Recognition of Prior Learning Policy – English
30/05/2025 2025-06-27 22:27Recognition of Prior Learning Policy – English
Recognition of Prior Learning Policy
Alma Mater Europaea University, Vienna Location
1. Purpose
This policy outlines how Alma Mater Europaea University, Vienna Location, recognizes prior formal and informal learning. It applies to prospective and current students seeking credit or admission based on previously acquired knowledge and skills.
2. Definitions
- Formal Education: Learning completed within accredited educational institutions, leading to officially recognized diplomas or qualifications.
- Informal Learning: Knowledge and skills gained through non-accredited courses (e.g., workshops, seminars) or through life and work experiences, including self-directed learning.
- Candidate: Refers to both prospective applicants and currently enrolled students.
3. Eligibility
All individuals applying to or enrolled at Alma Mater Europaea may request recognition of prior learning (RPL). This includes both full-time and part-time students.
4. Purpose of RPL
RPL allows prior formal or informal learning to fulfill program admission requirements or substitute specific course obligations.
5. Key Principles
- Prior learning must match the content and learning outcomes of Alma Mater courses.
- Candidates must provide complete documentation to support their request.
- Full or partial recognition is granted if learning aligns with program-level competencies.
6. Fees
Evaluation may incur a fee according to Alma Mater’s official fee schedule.
7. Evaluation Committee
An official committee, appointed by the Senate, evaluates all applications. Subject matter experts may be consulted as needed.
8. Application Process
The RPL process includes:
- Submission of a formal application
- Committee review
- Issuance of a written decision
Applications are processed within 60 days unless foreign qualifications require additional review.
9. Pre-Submission Guidance
Candidates may seek guidance from the student office prior to applying.
10. Submitting an Application
Applications must be submitted using the official form and include all relevant evidence and a list of attached documents.
11. Incomplete Applications
Applicants have 8 days to submit missing documents. If not completed in time, the application is rejected.
12. Evaluation of Formal Learning
- Must include certified transcripts, certificates, and syllabi.
- At least 70% of the learning outcomes must match the course objectives.
13. Evaluation of Informal Learning
Accepted documentation includes:
- Certificates of attendance
- Employer statements detailing work duties
- Personal portfolio
- Publications, patents, or creative work
Work experience must be supported by documentation specifying job title, responsibilities, and duration.
14. Criteria for Recognition
- Previous education must meet admission requirements.
- Learning must be well-documented and of sufficient academic rigor.
- Decisions are based on documentation, interviews, and potential knowledge assessments.
15. Work Experience as Academic Credit
Relevant professional experience may fulfill internship or course requirements if adequately documented.
16. Credit Assignment
- Fully recognized courses are awarded the corresponding ECTS credits.
- Partial recognition receives proportionate credits; remaining credits require an assessment.
17. Mandatory Assessment
Required when:
- Submitted evidence is unclear or incomplete
- Theoretical credit is claimed from work experience
- Over 60 ECTS credits are requested for recognition
Candidates will be notified 14 days before any required assessment.
18. Assessment Methods
May include:
- Written or oral exams
- Interviews or project presentations
- Practical demonstrations or portfolio reviews
Unsuccessful candidates cannot retake the same assessment.
19. Decision and Records
Committee decisions clearly list recognized subjects or credits. Approved items are recorded in the student system.
20. Appeals
Rejected applicants may appeal to the Alma Mater Senate within 15 days. The Senate’s decision is final.
21. Data Protection
All personal data is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
22. Documentation and Records
All application records are stored per legal requirements. Decisions are archived permanently.
23. Policy Updates
Changes to this policy are made by the Alma Mater Board.
24. Interpretation
The Study Affairs Committee is responsible for interpreting the provisions of this policy.
Appendices to the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy
Appendix 1: Categories and Principles of Recognizing Informally Acquired Knowledge and Experience
The European Union defines three types of learning:
- Formal Learning: Occurs in accredited educational institutions and leads to recognized diplomas and qualifications.
- Non-Formal Learning: Happens outside the formal education system, such as at the workplace, in community organizations (e.g., unions, clubs, NGOs), or through extracurricular courses (e.g., private art, music, or sports instruction). It is intentional.
- Experiential Learning: Gained through everyday activities (e.g., work, home, leisure). It is typically unintentional and often overlooked, yet it significantly contributes to individual competencies.
Non-formal and experiential learning are collectively considered “informally acquired knowledge.” This learning may be evaluated using academic credit systems or separate institutional methods targeting professional qualifications and employability.
Guiding Principles for Recognition:
- Every individual should have the right to apply for recognition.
- The applicant must submit all supporting documentation.
- Institutions may charge a processing fee.
- Evaluation must align with learning outcomes and program entry requirements.
- Verified competencies should be recognized regardless of how or where they were acquired.
- Evaluation must be reliable and documented with a formal certificate.
Recognition Process (4 Steps):
- Information Session: Candidates must be informed of the process and criteria.
- Documentation Submission: Candidates collect and submit certificates, portfolios, resumes, work experience documents, and evidence of learning or creative work.
- Competency Evaluation: The institution may use written/oral exams, real or simulated practical demonstrations.
- Recognition Decision: Recognized competencies may fulfill entry requirements, serve as selection criteria, or replace coursework. Recognized coursework is awarded ECTS credits.
Appendix 2: Recognition of Work Experience – Nursing Program
Work experience in nursing may substitute clinical training based on the candidate’s documented professional background. Recognition varies by year and field:
Year 1 – Elderly Care:
- Up to 120 hrs (3 weeks): 3+ years experience + internship + supervisor recommendation
- Up to 200 hrs (5 weeks): 5+ years experience + internship
- Up to 320 hrs (8 weeks): 10+ years experience + internship
Year 2 & 3 – Other Fields:
Pediatrics / Women’s Health:
- Up to 40 hrs: 3+ years experience + internship + supervisor recommendation
- Up to 80 hrs: 5+ years experience + internship
Internal Medicine:
- Up to 120 hrs: 3+ years experience + internship + supervisor recommendation
- Up to 200 hrs: 5+ years experience + internship
- Up to 280 hrs (7 weeks): 10+ years experience + internship
Community Health / Outpatient Care:
- Up to 40 hrs: 3+ years experience + internship + supervisor recommendation
- Up to 80 hrs: 5+ years experience
- Up to 120 hrs (3 weeks): 10+ years experience + internship
Mental Health Nursing:
- Up to 40 hrs: 5+ years experience + internship
Surgical Nursing:
- Up to 120 hrs: 3+ years experience + internship + supervisor recommendation
- Up to 200 hrs: 5+ years experience + internship
- Up to 280 hrs (7 weeks): 10+ years experience + internship
Additional Notes
- Maximum recognition: 500 clinical hours.
- Internship does not count toward professional experience.
Appendix 3: Recognition of Work Experience – Physiotherapy Program
Work experience may substitute clinical practice if the following conditions are met:
- Experience must be in an institution recognized as a teaching facility.
- 240 hrs = 2 weeks clinical credit
- 480+ hrs = max 4 weeks clinical credit
Year 2:
- Recognition applies for student work at secondary or tertiary healthcare institutions
Year 3:
- Recognition applies for student work at secondary or tertiary healthcare institutions in neurology
- Documentation must specify duties related to neurology departments or neurological patients
Note: Clinical practice recognition begins no earlier than the second year of study.
Ready to start the recognition process?
Apply for recognition here.
Are you Hailmasseur or Medizinishche Masseur and entering our Physiotherapy study?
Apply now!
