Who can apply for RPL?

To apply for RPL, you have to meet the conditions that colleges prescribe, such as the minimum age and years of current, relevant work experience. Prior learning should have been acquired in one or more of the following: workplace learning, informal study for recreational or personal-interest purposes, company or industry-based training, working with experts, or life experience.

You should apply for RPL if you believe that your prior learning meets the requirements of the equivalent module offered by Unisa. RPL could earn you a module credit. 

You will also need to comply with the admission requirements of the qualification for which you wish to apply for an RPL credit.  Refer to www.unisa.ac.za/apply for the admission requirements. Unfortunately, you may not apply for credit in a module that you have failed.

How do I apply for RPL?

Click here for the process.

The difference between RPL and subject exemptions (credit transfer)

If you want to apply for credit for modules completed at other universities, you need to e-mail adhoccredits@unisa.ac.za. The RPL office cannot assist with subject exemptions and credit transfer.

AND RPL?

You should apply for RPL if you believe that your learning or experience meets the requirements of the modules Unisa offers and that it could earn you a module credit. This experience could have been gained:

• in the workplace
• through on-the-job training
• in company and industry-based training
• through relevant training programmes
• in community work in a relevant field
• through any relevant personal learning experiences
• through relevant formal, informal and non-formal training

How long will it take?

You should allow yourself sufficient time before the next registration date. This will enable you to submit evidence of your prior learning and allow Unisa’s academic staff time to assess it and give feedback.

Please note the following:  If you know you will not receive RPL credits for one or more modules, register for them while your RPL application is processed. In this way, you will not waste academic time. Once you have received feedback about your RPL credits, you may register for other subjects during Unisa’s registration period, subject to the Unisa Admissions Policy.

What can you expect from the RPL assessment?

Your knowledge, skills and competencies will be assessed by an RPL panel based on the evidence you submit. This may take the form of a challenge exam, an interview, a work-related project, or a portfolio containing records of your experience, knowledge and skills. Your portfolio of evidence may include:

• a completed RPL form via Online RPL system
• a letter of introduction (explaining your background and future goals)
• certified copies of your highest school certificate and other relevant certificates
• a detailed CV
• a current job description with the company letterhead (signed by your line manager)
• your motivation for module credit
• SAQA motivation
• a certified ID or passport
• letters of recommendation
• work samples (reports, designs, presentations)
• any other relevant evidence or performance assessment
• certified copies of certificates
• copies of syllabi of courses attended
• reflective statements
• proof of registration at UNISA
• a signed declaration of understanding
• proof of payment of the applicable fee
• research evidence: peer-reviewed papers
  • • • academic articles
      • book chapters
      • postgraduate supervision
      • reports of research conducted at your workplace

You will receive further guidelines for each of the assessment options if your RPL application is successful. 

You will be notified if you are found to be ‘competent’, i.e., that you meet the prescribed learning outcomes for the module.

If you are found to be ‘not yet competent’ in a certain learning outcome, you may either be requested to do additional set work and be assessed at a later date, or you may be advised to follow the conventional study route and register for the module.

Restrictions on RPL

RPL for access to a qualification

• Students may obtain access to a higher qualification via the RPL route, provided that they meet the admission requirements of an undergraduate degree. If you were granted access/advanced placement to a higher qualification via RPL, you will not receive a certificate relevant to the lower qualification, but will be allowed to register for a relevant higher qualification should you wish to.
• You can apply via RPL to undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications if you meet the RPL criteria.
• Applying for RPL does not guarantee acceptance to a qualification.
• RPL assessment and outcome letters undertaken by any other institution cannot be used for access to a qualification or for module credit.
• The outcome letter for RPL for access to a qualification is valid only for the period a college specifies.
• Declined students should wait five years before they apply for RPL for access to a new degree.

RPL for module credit

• A student may receive a maximum of 50% of credits towards a qualification. You must thereafter register and pass the remaining modules in the conventional manner to get the qualification.
• You must meet the minimum admission requirements.
• You must be 23 years or older and have at least three years’ work experience to achieve the learning outcomes.
• No qualification can be awarded solely based on RPL.
• No exemptions will be granted for Unisa signature modules.
• RPL does not apply to failed modules at Unisa.