Advanced standing (credit)
If you've completed previous study or have work experience relevant to the discipline of your undergraduate or graduate degree, you may be eligible for advanced standing – also known as credit or recognition of prior learning (RPL).
What is advanced standing?
Advanced standing – sometimes called credit or recognition of prior learning (RPL) – is when the University formally recognises your previous study or, in some cases, relevant professional work experience, and applies it towards your degree.
Different types of advanced standing could:
- Reduce the number of subjects you need to complete and your total tuition fees
- Reduce the overall duration of your course
- Adjust your study plan so you don’t need to complete certain subjects
- Allow you to enter a masters degree at an alternative entry point for a shorter course length.
Previous studies may include higher education or vocational education and training taken at another institution or at the University of Melbourne.
Being assessed for advanced standing doesn’t guarantee that credit will be granted. Advanced standing decisions are subject to the University’s Credit, Advanced Standing and Accelerated Entry Policy (MPF1293).
Advanced standing criteria for each course are available on the Study course pages and in the Handbook.
Types of advanced standing
There are three types of advanced standing available at the University of Melbourne: General advanced standing, Exempt advanced standing and Advanced entry. The type of advanced standing you're awarded is determined by a combination of subject suitability and course structure. Faculties set limits on the maximum amount of credit that can be awarded, and some courses may place restrictions on advanced standing.
General advanced standing grants credit towards your course without matching to any specific University of Melbourne subject. It offers credit granted for an unspecified discipline area, subject, or group of subjects.
It reduces the number of subjects required to complete your degree and appears on your transcript as ‘Advanced Standing’.
Applications for general advanced standing are recommended to be submitted at least two weeks prior to the course start date.
Exempt advanced standing is granted where your previous study is substantially equivalent to a specific subject that is part of your course.
It may be awarded:
- With credit – reduces the total subjects required to complete your course and will show ‘Exempt’ on your transcript beside the relevant subject that you are receiving credit for. Faculties determine the maximum credit allowed for each course. You don’t need to choose another subject in place of the subject/s you have earned credit for.
- Without credit (non-credit exemption) – waives your need to complete a specific subject, but requires you to complete another approved subject in its place. For example, you may receive credit for a foundational/core subject, but you would choose an elective in its place.
Applications for exempt advanced standing are recommended to be submitted at least two weeks prior to the course start date.
If you are not eligible for exempt advanced standing, you may still be eligible for general advanced standing.
Some graduate programs offer a formalised opportunity for advanced entry as part of their entry requirements. These programs allow eligible applicants to complete the course in a shorter duration.
If your course has multiple entry points (e.g. 300-point, 200-point, 150-point), these will be listed on the Entry requirements tab of the course page.
When submitting your course application, you will be prompted to select your preferred entry point. If you choose an advanced entry point (i.e., reduced course duration), you must provide supporting documentation to demonstrate your eligibility, as described in the course entry requirements.
Applications for an advanced entry point are assessed alongside course applications, and the outcome will be communicated in your offer of admission.
You are not required to submit a separate advanced standing application for advanced entry.
Learn more about Entry points for graduate degrees.
If you've completed, or are currently completing, a University of Melbourne undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for advanced entry into a Masters by Coursework program.
In some cases, advanced entry can reduce your course duration by 1 year/1 EFTSL (Equivalent Full Time Student Load). You will need to check the course page of your intended graduate degree to see what entry points are available. Not all Faculties offer advanced entry for their graduate courses.
In your graduate course application, you need to nominate the entry point you’re seeking; you don't need to submit a separate advanced standing application.
Find out more about Entry points for graduate degrees.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for advanced standing if you have previously completed relevant study at another institution or in a different course at the University of Melbourne.
Your previous study will be assessed with reference to course requirements, content, learning outcomes, assessment methods, contact hours, volume of learning, and credit point weighting, in line with the Credit, Advanced Standing and Accelerated Entry Policy (MPF1293).
Eligibility and the amount of credit awarded will vary by course and faculty.
Some graduate coursework programs may also consider relevant professional experience for advanced entry, where this is specifically listed in the course entry requirements. Check your course page or the Handbook for entry requirements and advanced standing information.
Preparing documentation
Providing evidence and documentation is an important part of the having advanced standing recognised.
Take time to consider how any advanced standing may affect your study plan, so the credit you're seeking aligns with your academic goals.
Review the structure of the course in the University of Melbourne Handbook to identify the subjects you would like to include in your advanced standing application.
Before applying, ensure you have:
- Your academic transcript
- An official syllabus or full subject description for each subject you're submitting for assessment. These must be supplied in English, or with an official translation copy if they are in a language other than English
- The University of Melbourne subject name and code that you're seeking credit for (if applying for exempt advanced standing with credit).
You can only submit one advanced standing application per course. Include all relevant and supporting documentation you would like assessed to ensure you're assessed correctly and avoid delays.
You're strongly encouraged to finalise your advanced standing application before commencing your course to avoid disruption to your study plan.
How to apply for advanced standing (undergraduate only)
You can only apply for advanced standing after you have been offered an undergraduate course.
Undergraduate advanced standing timely applications for the mid-year 2026 intake (Semester 2/July) close at 11:59 pm (AEDT) 22 July 2026.
- The University does not assess undergraduate advanced standing applications before a course offer has been made.
- Apply as soon as possible after receiving your offer to allow sufficient time for assessment before your semester begins.
- Late applications may be accepted until the end of the first week of the semester you are starting in.
- Exempt advanced standing with credit approved after this time may not be applied in the current semester.
Receive your course offer
If you have received an undergraduate course offer, you can start the advanced standing application process.
If you are a VTAC applicant, you are encouraged to submit your advanced standing application as soon as you receive an offer to allow sufficient processing time prior to course commencement.
Create your student account
Once you have received a course offer, you can go to Get Started at Melbourne and create your student account. You will need a student account to access the advanced standing portal.
Prepare your documentation
Ensure you have all your documentation ready when you apply. You will need to provide an official and complete syllabus or subject description for each subject from your previous place of study, and a copy of your academic transcript.
Take some time to read through the course handbook and the course planning resource page for your degree and intended major to see how credit could potentially fit into your study plan.
There are limits on the amount of advanced standing you can be awarded, and policies on how credit is granted.
Calculate your credit
To help you plan your studies, the credit calculator provides a guide to how much credit you may be eligible to receive.
Apply online
Apply for advanced standing through the advanced standing portal, using your student username and password. You must apply by the application closing date.
Timely applications for Semester 2, 2026 (mid-year intake) close at 11:59 pm (AEDT) 22 July 2026.
If you are applying for exempt advanced standing, you must include the University of Melbourne subject name and code. If no direct subject match exists, you may apply for general advanced standing, subject to the course rules.
If you have previously completed subjects at the University of Melbourne, you may be eligible to have these subjects approved for exempt advanced standing and credited to your new course.
Troubleshooting for the advanced standing portal
If you experience any issues with the advanced standing portal, please follow our troubleshooting guide.
Late applications
- Late applications may be accepted until the end of the first week of the semester, and we aim to provide an outcome by the end of the second week.
- Applications received after this date will be actioned, but the credit may not be applied in the current semester.
- You must apply for advanced standing on entry or in your first year of study.
Await a response
If you submit your application by the timely closing date, you should receive notification of an outcome by the start of semester. Ensure you check your new University of Melbourne student email account for any correspondence from our Admissions team.
How to apply for advanced standing (graduate coursework only)
Key dates
It is strongly recommended that you apply for advanced standing before commencing your course to ensure you are considered for the maximum possible credit and prevent disruption to your course planning.
Applying for advanced standing prior to course commencement
To ensure your application is assessed before course commencement, you must submit it at least two weeks prior to the start date of your course.
For exempt and general advanced standing, it is recommended that you submit your request as soon as possible, at least two weeks prior to the start date of your course.
For advanced entry, providing the required information in your course application means you do not need to submit a separate advanced standing request.
Applying for advanced standing after course commencement
If you missed the opportunity to apply for advanced standing before commencing your course, you can still be considered, as long as you apply within your first year of study or have not completed more than half of the credit points for your course.
Applications submitted outside this timeframe will not be considered, in line with the Credit, Advanced Standing and Accelerated Entry Policy (MPF1293).
If you are seeking credit for subjects you are currently enrolled in, you must apply before the census date. It is strongly recommended to apply within the first week of your first semester to ensure you receive credit in time to enrol in another subject, if needed. It is generally not possible to enrol in another subject after Week 2.
Prepare your application
Before submitting your application for advanced standing, carefully plan and provide all necessary information to give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome.
- Review the course structure in the Handbook to identify the subjects you would like to include in your advanced standing application.
- Ensure you have clearly identified which completed subjects may meet the requirements of the subjects for which you are seeking advanced standing. You will need to know the subject name and code of the University of Melbourne subject (available in the Handbook).
- Gather relevant documents, such as a transcript and course syllabi, to provide detailed descriptions demonstrating how your previous studies align with the advanced standing requirements.
- Take time to consider how the outcome may affect your study plan, ensuring the advanced standing you are seeking aligns with your academic goals.
Please be mindful that you can submit only one application for advanced standing, so it is important to include all relevant information and supporting documentation in your initial submission.
Apply online
Apply for advanced standing through the advanced standing portal, using your student username and password. You must apply by the application closing date:
Timely applications for Semester 2, 2026 (mid-year intake) typically close on 13 July 2026.
If you are applying for exempt advanced standing, you must include the University of Melbourne subject name and code. If no direct subject match exists, you may apply for general advanced standing, subject to the course rules.
If you have previously completed subjects at the University of Melbourne, you may be eligible to have these subjects approved for exempt advanced standing and credited to your new course.
Troubleshooting for the advanced standing portal
If you experience any issues with the advanced standing portal, please follow our troubleshooting guide.
Applying for advanced entry?
If you have nominated an advanced entry point during your course application process, you are not required to submit a separate form, unless you are also seeking exemptions for other specific subjects.
International students
Advanced standing assessment and outcome will affect your CoE and visa timeline.
For international students, your advanced standing application must be finalised before the University can issue your unconditional offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This is because your CoE must reflect your correct course duration.
Even if you have already met all the academic and English language conditions of your offer, your unconditional offer will only be released once your credit application has been assessed.
Submit your advanced standing documentation as early as possible to avoid delays to your offer, CoE, and visa application.
Follow the undergraduate or graduate steps above to apply for advanced standing.
After you apply
Advanced standing can take some time to assess.
See the University’s indicative application turnaround times for more information on course application processing timelines, which can affect advanced standing assessment.
If you are an undergraduate applicant, you will receive an outcome via your University email account.
For graduate applicants, depending on when you applied and the type of advanced standing being considered, you will receive your outcome either in your course offer letter or via email. If by email, it will be sent to your University of Melbourne email account.
You will not receive an advanced standing outcome prior to receiving a course application outcome.
Your advanced standing outcome will tell you:
- Which subjects you’ve been granted credit for (if exempt advanced standing)
- How many credit points have been approved, and
- Whether there is a clear change to your course duration as a result.
If advanced standing reduces your course duration, your total tuition fees will also be reduced proportionally. For example, if you’re granted 50 credit points of advanced standing in a 200-point course, you’ll complete and pay for 150 points instead. The exact fee reduction depends on the subjects credited.
Contact Stop 1 if you need support understanding your advanced standing outcome.
When you receive your outcome, you can then start planning your course and enrolling in subjects. If you need assistance planning your course, you can book an appointment with a Course Planning Advisor or submit an enquiry.
If you received an advanced standing outcome but it doesn't appear on your study plan, submit an enquiry. Select ‘credit for prior study’ and attach your offer letter or outcome email to have it applied.
Be sure to follow any other specific instructions provided in your outcome.
If you wish to decline – or rescind – part or all of the credit you’ve been awarded, submit an enquiry and enter “Rescind credit” in the subject field. Include the relevant subject name(s) and number(s) in your request in the enquiry description.
International students may also decline the advanced standing awarded in their course offer letter during the course acceptance process.
If you're not satisfied with your outcome and wish to seek a review or appeal the decision, you must submit an enquiry. If you submit a request for reassessment, you must provide additional information that has not previously been considered. You should also be aware of the limitations set out in the University’s Credit, Advanced Standing and Accelerated Entry Policy (MPF1293).
Need help?
If you need support with advanced standing and study planning, contact the future students team.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Advanced standing allows you to apply for credit for subjects completed at another university, or in a previous University of Melbourne course. This is sometimes referred to as transfer credit or recognition of prior learning (RPL). Credit is assessed based on whether your previous study is comparable in content, equivalent in academic standard and appropriate for your current course.
Advanced standing can take some time to assess. See Indicative turnaround times for course applications to find out more about processing timelines. For graduate applicants, you’ll receive your outcome in your offer letter. You will not receive an advanced standing outcome prior to receiving a course application outcome.
If you’re granted the type of advanced standing that reduces the number of subjects you need to complete, you’ll pay for fewer subjects and have reduced tuition fees overall.
When advanced standing replaces one subject with another, your overall tuition fees will not be reduced.
Only one advanced standing application can be submitted per course. If you need to request consideration of additional subjects after submitting your application, you must lodge an enquiry and provide all relevant supporting documentation, including subject outlines and transcripts.
Processing times can vary during peak periods. If part of your advanced standing has been approved but is not yet visible on your study plan, allow time for it to be updated.
If you have not received confirmation or your study plan has not been updated after receiving your outcome, submit an enquiry and attach your offer letter or outcome email.
Work experience is not usually assessed for individual subject exemptions or recognised for undergraduate courses. However, some graduate programs may consider relevant professional experience where specified in the course entry requirements. Refer to your course information for details.
If you nominated your preferred entry point during the application process and didn't receive an offer, you were likely assessed and considered and were not eligible for that entry point. If you didn’t nominate your preferred entry point, you'll need to contact the Admissions team directly to confirm whether you were assessed.
You may request a review if you believe your previous study qualifies you for a different entry point. You may need to provide additional documentation, and approval is subject to faculty assessment.
If you're an international student and you have not completed a recognised overseas high school qualification, you may be able to use a foundation studies program as a pathway to study at the University of Melbourne.
Foundation programs are generally considered equivalent to Year 12 (VCE-level) study, rather than tertiary-level study. They're typically accepted for entry but do not usually provide advanced standing (credit).
To check whether your qualification is recognised, visit the VCE-equivalent qualifications page or refer to the entry requirements for your chosen course.
If you are experiencing technical issues with the advanced standing portal, follow the published troubleshooting steps. If the issue persists, contact Stop 1 for assistance.