Recognition for previous experience

You may be coming to Unitec with skills and knowledge that have not been formally assessed. Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) allows you to have your previous experience assessed and credited toward your programme, which may reduce how long it will take to finish your study.

APL may take into consideration skills and knowledge acquired from (but not limited to):

  • Relevant learning that has arisen from life experience
  • Formal or informal work experience
  • Formal and informal education or training which may or may not have been assessed.

Eligibility for Assessment of Prior Learning

APL applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and for their individual merits, as each application is unique. 

Anyone can apply for a APL, however here are two general questions to ask yourself before applying:

  • Are you (or have you been) in a role that is also performed by people who have a related qualification?
  • Have you been (or were you) in that role for long enough (usually 2-4 years) to be considered ‘experienced’?

If you answered ‘YES’ to both these questions, there is a high likelihood that APL would be an option for you, therefore we encourage you to apply. 

APL application fee

An Assessment of Prior Learning can cost between $500 to $2500, depending on the number of courses you apply for. If you qualify for an APL you can potentially save thousands.

How to apply

Step 1

We recommend applying for the programme you want to study at the same time as applying for an APL, as this means you will be able to choose the courses you really need.

Complete the APL Enquiry Form. 

Assessment of Prior Learning Enquiry Form

Step 2

We will review your enquiry details and then contact you to discuss how closely your experience and/or qualification matches what is being taught in your area of interest.

If it looks like you may be able to cross-credit your experience and/or qualifications, then we will give you the option of formally assessing your prior learning. It will usually take several weeks to organise your evidence to then have it evaluated.

Step 3

After sufficient evidence has been evaluated for the assessors to come to a decision, the result will be processed by Unitec. The course(s) in question will then be added to your Academic Record.

If you want to discuss your Assessment of Prior Learning with a staff member before enrolling contact apl@unitec.ac.nz.