Veterans may approach HE institutions seeking to understand how their existing qualifications, rank and experience could be recognised to gain credit to shorten the duration of their desired program. RPL helps reduce study costs and offers part-time study options to balance family needs or other work commitments.
There can be many potential obstacles facing veterans transitioning into higher education, including a loss of identity, isolation from peers, academic shortfalls and challenges around balancing learning with earning and family needs.
There are a range of fee-charging external companies purporting to provide certification based upon recognition of military experience, however upon submission for entry into a university course they may be of limited value. This situation can leave veterans out of pocket, negatively affecting their mental health and impeding their entry into tertiary study and a new career.
Select the headings below to learn about student veterans and the assistance available.
In the context of RPLs, veterans are considered anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, including those in the transitioning phase.
Historically the term ‘veteran’ described former ADF personnel who were deployed on active service in warlike conditions, however, for RPL, veterans are now considered to be people who have any experience in the ADF, including permanent, reserve and former (ex-serving) personnel.
Outlined below are the steps a Student Veteran takes for an RPL request.
You can explore this in detail in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) page of this site.
The ADF provides military skills recognition through a national qualification via ADF Transition and Civil Recognition (ADFTCR). They assist transitioning veterans up to two years post-transition with understanding the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system, and with upskilling options.
The evidence must be from the last 2 years, and demonstrate the veteran’s skills, knowledge and performance, measured against units of competency in a qualification.
Micro-credentials can also be provided through RPL at no cost to transitioning ADF members. These are non-university specific and may take some time to be finalised. Micro-credentials validate skills performed in addition to the veteran's main occupational role against national skill standards and can include areas such as:
The ADF provides a Training and Skills Guide for each level of rank tri-service (Navy, Army and Air Force), which explains the generic skills acquired during military service in civilian language. For example, the Warrant Officer Guide shows the Core Tasks At Rank schedule and Priority Skills for Civilian Employment.
ADF Career Transition Training (CTT) provides eligible members (up to 2 years post-transition) with an allowance of several thousand dollars towards approved training and education expenses. Medically separating members who are not fit to undertake training at the time are able to apply to preserve this benefit.
The ADF also offers the Personalised Career and Employment Program(PCEP), with access to Transition Coaches, providing substantial career coaching and support for eligible transitioning personnel.
The ADF’s military skill recognition webpage features scenarios where veterans discuss their transition experiences, and the transferable skills gained through service.
Each scenario provides concise advice on the approaches individuals can take based on their aspirations, reasons for leaving, age and other factors. This is a valuable resource for veterans exploring their options during the transition process.
With support from Senior Leadership, HE institutions can take a holistic approach, establishing wrap-around initiatives to support Student Veterans, examples can include:
The DVA continues to offer generous grant support for funding of these types of initiatives.