Unlocking Opportunities: Reframing The Recognition of Prior Learning as an Equity Tool
Maria Raciti, Aaron Tham and Joshua Dale, University of the Sunshine Coast
In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, alternative pathways to university are increasingly the norm. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is emerging as a powerful tool to bridge gaps, acknowledge lived experience, and create fairer access to tertiary education. Our recent systematic literature review sheds light on the benefits, challenges, and future directions of RPL in Australia.
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
RPL is the process by which individuals receive formal credit for learning acquired outside conventional education settings. Whether through work experience, informal training, or community engagement, RPL validates a person's knowledge and skills against academic qualifications. This approach enables social mobility, reduces financial and time barriers, and supports lifelong learning.
Why RPL Matters
RPL plays a crucial role in equity, social justice and workforce development. It provides equity students, including First Nations, migrants, and regional and remote learners, with alternative pathways to higher education. Our research highlights the crucial role of RPL in advancing equity. Australia can learn much from South Africa and other Global South countries, where RPL broadens Northern/Western perspectives on valid knowledge and skills, breaking down barriers of credentialism and enhancing access. RPL acknowledges experiential learning, empowering underrepresented and marginalised groups and making higher education more inclusive.
The Challenges of RPL
Despite its promise, RPL implementation faces several barriers. Applicants must provide extensive evidence of their prior learning, which can be time-consuming and complex. The lack of standardisation across states/territories, institutions and industries leads to inconsistent processes and decision-making, making it difficult for applicants to navigate the system. Additionally, many potential candidates are unaware of their eligibility and the process of applying.
Best Practices for RPL Implementation
To ensure RPL is fair, efficient, and beneficial, institutions should develop clear, step-by-step procedures to enhance transparency and accessibility. RPL assessors must be well-trained, knowledgeable, and open-minded in evaluating diverse learning experiences. Universities should also invest in online tools, assessor training, and applicant support services to streamline the process. Collaboration between government, industry, and academia is essential to standardising RPL frameworks and ensuring credibility.
The Future of RPL in Australia
The Australian Government’s 2024 Universities Accord Final Report (Recommendation 4) has emphasised the importance of RPL in facilitating lifelong learning. The push for a National Skills Passport aims to simplify and streamline RPL processes, making them more accessible and consistent. Our research found that the overarching view is that RPL assessment should occur in and be coordinated by universities with well-trained assessors who posses both expert and broad knowledge and who are competent, open minded and committed to equity.
For RPL to reach its full potential, further work is needed. We recommend a bottom-up, multi-stakeholder approach to RPL policy, ensuring that applicants, educators, and employers all have a voice in shaping its future.
In conclusion, RPL has the power to transform higher education, making it more inclusive and reflective of diverse learning experiences. However, overcoming its challenges requires institutional commitment, policy reform, and greater awareness.
Professor Maria Raciti is co-director of the UniSC Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre and long-time equity scholar and advocate.
Dr Aaron Tham is a senior lecturer in Tourism, Leisure and Events Management at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Joshua Dale is the Coordinator of Student Access and Equity at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Joshua provides equity practitioner support across UniSC and is a regular contributor to widening participation scholarship.