RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an official procedure that enables the acknowledgment of knowledge, skills, and competencies previously acquired through:

• Formal learning – studies at higher education institutions in Ukraine or abroad;
• Non-formal learning – professional development courses, online programs, training sessions, certifications;
• Informal learning – work experience, volunteering, self-education, or other forms of practical experience.

📌 RPL creates flexible educational pathways and supports the principle of lifelong learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning at the International European University is carried out in accordance with the following:

• Law of Ukraine "On Education";
• Law of Ukraine "On Higher Education";
• Lisbon Recognition Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (ratified by the Law of Ukraine of 03.12.1999 № 1273-XIV);
• Procedure for Recognition in Higher and Professional Pre-Higher Education of Learning Outcomes Acquired through Non-Formal and/or Informal Education;
• Recognition of Prior Learning Policy of the International European University;;
• Internal regulations of the International European University.

• Ensuring continuity of education: RPL guarantees opportunities for learners to continue their education by recognizing learning outcomes acquired through various types of education.
  
  
• Promoting mobility: RPL supports academic mobility, facilitating transitions between higher education institutions at both national and international levels.
  
  
• Fostering personal and professional development: RPL provides opportunities to formally confirm and apply prior learning outcomes for further education or employment.
  
  
• Ensuring equal access to education: RPL is aimed at creating equal opportunities for learners, regardless of how they acquired their knowledge, skills, and abilities—through formal, non-formal, or informal learning.
  
  
• Maintaining quality of education: RPL is based on clear standards and procedures that ensure recognized outcomes correspond to the National Qualifications Framework of Ukraine, higher education standards, and program requirements.

In implementing the RPL procedure, the International European University adheres to the following principles:

• Learner-centered approach.

The process is based on the individual needs of students, providing counseling, information support, and diverse assessment methods. Participation is voluntary, and conditions are fair and non-discriminatory.

• Presumption of recognition.

Prior learning outcomes are recognized unless the university demonstrates substantial differences. Any doubts are interpreted in favor of the applicant.

• Maximum recognition.

• If no substantial differences are found, the outcomes are recognized in full.
• If differences exist but are not substantial, the maximum possible scope is recognized.
• Refusal is only possible when substantial differences are proven, making full or partial recognition impossible.

• Transparency

Policies, procedures, and criteria are publicly accessible on the university’s website and during consultations. Applicants receive feedback on decisions and are given the opportunity to appeal.

• Consistency

A unified approach is applied across the university, regardless of the program, form, duration of study, or prior experience.

• Justification

Credits are granted only for learning outcomes that correspond to the National Qualifications Framework, higher education standards, and program requirements. Assessment is based on credible evidence meeting academic standards.

• Timeliness

The process is completed within defined timeframes, and applicants are informed in advance about deadlines and requirements.

• Flexibility and adaptability

Procedures take into account the diverse experiences of learners and allow adaptation of educational pathways to their needs and previous achievements.

• Quality assurance

All stages comply with national and international quality assurance standards. The policy is regularly reviewed and updated.

• Documentation

All stages of the process are documented in reports with justifications. Records are stored in line with the university’s policies on documentation and personal data protection, with access granted only to authorized staff.

Recognition of prior learning outcomes is available to all students of the International European University who:

• already hold certificates or diplomas from other higher education institutions (in Ukraine or abroad);
  
  
• participate in academic mobility programs;
  
  
• have completed professional development courses, online programs, training sessions, projects, or seminars;
  
  
• have obtained relevant competencies through documented professional experience, short- or long-term internships, volunteering, or practice, as well as through self-study.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at IEU is organized as a transparent and comprehensible process that involves several levels of support and oversight:

🔹 RPL Coordinators (Student Support Service)

• advise applicants;
• assist in preparing documents and portfolios;
• provide information about requirements and deadlines;
• support applicants at all stages of the procedure.
  📧

🔹 RPL Subcommittees

• operate at the level of academic institutes;
• conduct the initial review of applications and assessments;
• prepare recommendations for the RPL Committee.

👉 MEMBERSHIP OF THE SUBCOMMITTEES ON RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

🔹 RPL Committee

• coordinates the overall recognition process;
• approves final decisions;
• reviews complex or disputed cases.

👉 MEMBERSHIP OF THE APPEALS COMMITTEE ON RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

🔹 Appeals Committee

• considers complaints;
• ensures objectivity of the process;
• issues final decisions in disputed cases.

👉 MEMBERSHIP OF THE APPEALS COMMITTEE ON RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

1. Document preparation

Collect the required set of documents:

• application for RPL;
• copy of an identity document;
• evidence of prior learning (diplomas, certificates, portfolio, recommendations).

📌 Documents must be complete, authentic, up to date, and sufficient for assessment.

2. Application submission

Submit the application and supporting documents to the RPL Coordinator (electronically or in paper form).
Submit an RPL Application

3. Initial screening

The Coordinator verifies:

• completeness of the documentation package;
• authenticity of signatures, seals, apostilles/legalization;
• compliance with requirements and the National Qualifications Framework.

⏱ Duration: up to 10 working days.
📩 Outcome: confirmation of initiation of the procedure or notification with a list of deficiencies.

❌ In case of rejection, the university may propose compensatory measures (additional modules, courses, or examinations).

4. Assessment

The RPL Subcommittee reviews the submitted documents.
If necessary, testing or an interview may be scheduled.
Applicants are informed in advance about the format, date, and criteria of assessment.

• The RPL Subcommittee reviews the submitted documents.
• If necessary, testing or an interview may be scheduled.
• Applicants are informed in advance about the format, date, and criteria of assessment.

⏱ Duration: up to 10 working days.
Additional assessment: scheduled no later than 7 days after the decision; applicants are given at least 7 days for preparation; results are provided within 5 days of the assessment.

5. Decision-making

The RPL Committee adopts the final decision.
The Candidate is informed about the time and place of the meeting of the Study Programme Committee, during which the recognition of his/her acquired competencies will be discussed. The Candidate is given the opportunity to present the study portfolio to Committee members and respond to their questions.

📩 You will receive an official notification including:

• results of the assessment;
• justification of the decision;
• recommendations on further actions.

❗ If the university does not demonstrate substantial differences, the presumption of recognition applies (learning outcomes are recognized in full or in part).

6. Integration of results

If the decision is positive, within 5 working days the Coordinator updates your individual study plan.

👉Key stages of the recognition procedure

You may appeal a decision if:

• there were significant procedural errors or violations;
• there are indications of bias or conflict of interest;
• your evidence was not duly considered.

❗ Appeals are not accepted if the only argument is disagreement without new substantiated facts.

1. Submission of appeal

• Submit a written or electronic request via the Student Support Service: .
• Deadline – 10 working days from the date of receipt of the RPL decision.
  The request must specify:
• circumstances and grounds for the appeal;
• supporting documents;
• your contact details.

Submit an Appeal against the RPL Committee Decision

2. Initial review

The university’s leadership verifies the substantiation of the appeal.

• If sufficient grounds exist → the case is forwarded to the Appeals Committee.
• If not → you receive a written explanation.

3. Consideration of the appeal

An administrative fee is charged for re-examination of the case in line with the University’s Regulation on Paid Services (if the appeal results in a change of the RPL decision, the fee is refunded within one month).

Possible outcomes:

• confirmation of the original decision;
• partial modification of the result (e.g., partial recognition).

4. Notification and deadlines

You will receive an official letter to your email with a full explanation of the decision.

⏱ The appeal procedure usually lasts 15–20 working days.

👉KEY STAGES OF THE APPEALS PROCEDURE

The total volume of educational components of a study programme that may be credited to a learner as a result of recognition of non-formal or informal learning cannot exceed 25 percent of the respective programme.

For specialties and interdisciplinary programmes within the field of knowledge F “Information Technologies”, this share may not exceed 35 percent.

• Application submission is free of charge. The University may only charge for certain administrative services (e.g., photocopying or additional document verification, external expert services). The amount of the fee must be reasonable, not exceed actual costs, and must not create barriers for applicants.
  
  
• To initiate the appeal procedure, a minimal administrative fee is charged for reconsideration of the case in accordance with the University’s Regulation on Paid Services. If the appeal leads to a partial modification of the RPL decision, the applicant is refunded the paid fee within one month of the appeal outcome.

Applicants are informed about the necessity, amount, and payment procedure at the stage of application submission.

• Why do I need recognition of prior learning? When should I use it?

RPL may be applied in the following cases:

admission to a shortened study programme: for applicants with prior learning outcomes that allow reduction of study duration;

change of educational pathway: for applicants wishing to enter another or related specialty based on a previously obtained degree; transfer between institutions, change of study mode, or programme;

resumption and continuation of studies: for applicants returning after withdrawal or academic leave;

simultaneous studies and joint diploma programmes: for applicants studying in multiple programmes or participating in double/joint degree projects;

academic mobility: for applicants participating in national or international mobility programmes;

exemption from studying certain components of a programme: applicants may be exempted if prior learning confirms acquisition of the required outcomes.

• What documents must be submitted? – Application, diplomas, certificates, course syllabi, portfolio.
  
  
• Are online courses (Coursera, Prometheus, etc.) recognized? – Yes, if they correspond to the intended learning outcomes.
  
  
• How long does the procedure take? – Initial review: up to 10 working days; Subcommittee assessment: up to 10 working days; in case of appeal: additional 15–20 working days. Overall, the process usually takes 3 to 6 weeks.
  
  
• Is partial recognition possible? – Yes, the maximum possible volume is recognized.
  
  
• What should I do in case of refusal? – You may submit an appeal within 10 working days of receiving the decision. Appeals are reviewed by the Appeals Committee.
  
  
• Are all disciplines eligible for recognition? – No. Certain programme components cannot be subject to RPL (e.g., those that must be completed at the University to ensure programme integrity or as required by accreditation bodies).
  
  
• What happens if the documents are incomplete? – You will receive a notification with a list of deficiencies. You may supplement the documentation and continue the procedure.
  
  
• Can I submit documents in English? – Yes, but the University may request an official Ukrainian translation if necessary.
  
  
• Are foreign learning outcomes recognized? – Yes, provided documents are legalized or apostilled in accordance with international agreements.
  
  
• Can RPL be combined with academic mobility? – Yes, outcomes acquired through mobility programmes are recognized after return and submission of documents.
  
  
• How will I be informed of the result? – You will receive an official letter (by email or otherwise) containing:

• description of assessment results;
• reasoning of the decision;
• recommendations for further actions.

• How are outcomes integrated into my study plan? – Following a positive decision, within 5 working days the RPL Coordinator updates your individual study plan.
  
  
• Are there any exemptions in the RPL procedure? – The procedure is fair and non-discriminatory. Socially vulnerable groups of learners may be fully or partially exempted from payment for RPL-related services. Relevant cases and exemption amounts are determined by Rector’s order.