Can I Transfer Credits From Previous Studies?
Yes! Save Time & Money!
HND saves 2 years | Diploma transfers | Work experience counts
Complete credit transfer and RPL guide: qualification transfer pathways, time and cost savings, application process, documents needed, work experience recognition, and success stories from students who fast-tracked their degrees.
Credit Transfer Pathways: What Transfers to What
| Your Current Qualification | Transfer To | Credits Transferred | Time Remaining | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HND (Level 5) - Any Field | BSc Top-up (Related Field) | 240 credits (2 years) | 1 year only! | Save 2 years + LKR 400,000 |
| Diploma (Level 4) | HND Year 2 | 120 credits (1 year) | 1 year to HND | Save 1 year + LKR 150,000 |
| HNC (Level 4) | HND Year 2 | 120 credits (1 year) | 1 year to HND | Save 1 year + LKR 140,000 |
| Foundation Degree | BSc Year 3 | 240 credits (2 years) | 1 year to degree | Save 2 years + LKR 400,000 |
| CIMA/ACCA (Partial) | BSc Business/Accounting | 60-120 credits | 1.5-2.5 years | Save 6-18 months |
| Incomplete Degree (1-2 years) | Degree Completion | 120-240 credits | 1-2 years | Continue where you stopped! |
HND to BSc Top-up: Most Popular Transfer Pathway
HND (2 years) + Top-up (1 year) = BSc Degree!
Same qualification as 3-4 year direct degree, but flexible pathway
Complete HND (Level 5) - 2 Years
Study HND in your chosen field (IT, Business, QS, Nursing, etc.)
Cost: LKR 250,000-350,000 | Credits Earned: 240 credits
Optional: Work & Gain Experience
HND is a full qualification - you can work as Junior professional
Benefit: Earn LKR 40,000-80,000/month, gain 1-3 years experience, save money for top-up
BSc Top-up (Level 6) - 1 Year Only
Your 240 HND credits transfer automatically - complete final 120 credits
Cost: LKR 200,000-350,000 | Duration: 1 year | Result: Full UK Bachelor's Degree!
Why This Pathway is Smart
RPL: Recognition of Prior Learning (Work Experience as Credit)
RPL allows you to gain academic credit for skills and knowledge acquired through work experience, not just formal education. Particularly valuable for mature students without traditional qualifications but extensive professional backgrounds.
What Can Be Recognized?
- ✓Professional work experience (3+ years minimum)
- ✓Industry certifications and training
- ✓Self-employment/business ownership experience
- ✓Volunteer work and community projects
- ✓Military/specialized technical training
- ✓Portfolio of work (design, IT projects, etc.)
RPL Application Process
- 1Submit detailed CV/resume with employment history
- 2Prepare portfolio of evidence (certificates, projects, references)
- 3Map your experience to program learning outcomes
- 4Interview with academic assessment panel
- 5Receive credit decision (typically 15-60 credits)
RPL Success Example
Candidate: 38-year-old IT Manager with 15 years experience, no degree
RPL Assessment: Granted 60 credits (equivalent to 6 modules) based on:
- Microsoft certifications (MCSE, MCSA)
- 10+ IT infrastructure projects managed
- Team leadership and budgeting experience
- Industry-aligned technical skills
Result: Entered BSc Computing with 60 credits, completed degree in 2 years instead of 3!
Documents Required for Credit Transfer Application
Essential Documents
- 1.
Original Certificates
HND, Diploma, or qualification certificates
- 2.
Official Transcripts
Grade sheets showing modules and marks
- 3.
Syllabus/Module Descriptions
Content covered in your previous program
- 4.
ID Proof
NIC or passport for verification
Additional for RPL
- 5.
Detailed CV/Resume
Employment history with responsibilities
- 6.
Employment Letters
Proof of work experience from employers
- 7.
Portfolio/Evidence
Projects, certifications, achievements
- 8.
References
Professional references who can verify skills
Processing Time: 1-3 weeks | Assessment Fee: LKR 5,000-15,000 (one-time, refundable if no credits granted)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time can I save through credit transfer?
Significant time savings! HND to BSc Top-up: Save 2 years (complete degree in 1 year instead of 3). Diploma to HND: Save 6-12 months depending on diploma level. Professional certifications (CIMA/ACCA): Up to 1 year exemptions possible. Work experience RPL: Can reduce program by 3-6 months. Maximum savings: Complete a full degree in just 1 year if you have HND!
What qualifications can be transferred for credit?
Transferable qualifications: HND/HNC from Pearson, BTEC, OTHM or recognized awarding bodies, Diploma from accredited institutions (Level 4-5), Professional certifications (CIMA, ACCA, AAT, CIPS), Incomplete degree programs (assess module-by-module), International qualifications from recognized universities, Work experience in relevant field (RPL assessment). We evaluate each qualification individually!
How does the credit transfer application process work?
Simple 5-step process: (1) Submit application with previous certificates/transcripts, (2) Pay assessment fee (LKR 5,000-10,000), (3) Our academic team reviews your qualifications (1-2 weeks), (4) Receive credit transfer decision letter stating modules exempted, (5) Enroll in remaining modules only. Start-to-enrollment: typically 2-3 weeks.
Will credit transfer reduce my degree costs?
Yes, significantly! You only pay for modules you study. Example: BSc normally LKR 600,000 for 24 modules = LKR 25,000/module. With HND transfer (16 modules exempted): Pay only for 8 modules = LKR 200,000. Savings: LKR 400,000 (67% reduction)! Plus save accommodation, transport, and living costs for the years skipped.
Can work experience count towards academic credits?
Yes, through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)! Requirements: 3+ years relevant professional experience, Portfolio/evidence of learning and skills, Interview/assessment with academic panel, Alignment with program learning outcomes. Typical credit: 1-2 modules (15-30 credits) for every 3 years experience. Particularly valuable for mature students with extensive backgrounds but no formal qualifications!
Are there maximum credits I can transfer?
Yes, limits exist to ensure quality: HND to BSc: Transfer up to 240 credits (2 years), complete minimum 120 credits (1 year) with us. Diploma to HND: Transfer up to 120 credits (1 year), complete minimum 120 credits (1 year). Professional qualifications: Maximum 60-90 credits (6-9 modules). At least 30-40% of program must be completed with awarding institution for degree to be conferred.
Apply for Credit Transfer Assessment
Contact Ceylon Open Campus to assess your qualifications for credit transfer. Save time and money!
Phone
075 922 0083
Mon-Sat: 9AM - 6PM
coc.ceylon@gmail.com
24-hour response time
Campus
Ceylon Open Campus
Kattankudy, Sri Lanka