Recognition of prior learning and experience (RPL) is a process that allows skills and competencies already acquired to be taken into account for study purposes if they are the learning outcomes for the courses on the curriculum. In University of Tartu, previous studies and work experience may be taken into account in the completion of the curriculum without limitation, but it does not apply to final examinations and defense of graduation papers. There may be courses in the study programme for which RPL cannot be taken info account. Further information about this is available in the general information on particular courses in SIS.
Application form to have previous studies and work experience taken into account
Annex 1 (taking courses/continuing education into account)
Annex 2 (taking work experience into account)
In addition to the application and the corresponding annex, the student must submit documents certifying studies (the original and a copy), for example a diploma, extract from the diploma supplement, a document describing the substance of the studies and other materials (for example portfolio, description of work experience, creative work, etc.), unless the completion of the course has been proven in the Study Information System. The applicant is responsible for the accuracy of the submitted documents and other materials.
The application and additional documents must be submitted to the Dean’s Office of the Faculty or to the RPL adviser. The application is evaluated by the Faculty’s RPL Committee, which must reply to the application in writing within one month of submission of the application. Applications submitted for the completion of the curriculum are not reviewed in July.
No RPL application is needed for the recognition of prior learning in the following cases:
The fee for review and evaluation of the application is 12 euros per credit point.
Review and evaluation of the application is free of charge in the following cases:
If an applicant is discontent with the reply received to an RPL application, the applicant can appeal against the decision.
The initial appeal must be filed either orally or in writing with the same person or committee who made the original decision.
If the person (or committee) does not change the decision, the student can appeal to the Dean within seven days of announcement of the appeal decision.
The following appeals must be submitted in writing:
The procedure for appeal, the possibilities of resolving appeals and the time limits for replying are set out in the University of Tartu Study Regulations.
RPL in doctoral studies for learners in programmes opened from 2022/2023
If you have questions relating to previous studies and work experience please contact your RPL adviser. You can also write vota@ut.ee with general questions.
Taking previous studies and work experience into account is regulated by the Study Regulations.