Switching degrees can feel like hitting “restart”… until UQ Credit Transfer cuts out the repeat subjects and saves you a semester (sometimes more). At PickMyUni, we see students lose time simply because they apply late, match the wrong UQ course code, or don’t use the UQ credit transfer database early enough.
UQ credit transfer (also called credit/advanced standing/RPL in different places) lets prior study count in your UQ program if the content and workload are comparable. Start by checking the UQ Credit Precedents Database (your “uq credit transfer database” shortcut), then apply via UQ’s online credit/exemption request once you’ve accepted an offer and are a current UQ student. Apply no later than 2 weeks (14 days) before semester starts—late requests aren’t accepted. For 2026 program changes, UQ lists windows such as 3 Dec 2025–13 Feb 2026 for Semester 1 changes, and 1 Jul–17 Jul 2026 for Semester 2 changes.
About UQ Credit Transfer
In Australian higher ed terms, credit recognises equivalent learning outcomes and can reduce the learning you still need to complete. Credit can come via credit transfer, advanced standing, or RPL (formal/non-formal/informal learning).
At UQ, you’ll usually see two outcomes:
Credit (specified or unspecified): prior study counts in your program (often as a specific UQ course, or as general elective units).
Exemption: you may not need to take a particular course, but you still complete the normal total units by taking another course.
Step 1: Check eligibility before you spend time matching subjects
UQ flags that you aren’t eligible for credit/exemptions in some cases (for example: non-award, study abroad or incoming exchange). UQ also notes a separate situation where an international student may already have credits listed with the offer letter.
Step 2: Use the uq credit transfer database (UQ Credit Precedents Database)
Before you apply, use the UQ Credit Precedents Database as your first stop. UQ describes it as a searchable list of courses previously assessed for credit applications, and it’s specifically recommended as a guide when changing programs too.
How PickMyUni suggests you use it
Search your previous institution + course (or qualification).
Look for:
the UQ course code (for specified credit), or
elective/unit credit (for unspecified credit).
Treat it as a guide, then prepare your evidence (course outline + transcript) in case UQ asks for detail (common if your exact subject isn’t listed).
Course transfer vs credit transfer at UQ
A lot of students mix these up.
Course transfer
Changing programs at UQ requires you to meet entry requirements for the new program and follow UQ’s change process. UQ’s “Changing programs” advice also reminds students that meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission.
Credit transfer
If you change from one UQ program to another, UQ says you may be eligible to transfer credit or get exemptions, and that academic credit is decided case-by-case by the relevant faculty/school.
Key detail : UQ’s credit procedure explains that credit from an incomplete program is not automatically transferred in many cases; the option to transfer credit can appear in the program change request process (mySI-net), and external learning usually uses the online credit/exemption request.
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UQ credit transfer policy rules
UQ sets rules around how much credit you can receive, how “current” your study must be, and what evidence you need.
No credit for failed subjects
UQ’s procedure states: no credit or exemption for prior learning with a failing grade (or equivalent).
Currency limits
UQ’s updated credit procedure notes completed learning is usually treated as current for:
2 years for certain bachelor honours contexts, and
10 years for most other coursework programs (with some possible waivers for certain types of credit).
Maximum credit limits
UQ’s updated procedure includes tables showing maximum credit by total program units. For example:
Postgraduate programs often show a 50% pattern (e.g., 16-unit program → 8 units credit; 32-unit program → 16 units credit).
Undergraduate tables show varied caps (e.g., 48-unit program → 32 units credit).
Your grades from another uni usually don’t carry into UQ
UQ notes that where credit is granted for study completed at another institution, the grade achieved isn’t recorded on the UQ academic transcript.
Note on timing: The UQ “Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure” page we accessed states a version taking effect from 5 January 2026. If you’re applying around policy change dates, check you’re reading the current version on UQ’s site.
Deadlines that matter
UQ credit transfer deadline
UQ states you can apply for credit/exemptions up to 2 weeks before semester starts, and late applications aren’t accepted.
UQ’s updated procedure lines up with this, saying applications should be received 14 calendar days before semester commences, and requests after that time may not be accepted.
Real example : UQ’s academic calendar lists classes starting 23 Feb 2026, so “2 weeks before” lands around 9 Feb 2026. Don’t plan for the last day—processing time matters.
Processing time
UQ support says complete applications usually take 2–4 weeks. The updated procedure also flags processing can take up to 28 calendar days and can be longer in peak periods.
Program change windows
UQ’s academic calendar lists key dates for requesting a program change through mySI-net, including:
Semester 1, 2026: first date 3 Dec 2025, last date 13 Feb 2026
Semester 2, 2026: first date 1 Jul 2026, last date 17 Jul 2026
QTAC offer rounds
QTAC’s UQ profile lists offer dates for Semester 1 2026 (spanning Oct 2025 through Feb 2026) and Semester 2 2026 (Apr–Jul 2026). It also notes applicants generally apply for credit after accepting a QTAC offer, and UQ may limit credit amounts.
Postgraduate coursework closing dates
UQ’s postgraduate application page includes more than one set of dates on the same page and also warns some programs have different closing dates listed on their program page. So treat these as general guides and always confirm on the specific program listing:
One section lists Semester 1: 31 Jan, Semester 2: 30 Jun, Summer: 31 Oct
Another section lists Semester 1: 30 Nov (previous year) and Semester 2: 31 May (same year)
How to apply for UQ credit transfer
Here’s the cleanest process PickMyUni uses with students.
If you studied at TAFE or another university
Accept your UQ offer and become a current student (UQ assesses credit for current students).
Use the online Credit or Exemption form (student login required).
Upload:
your official transcript
course profiles/syllabi if needed (especially if not already covered by a precedent).
Apply early enough for processing (2–4 weeks is common).
If you’re changing from one UQ program to another
UQ says the option to transfer credit can be included within the program change request in mySI-net, and the credit precedents database can help as a guide.
Evidence checklist (what UQ may ask for)
UQ’s updated procedure sets out what students may need for formal learning completed at another institution, including:
official academic transcript (or digital transcript via a recognised platform)
explanation of the grading system (often a link is fine if it’s on the institution’s official site and in English)
detailed course descriptions/syllabus (week-by-week topics, assessments, contact hours, texts) when there’s no current precedent/agreement.
Special case: “ANU to UQ masters of economics credit transfer”
Students search for this exact phrase—ANU to UQ masters of economics credit transfer—because both universities are strong and the content overlap can look obvious. Here’s how to approach it without guessing:
Start with the UQ credit transfer database (UQ Credit Precedents Database). Look for ANU ECON-coded subjects and their closest UQ equivalents.
If your ANU subject isn’t listed, prepare a full course outline (weekly topics + assessment breakdown). UQ’s procedure notes detailed syllabus evidence may be required when there’s no precedent.
Apply early: UQ warns late credit requests aren’t accepted, and processing commonly takes weeks.
Build a backup enrolment plan for Semester 1 so you’re not stuck in courses that later get replaced by credit.
Real-world example PickMyUni sees: A student has ANU intermediate micro + macro and wants UQ Master of Economics credit. In many cases, the decision hinges on (a) mathematical level, (b) core models covered, and (c) assessment mix. Even a small mismatch can flip a “specified credit” request into “elective credit” or a “no credit” outcome—so the evidence pack matters.
After you submit: outcomes, tracking, and appeals
UQ says you can check credit transfer outcomes via your Studies Report in mySI-net and a notation is placed there if successful. UQ also notes you can appeal to the Associate Dean (Academic) in your faculty if you’re unhappy with the outcome.
How PickMyUni can help (if you want this done fast)
If you’re trying to line up UQ Credit transfer with a program change, the hard part is rarely the form—it’s building a plan that still works if you get:
specified credit,
elective credit,
or no credit.
PickMyUni can help you:
map your previous subjects to UQ course codes,
plan enrolment so you don’t repeat content,
compare alternatives if your first-choice program has a tight cap on credit.
