.
Remember, we’re here to help. Contact Ask Us or email credit@griffith.edu.au if you have any questions about your application.
Once you’ve completed your Credit for Prior Learning application, our team will assess your eligibility. If there are no precedents, we’ll work with relevant academics to determine how much credit to award you.
We will always aim to maximise the credit available to you based on your application. We may contact you if we need any additional information.
We’ll let you know how things are going through the Track My Application link, which will be emailed to your student inbox when you submit.
If you need any help or haven’t heard from us before the first week of trimester, please email us at credit@griffith.edu.au.
Ensure you are familiar with the requirements and courses offered for your program (degree). You can find this information on the Degree Finder page. Use the search bar to find courses (subjects) within your degree for which you may wish to apply for credit.
The Credit Precedent Database keeps record of courses for which we have previously granted credit. You can use this tool to check for applicable precedents and what supporting documentation, if any, you will need to provide.
To use the database, select a relevant institution or provider type from the Credit Precedent Database below.
Please note: If your prior courses are listed for your degree, you won’t need to provide course outlines—but be sure to review each course before submitting your credit application if you’ve studied with more than one provider.
If you’re not a Griffith student yet, you’ll need to apply for admission before you complete your Credit for Prior Learning application.
For more information on domestic applications, please see the below pages:
Please contact Future Students via Ask Us or email credit@griffith.edu.au if you have any questions about your application.
We strongly encourage international students to apply for credit at the same time as completing their online application for admission to Griffith. If you are successfully awarded credit, you’ll receive a Notification of Credit Transfer entitlement when you receive your Letter of Offer.
Visit our Griffith International page if you have any questions or need more information.
For which degrees am I guaranteed to receive credit?
If you meet application requirements, we'll offer you a guaranteed 40 CP of credit towards your studies for a wide range of our degrees. See the table below for the full list of eligible programs and their respective campuses.
How much credit can I get?
The amount of credit that can be awarded towards your Griffith degree will depend on your prior learning and experience. To receive this credit, you must submit an application. See below for a detailed breakdown of credit limits relative to your qualifications.
Credit Precedent Database
Griffith's innovative Credit Precedent Database allows you to find out what credit decisions have been made in the past. These precedents may give you a guide to the credit that you could be entitled to. Select an option below to view precedents and the step-by-step guide on how to apply.
I am seeking credit as...
Apply for formal study credit transfer
Current students
Have you received your offer of admission and the ‘Starting at Griffith’ email? If so, you can apply for credit at any time by completing the Credit for Prior Learning Application. However, we do recommend determining what credit you seek before trimester starts, as this may impact which courses you can enrol in. Applications for credit will not be accepted for courses currently enrolled in if the census date has already passed.
You do not need to complete a credit application if you are:
- approved for an Internal Transfer
- a Griffith College student who has received a direct admission offer to a Griffith program
- an international student notified of credit at the time of admission
If you have not been notified of your award of credit by the start of Week 1, please send us an email via Ask a Question and include your Student ID.
Step 1 – Review your program requirements
Become familiar with your program requirements and course offerings. Information about your Griffith program/degree can be found by searching the Programs and Courses page. This page will allow you to gain information for the requirements of your degree, or for courses (subjects) within your degree. The search bar will enable you to find the courses within your degree that you may wish to apply for credit.
Further details can be found on your Starting at Griffith email or via your MyGriffith page.
Step 2 – Review the Credit Precedent Database and supporting documentation requirements
It is possible that we have previously granted credit for the same prior study that you are seeking. A record of these assessment is kept in the Credit Precedent Database and may help inform your application.
To review the Credit Precedent Database, please select the institution or provider type relevant to you. Use this tool to view the supporting documentation required from your provider, and to search your previous study to understand if there is a precedent applicable to you.
Credit Precedent Database
If your prior courses (subjects) are listed in the Credit Precedent Database for your program, you are not required to provide course outlines.
If you have studies from more than one provider however, please review each prior to submitting one application for your Credit Application.
Step 3 – Apply for Credit Griffith University
Once you have understood the requirements of your program and courses, as well as the supporting documentation required from your prior learning – you are ready to apply.
To apply, please commence your application via the Apply Now button below. You can commence your application at any time and it will remain active within our system until you submit.
Please remember you only need to submit one application, regardless of the number of previous providers you may be using. Also note that you do not need to complete a credit application if you are:
- approved for an Internal Transfer or program change
- a Griffith College student who has received a direct admission offer to a Griffith program
- an international student notified of credit at the time of admission
If you are requesting credit for more than 18 courses however, you may experience issues submitting your application. To apply for additional courses, please submit a second application. Please only list courses relevant to your Griffith degree as your maximum Free Choice Elective credit will be applied at the time of assessment. Check Programs and Courses to find out more about your program’s elective requirements.
Check out the Credit Precedent Database to find more information about past credit transfer decisions which may apply to your situation.
If you have questions about the application form, please contact Ask Us or email credit@griffith.edu.au.
Step 4 – Track your application
Once you complete the Credit for Prior Learning Application our team will commence the assessment to determine if you are eligible. If there are no precedents, we will work with relevant academics to determine your award of credit.
Please note: we aim to maximise the credit available to you based on your application. We may be in contact with you if we require further documentation.
We will keep you informed of the progress of your application through your Track my application link available via emails sent to your student email account. If you do not have an outcome prior to week 1 of trimester or need assistance with your application, please email credit@griffith.edu.au.
Apply for non-formal or informal study
Current students
Have you received your offer of admission and the ‘Starting at Griffith’ email? If so, you can apply for credit at any time by completing the Credit for Prior Learning Application. However, we do recommend determining what credit you seek before trimester starts, as this may impact which courses you can enrol in. Applications for credit will not be accepted for courses currently enrolled in if the census date has already passed. You can apply for future courses at any time.
Griffith University grants credit for formal, informal study and non-formal learning (prior experience).
Informal learning takes place through a structured program of learning which does not lead to an officially accredited qualification. Examples include learning and training activities undertaken in the workplace, voluntary sector or community-based settings.
Non-formal learning is gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities. Unlike Informal learning, Non-formal learning gained through experience is not structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.
Step 1 – Review your program requirements
Become familiar with the Program requirements and course offerings of your chosen Griffith degree. Search Programs and Courses to find more information on your degree by entering its code into the search bar. The Degree requirements will inform you of which courses you are required to complete and if the program has electives.
Step 2 – Complete the Learning Profile
To obtain credit for a Griffith course, you must demonstrate you have achieved a close match of the course’s aims, objectives and learning activities through prior learning. These aims and objectives are outlined in the degree and course requirements found in Step 1.
The Learning Profile is a record of your learning outcomes, knowledge, skills and competencies which are supported by appropriate evidence. Completing this profile will help you outline your relevant experience when applying for subject credit.
Each Learning Profile will be as unique to your personal experience. To clearly outline your learning or experience, we recommend documenting your relevant learning and experience to the course objectives.
The Learning Profile is a section of the Credit for Prior Learning Applicationlocated under the section titled ‘Prior Experience’. To complete the Learning Profile, list the outcomes for the course that you wish to apply for. Then, explain how the course you have completed prior fulfills these outcomes.
We strongly suggest preparing your statement in a word document first, then copying and pasting the text into the form. Please refer to the Applying for Credit Step by Step User Guide for a full list of instructions regarding this process.
Step 3 – Gather supporting documentation
It is important that your Learning Profile is supported by appropriate certified documentation. Examples include your CV, references, samples of work, project briefs, reports, publications, employment history and position descriptions. Before applying for credit, ensure your supporting documentation is gathered and ready for submission.
Step 4 – Apply for credit
Once you have understood the requirements of your program and courses, developed your Learning Profile and have the supporting documentation – you are ready to apply.
To apply, please commence your application via the Apply Now button below. You can commence your application at any time and it will remain active within our system until you submit.
If you have questions about the application form, please contact Ask Us or email credit@griffith.edu.au.
Step 5 – Track your application
Once you complete the Credit Application form, our team will commence the assessment to determine if you are eligible. If there are no precedents, we will work with relevant academics to determine your award of credit.
Please note: we aim to maximise the credit available to you based on your application. We may be in contact with you if we require further documentation.
We will keep you informed of the progress of your application through your Track my application link available via emails sent to your student email account. If you do not have an outcome prior to week 1 of trimester or need assistance with your application please email credit@griffith.edu.au.
Apply for formal study credit transfer
Future students
When accepting your offer to study at Griffith, you may be eligible to apply for credit for prior learning. This may reduce the time and costs required to finish your degree.
Griffith grants credit for Formal, Informal or Non-formal learning (prior experience).
Formal Learning takes place within a structured program that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification. Examples include:
- Study undertaken with other Australian Higher Education Providers
- Study undertaken at recognised overseas institutions
- Credentialed programs provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities
Step 1 – Review your Program requirements
Become familiar with the Program requirements and course offerings of your chosen Griffith degree. Use the Degree and Career Finder to find more information. Search for your degree by entering your Program/Degree code in the search bar.
The Program/Degree requirements will inform you of which courses you are required to complete and if the program has electives.
If you have specific questions about your program, please contact us.
Step 2 – Review the Credit Precedent Database and supporting documentation requirements
It is possible that we have previously granted credit for the same prior study that you are seeking. A record of these assessments is kept in the Credit Precedent Database and may help inform your application.
To review the Credit Precedent Database, please select the institution or provider type relevant to you. Use this tool to understand the supporting documentation required from your provider, and to search your previous study to understand if there is a precedent applicable to you.
Credit Precedent Database
If your prior courses (subjects) are listed in the Credit Precedent Database for your program, you are not required to provide course outlines.
If you have studies from more than one provider however, please review each before submitting one application for your Credit Application.
Step 3 – Apply for admissions and credit
If you are not yet a Griffith student, you need to apply for admission prior to completing a Credit for Prior Learning Application. Please note applications for credit can only be completed by current Griffith students.
For more information on domestic applications, please visit these websites:
- Domestic undergraduate students
- Domestic postgraduate students
International students are strongly encouraged to apply for credit when completing the online admissions application process to study at Griffith. If you are successful in receiving credit, you will receive a Notification of Credit Transfer entitlement when you receive your Letter of Offer. If you have any questions or require more information, visit our Griffith International webpage.
Check out the Credit Precedent Database to find more information about past credit transfer decisions which may apply to your situation.
If you have questions about the application form, please contact Future Students via Ask Us or email credit@griffith.edu.au.
Apply for non-formal or informal study
Future students
When accepting your offer to study at Griffith, you may be eligible to apply for credit for prior learning. This may reduce the time and costs required to finish your degree.
Griffith University grants credit for Formal, Informal and Non-formal learning (prior experience).
Informal learning takes place through a structured program of learning which does not lead to an officially accredited qualification. Examples include learning and training activities undertaken in the workplace, voluntary sector or community-based settings.
Non-formal learning is gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities. Unlike Informal learning, Non-formal learning gained through experience is not structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.
Step 1 – Review your program requirements
Become familiar with the Program requirements and course offerings of your chosen Griffith degree. Use the Degree and Career Finder to find more information.
Search for your degree by entering your Program/Degree code in the search bar.
The Degree requirements will inform you of which courses you are required to complete and if the program has electives.
Step 2 – Prepare to complete the Learning Profile
To obtain credit for a Griffith course, you must demonstrate you have achieved a close match of the course’s aims, objectives and learning activities through prior learning. These aims and objectives are outlined in the degree and course requirements found in Step 1.
The Learning Profile is a record of your learning outcomes, knowledge, skills and competencies which are supported by appropriate evidence. Completing this profile will help you outline your relevant experience when applying for subject credit.
Each Learning Profile will be as unique to your personal experience. To clearly outline your learning or experience, we recommend documenting your relevant learning and experience to the course objectives.
The Learning Profile is a section of the Credit for Prior Learning Application located under the section titled ‘Prior Experience’. To complete the Learning Profile, list the outcomes for the course that you wish to apply for. Then, explain how the course you have completed prior fulfills these outcomes.
We strongly suggest preparing your statement in a word document first, then copying and pasting the text into the form. Please refer to the Applying for Credit Step by Step User Guide for a full list of instructions regarding this process.
Step 3 – Gather supporting documentation
It is important that your Learning Profile is supported by appropriate certified documentation. Examples include your CV, references, samples of work, project briefs, reports, publications, employment history and position descriptions. Before applying for credit, ensure your supporting documentation is gathered and ready for submission.
Step 4 – Apply for Admissions and credit
If you are not yet a Griffith student, you need to apply for admission prior completing the Credit for Prior Learning Application. Please note applications for credit can only be completed by current Griffith students.
For more information on domestic applications, please visit these websites:
- Domestic undergraduate students
- Domestic postgraduate students
International students are strongly encouraged to apply for credit when completing the online application process to study at Griffith. If you are successful in receiving credit, you will receive a Notification of Credit Transfer entitlement when you receive your Letter of Offer. If you have any questions or require more information, visit our Griffith International webpage.
If you have questions about the application form, please contact Future Students or email credit@griffith.edu.au.
Open University Australia (OUA) students
When accepting your offer to study at Griffith, you may be eligible to apply for credit for prior learning. This may reduce the time and costs required to finish your degree.
Griffith grants credit for Formal, Informal or Non-formal learning (prior experience).
Formal Learning takes place within a structured program that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification. Examples include:
- Study undertaken with other Australian Higher Education Providers
- Study undertaken at recognised overseas institutions
- Credentialed programs provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities
Informal learning takes place through a structured program of learning which does not lead to an officially accredited qualification. Examples include learning and training activities undertaken in the workplace, voluntary sector or community-based settings.
Non-formal learning is gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities. Unlike Informal learning, Non-formal learning gained through experience is not structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.
Step 1 – Review your Program requirements
Become familiar with the Program requirements and course offerings of your chosen Griffith degree. Use the Degree and Career Finder to find more information. Search for your degree by entering your Program/Degree code in the search bar.
The Program/Degree requirements will inform you of which courses you are required to complete and if the program has electives.
If you have specific questions about your program, please contact us.
Step 2 – Review the Credit Precedent Database and supporting documentation requirements
It is possible that we have previously granted credit for the same prior study that you are seeking. A record of these assessments is kept in the Credit Precedent Database and may help inform your application.
To review the Credit Precedent Database, please select the institution or provider type relevant to you. Use this tool to understand the supporting documentation required from your provider, and to search your previous study to understand if there is a precedent applicable to you.
Step 3 – Apply for Credit
Have you received your offer of admission and the ‘Starting at Griffith’ email? If so, you can apply for credit at any time by completing the Credit for Prior Learning Application. However, we do recommend determining what credit you seek before the study period starts, as this may impact which courses you can enrol in. Applications for credit will not be accepted for courses currently enrolled in if the census date has already passed.
Students enrolled in a Griffith University OUA degree
Students studying in a Griffith University undergraduate or postgraduate program offered through Open Universities Australia (OUA) may lodge an Online Credit Application when either:
- an offer of admission to a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in a Griffith University undergraduate degree has been made; or
- entry into a Griffith University postgraduate degree has been approved.
Students enrolled in Griffith non-award studies which are part of a Griffith OUA degree
If you are completing Griffith non-award studies which are part of the structure of a Griffith University program offered through OUA, you may lodge an Credit for Prior Learning Application at the time of lodging a Degree Registration form with Griffith OUA Services.
Students enrolled in a Griffith degree undertaking individual Griffith OUA units
If you are completing individual Griffith OUA non-award units, you can request that your OUA units be transferred into your Griffith degree by emailing credit ensuring you advise your GU ID and program of enrolment.
If you are requesting credit for more than 18 courses, you may experience issues submitting your application. To apply for additional courses, please submit a second application. Please only list courses relevant to your Griffith degree as your maximum Free Choice Elective credit will be applied at the time of assessment. Check Programs and Courses to find out more about your program’s elective requirements.
Micro-credential credit transfer
Established by the University or a third party, micro-credentials may be recognised for the purpose of admission and/or for credit to non-award or award qualifications.
Pathways with Credit
Pathways with Credit is a list of all pre-approved Griffith University pathways based on formal arrangements with other institutions. You can check approved pathways to get results for maximum credit transfer.
Book a one–on–one Q&A
Book a personalised 30–minute chat with our study advisers to have your questions answered.
Credit awarded
Once your application has been processed, you will be notified via your Griffith student email address. Your award of credit can be viewed on your Unofficial Transcript available from myGriffith.
The Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy allows for up to two-thirds credit towards a Bachelor degree depending on the nature of the previous study. However, regardless of the amount of credit awarded, students must complete a minimum amount of study at Griffith University.
Credit may be awarded as advanced standing, unspecified credit, specified credit or provisional credit.
Advanced standing is the granting of block credit of a trimester or more, reducing the number of courses the student must undertake to successfully complete the program.
Specified and unspecified credit is granted for one or more specific courses in a program. It exempts students from those courses or electives and awards the appropriate credit points in their place.
Provisional credit is the granting of credit or the recognition of prior learning subject to prescribed conditions being met.
Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure
Pathways with credit
The Pathways with Credit is a list of all pre-approved Griffith University pathways based on formal arrangements with other institutions. You can check approved pathways to get results for maximum credit transfer.
Australian Defence Force Veterans - Take the Credit
At Griffith, we acknowledge your service to our country and recognise the training, experience and qualifications undertaken by ADF personnel. You may be eligible for credit based on your Rank, Initial Employment Training (IET) and duration of service. For more information on admission and recognition of prior learning please refer to the Veterans webpage.