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ITÄ-SUOMEN YLIOPISTO

JOENSUU, KUOPIO

Continuous learning student Uncategorized Degree student

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) 

Last modified: 20.05.2026

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Recognition of prior learning and credit transfer 

You may have knowledge and skills gained through previous studies, work or, for example, hobbies. Recognition of prior learning means that your prior competence is assessed and can be accepted as part of your studies, provided that it corresponds to the objectives of the curriculum in terms of content and level. 

Who is recognition of prior learning intended for? 

As a degree student, you can apply for recognition of your prior learning in writing, provided that your competence corresponds to the objectives set out in the curriculum in terms of content and level. 

As an open university student, you can apply for recognition of prior learning for courses for which you have an active study right. Please note the following: 

  • Register for the course and pay the open university tuition fee before submitting your application, as substitution requests will not be processed without an active study right. 
  • You can only apply for the substitution of general language and communication studies included in a degree once you have been admitted as a degree student. 

How to apply for recognition of prior learning 

1. Find out about the practices in your subject 

Faculties, departments and schools have specific guidelines on what forms of recognition of prior learning are available and how the process works. You can find detailed instructions in the study guide and your study community. Discuss credit transfer in advance with, for example, your PSP counsellor, an amanuensis or the course teacher. 


Separate guidelines for independent units: 

  • Student and Learning Services

2. Submit your application in Peppi 

You apply for recognition of prior learning in Peppi (login required), either through the RPL applications tab in your Personal Study Plan (PSP) or through the My Studies top menu. Read the student instructions for submitting an RPL application carefully.

 
Important: Attach all required documents as specified in the instructions and make sure your application is complete. An incomplete application will significantly delay processing, as you will need to provide the missing information separately. 

3. Send your application to the processor in independent units 

  • Language Centre: Your application will be processed by Academic Affairs Secretaries Maija Sulkakoski and Juha Räihä. 
  • Library and Student and Learning Services: Your application will be forwarded to the course teacher. 

Application processors in Peppi

If you are not satisfied with the decision, you can appeal through the appeals procedure. Instructions for the university’s internal appeals process can be found in Kamu. 

Key concepts related to recognition of prior learning (RPL) 

  • Recognition of learning refers to the various procedures through which your competence can be assessed and accepted as part of your studies. 
  • Recognition of prior learning (RPL) means the same thing. The term is outdated but may still be used in some contexts. 
  • Identification of learning refers to the assessment of competence in its various forms. 
  • Accreditation of learning refers to the procedures through which a study attainment, credit transfer or part thereof is recorded for you on the basis of demonstrated competence. 
  • Credit transfer refers to the acceptance of your completed studies, practical training, work experience or other competence as part of the degree, study module or course you are completing. The two forms of credit transfer are inclusion and substitution. Credit transfer is based on the learning outcomes specified in the curriculum. 
  • Inclusion refers to the approval of a course or study module completed elsewhere into your degree as such. 
  • Substitution means that a course, study module or part thereof being replaced is recorded in your study register. Substitution is based on a study attainment or other competence that corresponds in content and level to the course or study module being replaced. 
  • Demonstration of competence (also called RPL demonstration) allows you to verify your competence so that it can be assessed. A demonstration (e.g. a portfolio, interview or test) is used when credit transfer through direct substitution is not possible, or when the recognition of competence otherwise requires a separate assessment of your skills. 

Further information 

RPL prior learning credit transfer