Applying for credit (advanced standing) is the process used to recognise current and prospective students’ equivalent past study and relevant experiences, which may reduce the time to complete your chosen course at Victoria University (VU).
VU assesses and grants credit in accordance with the VU Credit Policy.
Advanced standing describes a form of credit for previous learning. It involves the application of credit towards a student's course of study, usually in respect of entering a course at an advanced stage.
There are different types of credit at VU. The type of credit granted is determined during the application assessment process.
VU assesses and grants credit in accordance with the Credit – Advanced Standing (HE) Procedure.
Specified credit refers to specific units of study within a course structure. If you are granted specified credit, you are not required to study this unit(s) in the course.
Unspecified block credit refers to non-specific study within a course structure (such as electives). If you are granted unspecified block credit, you receive a credit point value, which reduces the total amount of credit points you are required to study in the course.
Most units of study in a VU course are worth 12 credit points (some units may be worth more e.g. 24 credit points). You gain credit points for each unit you successfully complete during your studies.
Please submit your application for credit (advanced standing) via MyVU portal.
If you’re applying direct to VU via our Admissions Centre and would like to apply for credit as part of your course application, you will be prompted during the process to complete a credit application and provide the required supporting evidence.
If you have applied for a course without submitting a credit application and you have received an offer to a course at VU you should follow the process for current students once you have accepted your offer.
If you do not enrol at VU within 12 months of receiving your offer, you may need to resubmit a credit application for any credit previously granted.
If you're applying direct to VU as an international applicant via our International Application and Enquiry System and would like to apply for credit as part of your course application, you will be prompted during the process to complete and upload an Advanced Standing (credit) application form along with the required supporting evidence.
You will need to provide details for your previous study, work or life experience, including how it satisfies the learning outcome for the units, you have requested as credit. For example:
Refer to the checklist on page five of the credit application (in MyVU portal) for the full list of supporting documentation required.
We do not require original documents. However, you may be asked to show original documents at a later stage. Copies do not have to be certified, but must be true and accurate.
If your academic record(s) are from an overseas or a private institute(s), certified copies must be provided from the appropriate government body or professional association recognised in Australia (or an equivalent authority for students studying offshore). Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by an English translation. The translator must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) or an equivalent body for offshore students.
We may contact your former institution(s) and your current and former employers for further information or clarification of your credit application.
Most prospective students will be notified of their successful credit outcome as part of their offer letter and will also receive a complete credit outcome notification via email (includes credit that was not approved).
Current student will receive a complete credit outcome notification via email.
International students will also be asked to accept any successful credit before it can be processed, as part of the offer process or via email if a current student.
If you are unsatisfied with the assessment outcome of your application for credit, you can request a review of the decision in accordance with the VU Credit Policy.
If you have queries regarding your enrolment following your credit outcome, please contact your college Course and Unit Advisor (CUA) for further assistance.
Find answers and ask questions on ASKVU.
Phone: +61 3 9919 6100
Visit: VUHQ (Student Service Centres)
