Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal process through which knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired outside of traditional academic study are assessed and recognised for admission, exemption, or credit within a registered qualification.

RPL at The DaVinci Institute is conducted in accordance with national policies including stipulations by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to align with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The relevant national policies inform The DaVinci Institute’s institutional RPL policy.

RPL recognises:

• Workplace learning
• Professional development
• Informal and non-formal learning
• Leadership and industry experience

Eligibility Criteria

• RPL is available to applicants who demonstrate substantial experiential learning aligned to the academic level of the qualification applied for.

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate relevant work experience (depending on programme level)
• Provide evidence of learning equivalent to the required NQF entry level

RPL Pathways

The DaVinci Institute offers three RPL pathways:

1. RPL for Access

• Admission to a qualification where minimum formal entry requirements are not met, but equivalent learning can be satisfactorily demonstrated.

2. RPL for Exemption

• Exemption from specific modules where prior learning is equivalent in content, depth, and complexity.

3. RPL for Credit Conversion

• Formal credit recognition for completed modules from other accredited institutions (subject to institutional rules and limits).

Full RPL Process

Step 1: Pre-Screening

• Submission of CV, qualifications, motivation and references
• Initial eligibility review by the Registry Office and relevant Programme Head
• Scheduling of a 30-minute introductory discussion with the Registry Office and the Programme Head

Step 2: Formal Application

• Completion of RPL Application Form
• Payment of prescribed RPL assessment fee
• Allocation of an RPL Advisor/Specialist

Step 3: Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) Development

• Compilation of structured evidence demonstrating learning equivalence
• Submission within prescribed timeframe

Step 4: Academic Assessment

• Assessment by appointed assessor (Can take the form of a reflective/critical essay, presentation, book review, and/or other acceptable assessment)
• Possible additional requirements

Step 5: Faculty Review

• Recommendation submitted to the relevant Programme Head

Step 6: Final Approval

• Formal outcome communicated in writing by the Registry Office

Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) Requirements

Applicants must submit a structured Portfolio of Evidence that may include:

• Detailed CV (showing progression and scope of responsibility)
• Certified copies of qualifications and professional achievements/registrations
• Reflective learning narrative
• Evidence of applied competence (reports, projects, strategy documents, presentations)
• Letters of reference or verification of roles
• Proof of professional development activities
• Organisational artefacts (anonymised where necessary)

Templates Provided

Applicants will receive:

• PoE structure guideline
• Reflective essay template
• Mapping document to Level Descriptors

Timelines

• Pre-screening: 5–7 working days
• Portfolio Development: 4–6 weeks
• Academic Assessment: 5–7 working days
• Final Outcome: Within 4–6 weeks from pre-screening

Timelines may vary depending on completeness of submission and academic calendar constraints.

Success Criteria

Successful RPL candidates demonstrate:

• Evidence of learning at the required NQF level
• Strategic thinking and conceptual ability
• Applied competence in complex environments
• Academic readiness (critical analysis and structured argumentation)
• Alignment with programme purpose

Common Pitfalls

Applications may be unsuccessful where:

• Evidence is descriptive rather than analytical
• Experience is operational but not strategic
• Documentation lacks verification
• Learning is not mapped to NQF level descriptors
• Portfolio is incomplete or poorly structured

Programme-Specific Rules

• RPL Access is limited in accordance with CHE regulations (maximum cohort percentage applies).
• Master’s programmes require evidence of independent judgment and research readiness.
• Credit exemptions may not exceed institutional limits.
• Some programmes may require a compulsory critical review or challenge assessment.

RPL Contact Details

Registry Office The DaVinci Institute

Email: registry@davinci.ac.za

Disclaimer

• Recognition of Prior Learning is not automatic and is subject to academic assessment.
• Meeting minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission.
• RPL decisions are based on demonstrable learning equivalence, and not years of experience alone.
• All RPL approvals are subject to institutional and regulatory compliance requirements.