The University of the Western Cape has pioneered as a leader in the policy development and implementation of Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) within South Africa’s higher education landscape. RPL is an integral part of the Admissions Policy at UWC and finds expression in a range of services to support mature students seeking alternative access into higher education degree/qualification programmes at UWC. “Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the formal acknowledgement of the knowledge, skills, expertise and capabilities that people possess as a result of the prior learning that may have occurred through formal, informal or non-formal means – through self-study, work or other life experiences.” The domain of RPL is closely aligned to the main elements of the South African national policy discourse since 1994, with a specific focus of achieving transformation, accreditation, lifelong learning and complying with the National qualifications framework (NQF) of South Africa. The main purpose of RPL is to facilitate access to, mobility across and progression within the education, training and career paths. Upgrading your skills and knowledge on the higher education and training level is a huge decision. Often this journey is exciting and daunting at the same time. One needs to be prepared financially, committed and self-motivated. Key factors in succeeding are hard work, focus, a thirst for knowledge, determination and responsibility