Recognition of Prior Learning

> Use non-formal learning for admission into IOU

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at IOU

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which formal, non-formal, and informal learning are measured, mediated for recognition across different contexts, and certified against the requirements for access, inclusion, credit, or advancement in formal education at the International Open University.

RPL provides an opportunity for you to identify your learning (including work experience, in-service training, self-study, or life experience such as voluntary or community work), have it assessed, and formally acknowledged. The aim is to make it possible to obtain formal recognition for knowledge gained throughout life, such as in workplaces and through personal reading or experiences.

1. Categories of Learning

Formal learning refers to intentional and structured learning that is formally assessed and obtained through participation in credit-bearing, formally registered learning programmes/qualifications completed at a registered and accredited higher education institution.

Non-formal learning refers to intentional learning acquired through participation in workplace-based and/or community-based training, courses, short-learning programmes, studies at Islamic seminaries (Madaaris), or workshops, but which does not form part of a registered qualification.

Informal learning refers to knowledge and skills acquired through life experience, self-study, personal inquiry, and reflection.

At IOU, RPL can be done against qualifications offered by IOU and has three options for RPL:

  1. Access into first-year programmes for applicants older than 23 years
  2. Exemption from certain courses/modules
  3. RPL for advanced standing into postgraduate studies

A) Gaining Access into the First Year of a Qualification

If you have considerable work experience (more than five years) related to the course you want to study, but do not meet the academic requirements for entry into the first year of the programme, you may apply for RPL for access. Each programme has particular RPL requirements, and applications are evaluated accordingly.

As part of your RPL application, you must prove that you have acquired the required skills and knowledge (competence) through work experience.

B) Exemption from Courses/Modules via RPL

You might have gained knowledge in specific areas through informal and non-formal learning. If this knowledge is closely related to the learning outcomes of an IOU qualification that you want to enrol in, you may apply for exemption via RPL.

Your knowledge will need to be compared to the learning outcomes of a particular course/module. In your RPL application, you must provide evidence that you have acquired the competence described in the outcomes of the course/module through work experience.

Once the assessment is complete, IOU may grant exemption from some courses/modules, but not for the entire qualification.

IOU has RPL agreements with institutions offering non-formal learning, including Mishkah University, Preston University, and Knowledge International University. If you completed non-formal learning at one of these institutions, the RPL application process may be simplified.

Difference Between Exemption via RPL and Credit Transfer

If you successfully completed courses/modules at another registered and accredited higher education institution that are similar to those in the IOU qualification you want to study, this is considered formal learning.

In such cases, you may apply for exemption from repeating those courses/modules and have the credits transferred to your IOU qualification. This process is called Credit Transfer and is handled by the Credit Transfer section of the Registrar’s Office.

International university guidelines generally require students to complete at least 50% of the subjects in a programme at the institution awarding the qualification.

C) Advanced Standing into Postgraduate Courses

You may apply for advanced standing into postgraduate studies if you do not meet the entry requirements. This form of RPL recognises knowledge at a level higher than undergraduate qualifications.

2. What Is Not RPL?

The following requests do not qualify as RPL:

  1. Status for a qualification obtained at another institution
    If you already hold a qualification from another higher education institution and wish to continue studies in the same discipline, you do not go through the RPL process. You should follow the normal application process.
  2. Credits for a course/module completed at another institution or IOU department/subsidiary
    You may request recognition of these credits through the Credit Transfer process.
  3. Obtaining a qualification without registering for it
    RPL is not a process through which a qualification can be obtained without registration and study. RPL may grant access to a programme, but not the qualification itself.

3. Principles of RPL

  • Recognition of prior learning allows access to further (postgraduate) study by granting status, but not the award of the prerequisite qualification.
  • IOU does not accept RPL assessments conducted by other institutions.
  • Any RPL recognition granted is valid only for the period specified by the Office for Teaching and Learning (OTL).
  • Admission based on RPL remains subject to university rules and regulations.
  • Recognition is granted only for current competence.
  • RPL is programme-specific and aligned with learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
  • Applicants undergo a formal RPL process, which is typically lengthy and not a single event.
  • Applicants must provide evidence such as portfolios, assessments, interviews, and other supporting documentation.
  • Quality assurance processes ensure the integrity and credibility of the RPL process.
  • RPL application and assessment fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
  • Applicants may appeal decisions to the Director of Teaching and Learning and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic.
  • Once registered, all academic rules and regulations apply to the student.

4. Important Information

RPL is generally a lengthy process and may take several weeks depending on the type and level of learning being assessed.

Applications based on non-formal learning acquired at institutions with existing IOU agreements (including Mishkah University, Preston University, and Knowledge International University) may be processed more quickly.

Applicants are required to pay:

  • RPL application fee
  • Additional RPL assessment fee (if extra evaluation is required)

The RPL Coordinator in the Office of Teaching and Learning will advise applicants regarding applicable fees.

An applicant cannot obtain a qualification through RPL alone. A qualification is awarded only after successful completion of the programme.

5. Checklist for Applying for RPL

Please ensure that you meet the criteria for the specific type of RPL application before applying.

A) Gaining Access into the First Year of a Qualification

  1. 23 years of age or older
  2. Have reviewed the programme entry requirements and believe your application has merit
  3. Five years or more of relevant and substantial experience
  4. Have acquired informal and/or non-formal learning relevant to the programme
  5. Prepared for document verification, interviews, and assessment procedures

B) Exemption from Courses/Modules via RPL

  1. 23 years of age or older
  2. Have reviewed the learning outcomes of the relevant course/module
  3. Three years or more of relevant and substantial experience
  4. Have evidence of relevant informal and/or non-formal learning
  5. Prepared for verification and interview procedures

C) Advanced Standing into Postgraduate Courses

  1. 23 years of age or older
  2. Have reviewed the course/module outcomes and believe your application has merit
  3. Two years or more of relevant and substantial experience
  4. Have evidence of relevant informal and/or non-formal learning
  5. Prepared for verification and interview procedures

6. How to Apply for RPL

Step 1

Read through the guidelines above to determine whether you should apply for RPL. For queries, contact the Help Desk:

helpdesk@iou.edu.gm

Step 2

Complete the RPL application form, upload supporting evidence, and wait for fee instructions.

Click here to Apply

Step 3

Pay the required fees.

Step 4

If additional evidence or assessment is required, the RPL Coordinator will contact you. You may also communicate with the RPL Coordinator at:

rpl@iou.edu.gm

Step 5

The outcome of your RPL application will be communicated officially via email. If successful, you will be required to enrol in a programme. If unsuccessful, you may contact the RPL Coordinator for further guidance.