Credits 101: Differentiating between Internal and External Academic Credits

 

 

Internal Academic Credits

External Academic Credits

Definition

Internal academic credits refer to the recognition of learning that a student has achieved within the IIE. This could be when a student has completed a module or course at one IIE institution (like IIE Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE Vega School, and IIE Rosebank College) and wishes to transfer those credits to another course within the IIE.

External academic credits pertain to the recognition of learning that a student has achieved outside of the IIE. This is when a student has completed a module or course at a different institution (not part of the IIE) and wants those credits to be recognised and transferred to their IIE program.

Diagram

Example

Suppose a student has completed a Business Management module as part of their Bachelor of Commerce degree at IIE Varsity College and later decides to pursue a different program within the IIE that includes the same module. In that case, they may be eligible to transfer the credits they earned from their previous completion. This way, they can avoid retaking the module and still receive credit towards their new qualification.

Suppose a student has previously studied at a university other than IIE, such as Rhodes University, and has completed specific modules. In that case, they may request to have those achievements recognised when enrolling in an IIE program. For example, suppose a student has studied marketing at another institution and wishes to pursue a Commerce degree at IIE. In that case, they can apply for credit based on their prior marketing studies. Recognising previous academic achievements saves students time and money while pursuing their desired degree.

 

How to submit a credit application:

PLEASE NOTE: 

  1. Credits can only be awarded at the same or lower NQF level and cannot be awarded at a higher level than the credit was initially earned.
  2. Only students with an IIE student or prospect number can process applications.
  3. Attend classes and all assessments until the outcome of your application is confirmed.
  4. The application deadlines are 31 March 2024 for Term 1 and 31 August 2024 for Term 2. 

 

 

Internal Credit Application Process

External Credit Application Process

Step 1

Log a ticket on VC Assist and select the "IIE Student Hub Queries" category.

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Step 2

Select the "Internal Credits" tile, enter your student number and submit.

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Choose the "External Credits" tile, enter your student number and submit.

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Step 3

Fill out the necessary fields on the online form.

Step 4

Complete the IIE Internal Academic Credit Request Form and upload it as a supporting document.

Complete the IIE External Academic Credit Request Form and upload it along with the required supporting documents:

  • Original academic record or proof of subjects/modules passed/portfolio of evidence.
  • Detailed documentation of learning outcomes for each module or unit standard. A content page of a prescribed textbook isn't enough. Details related to the studied program or course are needed.
  • For non-South African qualifications: SAQA equivalence assessment, proof of the institution's accreditation status in the country of origin, and detailed program or course information.

Step 5

After submission, you'll receive a reference number via your student (vcconnect) email, which is helpful for following up with the Student Hub team (010 007 5110).

Step 6

The Student Hub will email the results; ensure to share this with your CRO/OSN.