Non-school leavers

The process of looking at your prior study and/or experience is to assess if you can gain credit for knowledge and skills you have already acquired. This is also referred to a Recognition of prior learning (RPL), credit for prior learning or simply, advanced standing. No matter the name, credit for previous study or experience can reduce the study required to complete your undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

To assess what credit you may be eligible for, there are several key areas to consider:

• Formal learning: Education gained through accredited qualifications such as a diploma, bachelor or postgraduate degree.

• Non-formal learning: Structured learning gained through workplace training, courses or professional development programs that are not necessarily accredited.

• Informal learning: Experience and expertise gained through years of paid or voluntary experience, professional standing or performance.

• Pathway learning: Southern Cross University offers pathway programs that grant credit upon completion, providing a progression into desired courses. Learn more.

If you’re not yet certain of your desired area of study, building an SCU Career Profile is a great way to better understand where your strengths and ambitions could take you. Discover your dream career here.

If you already have your career in mind and would like to apply for a credit transfer, it’s free and you can get started anytime  <applying for advanced standing>

To better assess what credit you may be able to be eligible for, visit our Credit for prior study or experience page.Higher Education Pathways

SCU College offers the award-winning, fee-free Preparing for Success at SCU Program (PSP) that teaches the academic skills required for success at university.

Successfully completing the PSP allows students to proceed directly to an SCU College Diploma or a linked bachelor degree.

Learn more.

Work experience entailing a significant level of responsibility may be considered when calculating a selection rank for entry to Southern Cross. Details of any such work experience should be included in your application for study.

If you are trade-qualified, or if you have completed a qualification as a requirement of your employment, you should include details such as you your trade certificate and work experience in your application.

Southern Cross University also recognises that many aspects of your life experience can result in the development of skills, abilities and knowledge that relate directly to tertiary study. If this feels applicable to you, you can learn more about our approach to credit for prior learning or experience to help estimate if you can complete your studies faster.

It is recommended that you sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) if you have no formal academic qualifications or intend to submit a Personal Competencies Statement (for more information, see the Personal Competencies Statement fact sheet).

The STAT is a two-hour aptitude test that enables participants to demonstrate their ability to understand and think critically about issues. The results are used for admission assessment for most undergraduate courses at Southern Cross University.

For more information regarding STAT in your state go to:

• Further information about the STAT at UAC
• Further information about the STAT at QTAC

We’re an athletes & performers-friendly university.

Southern Cross University supports athletes or performers competing at a national or international level through the Elite Athletes Program.

To learn about the program, eligibility and how it works visit the Southern Cross University Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme.

If you’re looking to change direction, accelerate your career, or pursue your passion, Southern Cross University offers a diverse range of postgraduate courses from our highly renowned Masters of Teaching, to emerging study areas such as Regenerative Farming and Naturopathy. 

Open yourself up to new opportunities with like-minded professionals and world-class researchers. Postgraduate degrees are open to all graduates with a bachelor degree or, in some cases, equivalent work experience.

Learn more