Recognition of prior experience
Recognition of prior experience involves assessing the existing knowledge, skills and expertise of an applicant or student to determine whether they correspond to certain study requirements. By recognising prior experience, the University accepts that previous qualifications and/or experience may meet the requirements for accessing or progressing in a study programme.
The process therefore offers learners who lack the required diploma the possibility of accessing university studies. For others, it avoids repetition of prior achievements and reduces the number of courses that need to be taken.
Who qualifies for a recognition of prior experience?
The University accepts requests for recognition of prior experience from applicants to or students in its Bachelor or Master programmes.
Validation of prior experience for access to studies is only possible for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals.
To qualify for assessment, the experience (educational and/or professional) must correspond to the qualification level required to access or progress through the respective study programme. Common examples include:
- Students transferring to the University of Luxembourg from a similar study programme at a different university;
- Applicants holding a professional or technical education diploma (level 5 of the European/Luxembourg Qualifications Framework) (FR) in the field of the study programme to which they are applying;
- Students who have previously studied at the University of Luxembourg and wish to re-apply after a break;
- Professionals with experience in the field of the study programme to which they are applying;
- Applicants who have relevant and equivalent professional experience but are lacking the diploma they need to access studies.
It is not possible to request recognition of prior experience by the University if you are not accepted as a student at the University of Luxembourg.
How does the University recognise prior experience?
Those requesting recognition of prior experience must provide evidence of relevant knowledge, skills and expertise. If there are compelling reasons for not being able to document the experience (e.g. if the person is a refugee and no longer has access to his/her diploma), the University’s Student Services can provide assistance in preparing the application.
In addition to the required documentation, the assessment can be based on an interview, assignment or test.
The evidence will be assessed against formal access or study requirements and learning outcomes. The reference for this assessment is the level descriptors defined in the Luxembourg Qualifications Framework (FR), specific access requirements for the study programme and the module plan, and the courses offered on the programme. Requests are assessed by academic staff and professionals with the expertise to exercise fair judgement. The University does not accept or consider assessments for recognition of prior experience carried out by another institution.
Recognition of prior experience is only valid for the specified study programme.
Recognition of prior experience is not an official recognition of a diploma. Also, no degree or diploma can be granted by the University of Luxembourg by recognition of prior experience: to receive a diploma from the University, at least 60 ECTS credits have to be obtained by completing courses taken at and offered by the University.
How to apply
Select your situation:
FAQ
A learning outcome is a statement of what a learner is expected to know, understand or be able to do at the end of a learning process.* Learning outcomes serve as a common reference for teaching, learning and assessment. In the Luxembourg Qualifications Framework, learning outcomes are classified in the following categories:
Knowledge: facts, principles, theories
Aptitudes: ability to apply knowledge to the completion of tasks and the resolution of problems (cognitive or practical)
Attitudes: assumption of responsibility and autonomy
*Bologna Working Group on Qualifications (2005). A Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area, p 29
Each study programme web page contains a link to its curriculum where course descriptions are published for each semester. Course descriptions include information on the course content, course objectives, course details and learning outcomes. You can use this information to find out whether your prior experience may be recognised for the award of credit or exemptions.
The timeframe for recognition of prior experience varies according to the type of request and the nature and extent of the prior experience to be assessed. It is likely that your request will take several weeks to be processed.
You may have the option of appealing against a decision concerning the recognition of prior experience under certain conditions. For further information on how to appeal, please refer to the Appeals page.
You may withdraw a request for recognition of prior experience.
If you are requesting recognition of prior experience to gain access to a study programme, please contact the Admissions Office in the Student Department.
If you are requesting recognition of prior experience to receive transfer credits or waivers, please contact the Study Programme Administrator.
The University processes requests for recognition of prior experience from students and applicants free of charge.