What is APEL?
The Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, also known as APEL, is a process that involves the systematic identification, documentation, evaluation, and accreditation of prior experiential learning, also known as knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The purpose of this process is to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes for access to a programme of study, the awarding of credit, or the awarding of academic qualifications.
The APEL programme acknowledges the importance of continuous learning and works to improve social inclusion by ensuring that individuals who might otherwise be marginalised from society due to a lack of official qualifications or the responsibilities of their jobs have access to academic qualifications.
Individuals who have acquired non-traditional and unstructured learning but lack official academic qualifications have the opportunity to gain recognition in the form of certificates through APEL. This opportunity allows individuals to gain recognition for the work and life experiences that they have accumulated throughout their lives.
In a nutshell, the alternative pathway to the entrance to APEL offers an alternative entrance pathway to formal programmes of study ranging from certificates (level 3 of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework – MQF) to master’s degrees (level 7 of the MQF) by recognizing prior learning and experiences regardless of how or where they were necessary.
What can you do with APEL?
APEL was established to offer an alternative entry point for people with less formal schooling who have the necessary skills to continue higher education. Individuals are encouraged by APEL to continuously improve their knowledge in order to be awarded an official certification certificate as a result of their efforts. As a result, the individual will have a better opportunity to advance in their profession.
Individuals who have previous professional experience but do not have the required official scholastic qualifications are given the opportunity through APEL to continue their education at a higher education institution (HEIs). In general, the APEL evaluation will evaluate both the knowledge acquired through official schooling and the knowledge obtained through professional experience.
The following are the types of APEL available:
APEL.A (T7, T4, T6) | Put together a presentation that demonstrates your employment experience, and then take the APEL.A examination of potential is required for admission to diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programmes. |
APEL.C | If you have previous experience that is pertinent to the course that you are currently enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit and may finish your studies sooner by using APEL.C. |
APEL.Q | Submit an application to receive scholastic degree recognition in your specialised field through the APEL.Q procedure. Be sure to include evidence of your knowledge and experience. |
Want to know more about how APEL will benefit you? Contact us now!
APEL Level
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a programme that was developed by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). This programme makes it possible for individuals who have previous work experience but do not possess any official academic qualifications to continue their education at higher education establishments.
In a nutshell, the Alternative Pathway to the entrance to Formal programmes of Study (APEL) offers an alternative entrance pathway to formal programmes of study ranging from certificates (level 3 of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework – MQF) to master’s degrees (level 7 of the MQF) by recognising prior learning and experiences regardless of how or where they were necessary.
APEL Level | Details |
Level 8 of the MQF | Doctoral Degree level |
Level 7 of the MQF | Master’s Degree level |
Level 6 of the MQF | Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate level |
Level 5 of the MQF | Advanced Diploma level |
Level 4 of the MQF | Diploma level |
Level 3 of the MQF | Certificate level |
Requirement to enrol in APEL
Traditional students who wish to enrol in higher education institutions on a full-time basis and submit their applications in accordance with the policies of the Ministry of Higher Education are required to satisfy the entrance prerequisites listed below:
APEL Level | Entry Requirements |
Master’s (Level 7, MQF) | STPM/Diploma/A-Levels/Foundation; at least 30 years of age in the year of application |
Bachelor’s (Level 6, MQF) | more than 21 years of age in the year of application |
Diploma (Level 4, MQF) | more than 20 years of age in the year of application |
Certificate (Level 3, MQF) | more than 19 years of age in the year of application |
For more information regarding the requirements of APEL, contact us now for a free consultation.
Top Universities in Malaysia with APEL
1. INTI University College
The INTI International University and Colleges of Malaysia are a group of private higher education institutions. INTI International University Nilai, INTI International College Subang, INTI International College Penang, and INTI College Sabah are the four locations that make up the INTI International University & Colleges system in Malaysia, which was established in 1986. Each location is built to give students an education that will challenge and change their perspectives, making them better people and better residents of the world.
Programme Offered | Indicative Fees (2023) |
APEL (C) | Application fee for assessment: RM200 per subject Credit exemption fee: RM500 per subject |
For more information regarding the fees, programme structure, and entry requirements, contact us now for a free consultation.
2. Asia Pacific University (APU)
Malaysia’s top private university is the Asia Pacific University of Science and Innovation (APU) in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. It trains students for important roles in the global business and social sectors using a creative and effective mix of technology, ingenuity, and enterprising energy. American Pacific University (APU) has won many national and foreign awards, making it an award-winning education. APU is the first university in Malaysia to get an overall rating of Five Stars Plus from the most recent set of QS Stars Rating awards. These honours were given out at the QS Apple Conference on November 1st, 2021.
Programme Offered | APEL (C) |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Application Processing Fee for Assessment (per Subject): RM 200 Credit Exemption Fee (per Subject): RM 500 |
For more information regarding the fees, programmes structure, and entry requirements, contact us now for a free consultation.
3. University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)
The primary location of the Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), a multi-campus technological institution, is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A recipient of the Putra Brand Award in 2016, the university was ranked as a Tier-5 “Excellent University” by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia in 2009, 2011, and 2013. Students who wish to enrol in degree programmes at the university must first complete one of the institution’s preparatory programmes. Alternatively, students who have only completed their SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) or comparable O-levels can register to do the certificate programmes. Students who already possess a certificate that has been acknowledged may submit an application to enter the degree programmes with credit transfer.
Programme Offered | Indicative Fees (2023) |
APEL (A) | Diploma: RM 155.00 Bachelor Degree: RM 250.00 Master: RM 370.00 |
For more information regarding the fees, programme structure, and entry requirements, contact us now for a free consultation.
4. UOW Malaysia KDU
UOW Malaysia Malaysia’s private KDU University College has its main site in Utropolis Glenmarie, Shah Alam. UOW Malaysia KDU, founded in 1983, was one of Malaysia’s first private schools with a purpose-built site. KDU offers Certificate, Diploma, Degree, and Masters programmes. KDU College (Damansara Jaya Campus), KDU Penang University College, KDU Management Development Centre, and KDU Smart Schools are all part of Paramount Education, a fully integrated education services provider for primary, secondary, tertiary, and postgraduate studies as well as executive and professional development programmes (private national and international schools for primary and secondary school students).
Programme Offered | APEL (C) |
Indicative Fees (2023) |
For more information regarding the fees, programme structure, and entry requirements, contact us now for a free consultation.
5. Multimedia University (MMU)
MMU stands for Multimedia University and is Malaysia’s earliest and first fully-fledged private research university. It is also a government-linked university because it is controlled by Telekom Malaysia, which is a state-owned telecommunications company. Due to the fact that it didn’t open its doors until 1997, it is classified as a medium-sized youthful institution with a focus on the various technological and multimedia disciplines. There are ten different divisions at this institution, in addition to an Institute for Postgraduate Studies. This institution was given the designation of “very competitive” by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. (Refer to Recognition and Achievements.)
Programme Offered | APEL (A) |
Indicative Fees (2023) |
For more information regarding the fees, programme structure, and entry requirements, contact us now for a free consultation.
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Nik Noor Fatihah
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