Australian Catholic University

Higher education helps veterans access a range of new career opportunities. At ACU, we evaluate each applicant individually. Once admitted to a university course, our Student Veteran Support Program makes the transition to academic life smoother for both current and former members of the Australian Defence Force.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

ACU can help to support you and your studies. Are you a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force? If so, then you are eligible for ACU’s Veteran Entry Program (VEP) and Student Veteran Support Program (SVSP).

Recognition of prior learning (ADF specific)

As a member of the ADF, you undergo rigorous training and gain valuable work experience. ACU recognises this and provides the opportunity for you to receive credit for your service.

We also recognise the challenges involved in transitioning from the ADF into tertiary education.
That’s why we are the first Australian university to formally recognise the courses you have completed during your ADF service by offering you recognition of prior learning (RPL).

What is RPL?

Recognition of prior learning is a formal process of reviewing previously undertaken study or work experience. If this study or work experience is similar to ACU units, then you may be eligible for credit towards your course.

RPL can reduce the amount of time it takes to finish your degree and make your degree more cost effective. The courses you undertook while you were serving in the ADF are considered formal learning by ACU.

How much RPL can I receive?

ACU has a tailored approach towards RPL for student veterans. To do this, we assessed the Initial Employment Training (IET) courses and promotion courses delivered by the ADF to define how many credit points they each merit.

The amount of credit you can receive depends on the duration of your IET and the rank you achieved during your service. There can be individual variations in a student veteran’s service record, so we assess each one individually. Your course rules will also influence how much RPL you are eligible for. The next two pages show examples of the credit you may be able to receive.

How to apply for RPL

All student veterans can apply for RPL. Simply share the relevant aspects of your service record when you apply through the Veteran Entry Program pathway. Your course coordinator will discuss these with you when they assess your application.

If you have any questions about recognition of prior learning or applying for credit, contact Student Veteran Services.
Email: studentveteranservices@acu.edu.au or call (07) 3623 7422.

Grants and scholarships

Commencing study can bring with it many financial demands. ACU and several other organisations offer financial assistance to
student veterans to help with the transition into higher education.

These awards are designed to ease the financial burden of study, with an allocation of funds for tuition fees and educational
resources such as books and a laptop. To find out more scroll down to 'the soldier five for study guide' at the bottom of this page.

uni student studying marine biology looking at a baby turtle

What next???

Where to find them:

Ballarat

1200 Mair Street, Ballarat Vic 3350

PO Box 650, Ballarat Vic 3350

Blacktown

22 Main Street, Blacktown NSW 2148

PO Box 1020, Blacktown NSW 2148

Brisbane

1100 Nudgee Road, Banyo Qld 4014

PO Box 456, Virginia Qld 4014

Canberra

127 Phillip Avenue, Watson ACT 2602

Melbourne

115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065

North Sydney

40 Edward Street, North Sydney NSW 2060

PO Box 968, North Sydney NSW 2059

Strathfield

25A Barker Road, Strathfield NSW 2135

Locked Bag 2002, Strathfield NSW 2135

Soldiers' five to study: tips for soldiers from soldiers

A ‘soldiers’ five’ is a common army phrase used to describe a brief of five key points or five minutes’ duration. The Student Veteran Services team has used this as a basis for the Soldiers’ five to study: tips for soldiers from soldiers – a resource to help support veterans transitioning to tertiary study.

This guide offers informal learnings from student veterans who have transitioned to study and is also informed by research. Tips were developed to address areas of need as identified by research, along with what students thought most valuable for a commencing veteran to know.

ACU is proud to share this invaluable resource. We’ve made it available to all veterans and external organisations.

Download Soldiers’ five to study: tips for soldiers from soldiers (PDF, 987KB) SEE BELOW

First time or returning student's apply here

Apply to ACU