Students > New to La Trobe > Accept your offer > Credit for previous study

Credit for previous study

Credit means your previous experience can count towards your La Trobe course, reducing the number of subjects you need to complete.

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Types of credit

You can apply for credit for different types of learning, including previous study (such as university subjects, VET diplomas or short courses) or work experience.

You can apply for credit as:

  • Specific subjects: for subjects that match those in your course (e.g. core or listed subjects). When you receive credit for specific subjects, the subject will appear on your transcript. Use the Handbook to find equivalent subjects.
  • Unspecified credit: for learning experience that doesn’t match a specific subject but still counts towards your course. You can request this with details like year level and discipline area (e.g. ‘first year humanities subject’). When you receive unspecified credit, it will appear as “UNSPECIFIED CREDIT” on your transcript.

When to apply

It's best to apply for credit when you first apply to study at La Trobe, to allow time for your application to be assessed so you can plan out your course and get organised early.

Apply by 11:59 PM (Melbourne time) on the Thursday four weeks before classes start . Check the Academic Calendar for the exact date your classes start. Late applications won’t be processed until the next semester , so make sure you apply as soon as you can.

New students: If your offer arrives less than four weeks before classes begin, you must apply within five business days. You’ll need your La Trobe student username and password to apply.

How to apply

  • Gather your supporting documents

    What you need depends on the type of credit you're applying for – follow the requirements below.

  • Submit your application

    Make sure all supporting documents are included. Incomplete applications won’t be processed.

  • Wait for your outcome

    We’ll contact you via your student email once your credit has been assessed. Stay enrolled in the subjects you’ve applied to be credited and keep attending classes while you wait. Credit applies to your current course only, so you need to re-apply if you transfer.

Supporting documentation requirements

The supporting documentation you need to submit is different, depending on the type of credit you are applying for.

  • A PDF copy of your official academic transcript (e.g. from My eQuals). Unofficial transcripts or statements of enrolment won’t be accepted.
  • An explanation of the grading system used at the institution.
  • A detailed subject outline from the year you completed the subject, including:
  • Subject code and name (as listed on the academic transcript)
  • Credit point value
  • Year completed
  • Subject description and intended learning outcomes
  • Weekly topics
  • Assessment details including weighting
  • Class requirements
  • Learning resources

Contact your previous institution if you need help gathering these documents. If you share a link, make sure it goes directly to the info and doesn’t require login.

If employed by someone else:

  • A Statement of Service from the employer (on company letterhead) that includes:
    • Your name
    • Your position title
    • The period of employment in the position
    • Hours worked per week
    • Details of duties in the position
    • Their signature
  • Your current resume/CV.
  • A written statement that outlines how your work experience meets the subject’s intended learning outcomes (refer to the Handbook).

If self-employed:

  • A letter from your accountant or solicitor (on letterhead) that includes:
    • Your name
    • The duration you have been continuously engaged in the business
    • The nature of the business
    • Their signature
  • Your current resume/CV.
  • A written statement that outlines how your work experience meets the subject’s intended learning outcomes (refer to the Handbook).

Apply for credit

Submit your credit application

How much credit to expect

The amount of credit you receive depends on your La Trobe course and your previous study.

You can use the credit search tool for examples of past credit outcomes. Use this as a guide only as credit is assessed case-by-case and is confirmed during enrolment.

Use the credit search

When we assess your application, we consider things like:

  • the level and relevance of your past study
  • how recently you completed it (usually within the last 8 years)
  • professional accreditation requirements
  • how much of your course must be completed at La Trobe
  • whether your course has credit limitations

Reporting changes to your enrolment

Credit can change your enrolment. Check the information below to see what you need to report.

If you receive Centrelink benefits, you need to notify Services Australia about any changes to your study load, as this may affect your entitlement.

You need to confirm that you accept the assessed credit within five business days of receiving your offer by replying to the email confirmation.

If you applied for credit as part of your La Trobe application, your offer letter will outline any credit you have been granted.

If you apply for credit after accepting your offer and credit shortens your course, you will receive a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You need to notify the Department of Home Affairs about any changes to your course (including the expected completion date).

You need approval from your sponsor before applying for credit.

Policy

You can view the Credit policies in our Policy Library.

Admissions Standard - Credit Admissions Procedure - Credit

Need help?

If you have any issues with the credit form or questions about your application, the ASK La Trobe team are here to help.

Contact ASK La Trobe