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Home > Glossary
This glossary explains key terms and acronyms used at Kaplan Professional. It offers a reliable reference to support understanding of qualifications, course structures, and sector-specific terminology.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Individuals who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and are accepted by their community.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathway
An applicant identifying as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person may apply to study at Kaplan Professional under the Access and Equity Pathway.
ABSTUDY
Financial support for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying either part-time or full-time, provided by Centrelink.
Academic complaint
Academic complaints include, but are not limited to:
Academic integrity
Academic integrity refers to the expectation that individuals act honestly, ethically and responsibly in their learning and assessment activities.
Academic misconduct
Academic misconduct refers to any form of dishonesty by an individual relevant to the student’s learning experience at Kaplan Professional, which may result in the individual gaining an unfair advantage over other students.
Academic policy
Policies are high-level statements that establish the principles and minimum set of academic standards that apply in the provision of education to individuals. Academic policy includes but is not limited to admissions, assessment, subject/unit and course/program design, approval, delivery, revision and discontinuation, as well as academic misconduct.
Academic progression
Academic progression is the progress an individual is making towards completing their degree requirements.
Academic record
An official record of study at Kaplan Professional. This includes an academic transcript and testamur.
Academic staff
A person who is authorised to undertake an academic role at Kaplan Professional.
Access and equity pathway
Kaplan Professional recognises that applicants may not meet the minimum entry requirements for a course due to experiencing significant educational disadvantages. The Access and Equity Pathway has been established by Kaplan Professional to grant special consideration in the admission process to applicable applicants by allowing admission into a Diploma, Bachelor or Graduate Certificate qualification at Kaplan Professional on a provisional basis.
Accreditation
Course accreditation is typically completed following phases of development, review and approval. A formal application to the relevant professional or registration authority is made to seek accreditation.
The course’s accreditation status is published on our website and in our Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS).
If a course is designed to equip a person with professional registration, it will require accreditation by the relevant professional or registration authority.
Accredited course
A course that has been officially approved by the national regulator (ASQA or TEQSA) to meet quality standards and lead to a recognised qualification.
Accrediting / regulatory body
The accrediting or regulatory body refers to both government and professional bodies who provide formal accreditation of Kaplan Professional award courses.
Admission criteria
A set of one or more criteria that an applicant must demonstrate as satisfactory in order to gain admission to a Kaplan Professional award course.
Admission pathways
Any options available to prospective higher education students that allow them to meet the entry requirements of their chosen courses and gain admission.
Advanced standing
A form of credit for any previous learning – see also the definitions for ‘Credit transfer’ and ‘Recognition of prior learning’.
Alternative Entry Pathways
Alternative entry pathways may be available if applicants do not meet the minimum education requirements or are from diverse backgrounds, such as the Access and Equity Pathway or Non‑degree Entry.
Alumni
Graduates become members of our alumni community. ‘Alumni’ is the plural form, referring to more than one former student.
Appeal
Where an individual requests Kaplan Professional to review the process by which a decision was made. Appeals do not review the decision but focus on the decision-making process. For example, an individual can appeal a decision if they believe a complaint was not conducted fairly, but the individual is not able to appeal a decision simply because they disagree with the decision. As a result, any appeal must also provide new evidence or information not previously provided in support of the complaint.
Applicant
An individual applying to study an award course at Kaplan Professional. The individual may, or may not, be a current student of Kaplan Professional.
Applicant background
The following grouping of applicant background is used to help prospective students, family and others easily find the admission information most relevant to their circumstances. The groupings do not determine how an application will be assessed but direct an information seeker to the most useful information.
Application
An application for entry to a program of study made directly to Kaplan Professional.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) or Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) tools are defined as programs designed to simulate human intelligence, such as natural language processing, decision making and the production of content. Examples include but are not limited to chatbots, virtual assistants, ChatGPT, language translators, AI models and algorithms.
Assessment
A systematic process for facilitating and evaluating student learning. The process includes the design, development and implementation of assessment events, and the judgement and reporting of student performance against predetermined assessment criteria. The purpose of assessment is both to facilitate and certify the achievement of specified learning outcomes.
Assessor
The person responsible for carrying out assessments. Their role is to assess and review student abilities and provide constructive feedback to assist future progress.
Assumed knowledge
Some courses assume that students have studied specific Kaplan Professional subjects prior to enrolling or have gained the equivalent knowledge through other studies or professional experience.
ATAR
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a ranking from 30 (lowest) to 99.95 (highest) agreed by Council of Australian Governments (COAG) as a nationally equivalent measure of a person’s relative academic ranking within their complete age cohort in the year they graduated from senior secondary school (including those who did not complete Year 12 or completed but were not eligible for an ATAR). The ATAR is derived from the scaled scores achieved for senior secondary school subjects. The specific calculation used is different in each state and territory, but the result is designed to be nationally equivalent.
Award
A degree, diploma, certificate or other qualification that is approved by our academic board and conferred (awarded) to you on completion of all relevant course requirements.
Award course
A Tertiary Education and Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) accredited course, approved by the Kaplan Higher Education Academic Board, that leads to a formal qualification through recognised study.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level
The Australian Qualifications Framework level of a qualification.
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
The national regulator for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector in Australia. It oversees Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and ensures that training providers meet required standards to maintain quality in vocational education.
AUSTUDY
Financial support for eligible full-time students aged 25 years or over, provided by Centrelink.
Bridging subject/ non award subject
Stand-alone subject or subjects aligned to Financial Adviser Standard (FAS) requirements (e.g., Ethics, Economic & Legal Context, Client Engagement Skills), which map to certain regulatory requirements.
Build Your Skills Hub
The Build Your Skills Hub is an online resource offering study support tools to strengthen academic skills, develop professional capabilities, and understand academic integrity requirements.
Capstone
A unit of study that provides individuals with an opportunity to draw together the learning that has taken place during their course, synthesise it with their own learning and experience, and draw conclusions that form the basis for further investigation. Capstones are usually completed as the final subject of a course.
Census date
A date within each study period specified within the academic calendar where their enrolment in a unit of study is deemed final for that study period.
Please note: The official enrolment status at the census date determines issues such as financial liability and use of student learning entitlement.
Certification documentation
The set of official documents that confirms that a qualification has been completed and awarded to an individual. These include transcripts of academic results and testamurs.
Commencing student
When an indivudual starts a new course at Kaplan Professional.
Commonwealth Assistance Form
See Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF).
Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)
A document provided after census date which lists the units enrolled in for that study period, which access Commonwealth assistance (either through Commonwealth-supported place or a FEE-HELP loan).
Competency
The ability to perform a task or function to the required standard in simulated or authentic workplace settings. Competency is used in vocational assessment methods.
Competency-based training (CBT)
A vocational training approach that focuses on an individual’s demonstration of consistent application of knowledge and skill/s to the standard of performance required in the workplace. It embodies the ability to transfer and apply skills and knowledge to new situations and environments.
Complaint
A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction by a student or person, which involves a formal process for resolution requiring review, investigation or action. Examples of activities which may give rise to academic and/or non-academic complaints covered by this policy are listed below, but not limited to:
Completion date
The date of conferral of the qualification.
Completion letter
A document that proves completion of a qualification. It is available once the eligibility to graduate has been confirmed.
Conferral
The awarding of a qualification occurs when an individual has met the requirements of the qualification and the qualification is certified through the provision of a testamur and final Transcript of Academic results. The Academic Board confers all higher education awards.
Continuing student
When a currently enrolled student re-enrols in subjects related to their course in the next study period.
Core subject
A compulsory unit of study that individuals need to complete to be awarded a particular specialisation, program or degree.
Course
An approved program of study that leads to an accredited higher education award. It is a planned and structured sequence of learning and teaching that allows individuals to gain knowledge, skills and understanding.
Course outcomes
Capabilities individuals will have on completion, e.g. applying technical concepts, formulating recommendations, integrating ethical behaviour, assessing client behaviour, etc.,
Course structure
Refers to the collection of academic subjects, which may or may not lead to an award.
Coursework degrees
A coursework degree involves going to lectures and tutorials. When this term is used in reference to postgraduate degrees, it means doing so rather than completing a major research project. However, an individual may also be expected to undertake a small research project in a coursework degree.
Credit for previous study
The recognition of previous studies, either at Kaplan Professional or another institution, that can be granted as credit points towards their course.
Credit points
The numerical value attached to a subject. To complete their degree, individuals need to attain a certain number of credit points.
Credit transfer
A process that provides students with agreed and consistent credit outcomes for components of a qualification based on identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched qualifications (AQF definition).
If a student has completed parts of a course at another university, individuals may be able to credit these results to their course via credit transfer. In order to qualify for credit transfer, their previous qualification must match their new qualification as defined by the AQF.
Defer / deferral / deferment
Deferral guarantees a place at the training provider, but delays enrolment. This time could be used to take a gap year, volunteer, or work and save money.
Delivery mode
The way training is delivered, such as face-to-face, online, blended, or workplace based.
Discipline
A defined branch of study or learning.
Diploma
An undergraduate or vocational qualification at AQF Level 5 requiring approximately one year of full-time study, or part-time equivalent.
Discontinuation (course)
Withdrawal from an award course. Discontinuation means an individual is no longer admitted to candidature and ceases to be a student at Kaplan Professional.
Discontinuation (unit of study)
Withdrawal from a unit of study. Any unit of study discontinued before the census date will not appear on an individual’s transcript.
Diversity
The sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. The dimensions of diversity include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, culture, religion, mental and physical ability, class and immigration status.
Domestic student / applicant
A domestic student or applicant is defined as either:
Drop-in sessions
A session where higher education students are guided by a tutor and can ask questions and have group discussions.
Early exit
When an individual commences a qualification but exits it early with a lower qualification (e.g., enrolled in Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and exit with Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning).
Elective unit
A subject or unit that counts towards a degree, but unlike a core subject, individuals may choose from a selection of electives. Electives may be related or unrelated to a specialisation.
Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
An Australian Government form that students need to complete before the relevant census date if you want to enrol in a Commonwealth-supported place or apply for a HELP loan.
Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
A document issued to international students by Kaplan Professional that individuals need as evidence to apply for a student visa. It confirms their eligibility to enrol in their course at Kaplan Professional and contains information about their course and duration of study.
English language proficiency
The demonstrated ability of applicants and individuals to use the English language, both written and verbal, to communicate meaning while completing their award course at Kaplan Professional.
Enrolment
After receiving a course offer, applicants will be invited to register their subject choices and pay or defer their fees. This process is known as enrolment.
Entry requirements
The minimum qualifications required for entry into a course. For example, prior studies or professional qualifications or experience.
Equity
In education means that personal or social circumstances such as socio-economic background, gender, ethnic origin or family background, are not obstacles to achieving educational potential (fairness) and that all individuals reach at least a basic minimum level of skills.
Equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL)
A measure representing the annual study load that an individual would undertake in a course on a full-time basis.
Examination
An examination is a form of assessment. It is a formal test that assesses individuals’ knowledge and ability in a particular area. An exam can include various types of questions, such as multiple-choice, or short or long answer.
Exclusion
Where an individual is prohibited from participating in any unit, program or university activity.
Expulsion
Enrolment may be terminated as the result of serious disciplinary action or misconduct. Expulsion means that individuals may not receive results, be allowed to graduate or re-enrol.
FAS-approved
Approved by the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) and Ethics Authority. This indicates that the course meets certain regulatory standards imposed on financial advisers by the Australian Government.
Fee
Any tuition fee, late fee or other charge or fine you might have to pay.
FEE-HELP
A government loan scheme, which assists eligible students to pay their tuition.
Fee-paying place
A place in a course for domestic students where the individual pays tuition fees to Kaplan Professional without the Australian Government contributing to the cost of study.
Field of study
The complete set of concepts, terms and activities that make up a learning program.
Financial liability
Financial responsibility for tuition fees or student contributions. This includes deferring payment using a FEE-HELP loan.
Financial statement
Once an individual has enrolled in a unit/s of study, they will be issued with a financial statement. This outlines their fees for their enrolled units of study.
Full-time study
To be regarded as full-time, individuals must be undertaking a load of at least 0.75 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load or load). For example, in a course with a standard annual credit point load of 80 credit points, individuals must undertake at least 30 credit points per semester to be enrolled full-time.
Grade
The outcome received by an individual for a unit of study based on the assessments completed. Grades are displayed on am individual’s academic transcript as a result code.
Graduand
If an individual has met the requirements for course completion but have not yet received their award, an individual is a graduand.
Graduate
If an individual has successfully completed the requirements for their degree and received their award, an individual is a graduate.
Graduate attributes
Defined by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as generic learning outcomes which are embedded into qualifications in the course development process. These generic learning outcomes are defined as the transferrable, non-discipline specific skills a graduate may achieve through learning that have applications in study, work and life contexts. The four broad categories of generic learning outcomes recognised in the AQF are:
Graduation
The process where Kaplan Professional confers students’ degrees. The individual can also choose to attend an optional graduation ceremony, which is held at a later date.
Graduation ceremony
An optional ceremony where graduands are invited to receive their testamur and celebrate their academic achievements with us.
Grievance
A grievance is a minor issue that is suitable to be addressed informally and usually resolved easily by having a discussion with a staff member.
Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards)
A set of standards established by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) in Australia to ensure the quality and integrity of higher education. The framework outlines the expectations that higher education providers must meet to operate legally and effectively. The framework was updated in 2021, incorporating recommendations from previous reviews and aligning with the student experience lifecycle, focusing on areas such as academic freedom, learning environment, teaching, research and information management.
Inclusion
An all-embracing societal ideology. Regarding individuals with disabilities and special education, inclusion secures opportunities for individuals with disabilities to learn alongside their non-disabled peers in general education classrooms.
Indigenous
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin (or both).
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
An internationally-recognised test of English language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English, and is widely used for higher education and migration purposes.
International/overseas student or applicant
An international/overseas student or applicant is an individual who has been granted a student visa (subclass 500) or training visa (subclass 407) by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
As Kaplan Professional is not a CRICOS registered provider, study or training visas are not considered valid visas for the purpose of admission into a Kaplan Professional course. Individuals who are not studying within Australia at the time of enrolment are not considered as international/overseas students for the purpose of this policy, but must meet the English Language Proficiency requirements outlined in this policy.
Intensive
Some units of study are run outside of the dates for standard study periods. In these intensive study periods, an individual has the opportunity to complete study in a shorter time.
N/A
KapLearn
KapLearn is Kaplan Professional’s online learning platform that provides students with subject rooms, learning resources, discussion forums and access to assessments.
Learning Hub
The Learning Hub is Kaplan Professional’s central online library and academic support portal. It provides access to journals, research databases, eBooks and study resources.
Learning outcomes
The expression and application of the set of knowledge and skills that an individual is expected to acquire and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning.
Leave of absence
Individuals may request a leave of absence from their course.
Library
An online resource containing collections of eBooks, periodicals, and resources for use by higher education students.
Live tutor sessions
A session where vocational education students are guided by a tutor and can ask questions and have group discussions.
Mature-age entry
Applicants may apply for mature age entry if they are 21 years of age and over. School results, TAFE or VET qualifications, work experience and other informal study may be accepted in support of their application.
Minor
Individuals who are under the age of 18 years at the time of application.
Misconduct
Misconduct refers to either or both (as the context requires) academic misconduct or non-academic Misconduct.
Nationally recognised training (NRT)
Training that is formally recognised across Australia because it meets the standards of the AQF.
Nested course
A set of courses that are offered sequentially and can lead to qualifications at different levels. Courses at the lower qualification levels are described as ‘nested’ within the courses leading to qualifications at the higher levels.
Non-academic complaint
Non-academic complaints include, but are not limited to:
Non-academic misconduct
Non-academic misconduct is any action or behaviour by a student towards people or property that compromises the well-being of the academic community.
Non-award
A non-award subject is a unit of study that does not automatically lead to a formal qualification that has been accredited by TEQSA or ASQA (‘award course’). Under circumstances outlined in the Kaplan Professional Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, recognition of prior learning may be granted into an award-course for non-award subjects studied at Kaplan Professional.
Non award subject / Bridging subject
Stand-alone subject or subjects aligned to FAS requirements (e.g., Ethics, Economic & Legal Context, Client Engagement Skills) which map to regulatory requirements.
Non-standard study period
One or more periods of study that fall outside the formal study periods, including intensives.
Offer of enrolment
A formal invitation made to the applicant to enrol an award course at Kaplan Professional.
Offshore applicant or student
An applicant or student who is enrolling in an award course at Kaplan Professional but resides outside of Australia.
Online delivery
An instructional method where course content and learning material is delivered 100% online, over the internet, with no direct face-to-face interaction.
Onshore applicant or student
An applicant or individual who is enrolled in an award course at Kaplan Professional and resides in Australia.
Part-time study
Part-time students undertake a load of less than 0.75 EFTSL (equivalent full time student load, or load). For example, in a course with a standard annual credit point load of 80 credit points, a part-time student undertakes fewer than 30 credit points per study period.
Postgraduate
A course leading to the award of a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master or doctorate degree. A postgraduate award usually requires previous completion of a relevant undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree or diploma. Postgraduate courses allow for more in-depth research and specialisation.
This term can also refer to an individual studying a postgraduate course.
Practitioner
Used to distinguish tutors or assessors who possess industry currency and academic competency.
Policy
A system of principles to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes across the Kaplan Professional intuition. A policy is a statement of intent and is implemented as a procedure or protocol. Policies are developed through governance processes.
Prerequisite
A course prerequisite is a subject individuals need to have completed at the required standard to be eligible for admission to a course.
A subject prerequisite is a requirement that needs to be completed before a student can enrol in a specific subject, such as already having completed a prior subject within the course.
Progression
See Academic progression.
Qualification
An award accredited by TEQSA or ASQA that is conferred by Kaplan Professional onto a student following the successful completion of all course requirements.
Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
A suite of Australian government endorsed surveys designed to assess the quality of higher education. These surveys cover the student life cycle from commencement to employment and provide robust, nationally consistent performance data. QILTs measure various aspects of student experience, graduate outcomes, and employer satisfaction. All Australian higher education institutions and students are eligible to participate in these surveys, which help inform decisions for prospective students and enhance the overall quality of education in Australia.
Reasonable adjustment
A measure or action (or a group of measures or actions) taken by Kaplan Professional that has the effect of assisting an individual with disability on the same basis as a individual without disability, and support services that may be offered by Kaplan Professional to an individual who requires additional support because of their disability.
A reasonable adjustment can be an administrative, environmental or procedural adjustment to an individual’s studies, which can remove barriers so that they can perform the inherent requirements of their course of study.
Re-enrolment
The process that current students undertake at the end of each year to maintain their place in their course. This includes accepting Kaplan Professional’s conditions of studying and enrolling in units of study for the following academic year.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
A process used to assess an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit that may be granted towards completion of a qualification.
Recommencing student
When an individual has been on a break from their studies (such as suspension) and are returning in the next study period.
Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
An organisation approved by the regulator to deliver nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training qualifications.
Scholarship
A form of support, usually financial, provided to assist in their continued education. Scholarships are usually granted on the basis of academic achievement and/or financial need.
Special consideration
Individuals may apply for special consideration if you suffer from an illness, injury or misadventure that significantly affects their performance in an assessment item (or multiple assessment items). This will be taken into account when assessing their performance.
Specialisation
A specialist discipline or field of study for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025
The Standards aim to enhance the quality of vocational education and training (VET) in Australia. The standards are regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and include:
Statement of Attainment
An official document issued by a provider that confirms the completion of one or more units from a nationally-recognised qualification.
Statutory declaration
A statutory declaration is a signed, written statement that allows a person to declare something to be true in the presence of an authorised witness – usually a Justice of the Peace, a lawyer or a notary public.
Student
An applicant who has accepted an offer of admission made by Kaplan Professional.
Student Identification Number (SID)
A unique number that identifies a student. A SID remains the same throughout studies at Kaplan Professional.
Student portal
A Learning Management System (LMS) where individuals can access enrolment details, learning resources and submit assessments.
Study load
The number of credit points an individual is enrolled in during a study period.
Study period
The length of time for a higher education subject at Kaplan Professional. Our standard study period is 12 weeks, and there are six (6) study periods per year.
Subject
A unit of study in an award course, as set forth within the individual course structure. The unit of study may also be taken as a non-award subject.
Subject area
Units of study are grouped together with related units into subject areas.
Support services
An action or service provided by Kaplan Professional that assists an individual’s ability to participate in the physical or virtual learning environments at Kaplan Professional.
Suspension
If an individual is suspended, they receive a temporary prohibition from participating in any unit, program or activity.
Technology requirements A list of technical IT requirements individuals will require for online study.
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency An independent statutory authority with the responsibility to regulate and assure the quality of Australia’s higher education sector by registering and assessing the performance of higher education providers against the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF).
Testamur An official certification document that confirms that a qualification has been awarded to an individual and recognised within the AQF.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) A standardised test designed to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers who wish to enrol in English-speaking education providers.
Transcript of Academic Results A record of all learning undertaken by an individual during their study leading towards an AQF qualification.
Transfer A student may transfer between courses offered by Kaplan Professional, subject to meeting the entry requirements for the subsequent course. If a an individual is transferring to a higher AQF level nested qualification, the individual may be eligible for advanced standing for subjects already completed in accordance with Kaplan Professional’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy.
Tuition fees Individuals pay tuition fees for each subject undertaken.
Termination When an individual can no longer progress academically or participate in any unit or program.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is an individual education number for life. It is issued by the Australian Government and is a combination of 10 numbers and letters that is unique to each individual.
Unit of competency
The smallest component of a vocational qualification that describes a specific skill or area of knowledge an individual must learn and demonstrate.
Undergraduate
An undergraduate student working towards a higher education diploma, bachelor or associate degree.
Withdraw
Where an individual ceases their enrolment in a course, usually via written notification. This can occur for various reasons, such as academic performance, financial issues or personal circumstances.
Work placement
Practical training in a work environment which is required as part of a degree.
Youth Allowance
Financial support for eligible full-time students aged 16 to 24 years, provided by Centrelink.
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