What is APEL? Complete Guide to Malaysia's APEL Accreditation (APEL.A / APEL.C / APEL.Q)
APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) is a Malaysian government and MQA system that recognizes informal learning and work experience, granting formal qualifications, credits, or study access. It's a bridge for adult learners, working professionals, and those without formal academic credentials.
1. What is APEL?
2. Types of APEL (APEL.A / APEL.C / APEL.Q)
APEL.A (Access)
- Allows those without formal qualifications to enter diploma/bachelor/master/PhD programs based on experience
- Minimum age/experience:
- Diploma: 20+ years old, ≥2 years experience
- Bachelor: 21+ years old, ≥3 years experience
- Master: 30+ years old, ≥5 years experience
- PhD: 35+ years old, ≥7 years experience + thesis
- Best for: Experienced adults without formal qualifications
APEL.C (Credit Award)
- Convert work/experiential learning into academic credits (up to 30%)
- Shortens study time, reduces tuition
- Best for: Working students, those with professional certificates, seeking course exemptions
APEL.Q (Qualification Award)
- Convert experience into a full qualification (Diploma/Bachelor/Master/PhD)
- Strict assessment, no need to return to school
- Best for: Entrepreneurs, technical experts, experienced professionals without a degree
3. APEL Application Process (APEL.A Example)
- Choose type and level (APEL.A / APEL.C / APEL.Q)
- Submit documents (ID, CV, work proof, certificates, motivation letter, etc.)
- Assessment (written test, interview, portfolio, etc.)
- Receive APEL certificate (by MQA, for university entry)
4. Advantages & Value of APEL
Save Time
- Skip or exempt courses, shorten study duration
Save Money
- Credit transfer reduces total tuition
No Academic Barrier
- Breaks traditional entry limits, open to non-traditional students
Career Advancement
- Formal qualification helps promotion or public sector entry
Recognize Life Experience
- Systematically certifies real work/life/learning experience
Boost Confidence
- Dual recognition from professional and education systems
5. Who Should Apply for APEL?
- Many years of work but no degree
- Want promotion but lack qualification
- Extensive corporate training or self-learning
- Rich industry experience (design, IT, management, finance, etc.)
- Successful entrepreneur but no formal diploma
- Older adults unable to return to regular education
6. FAQ
Q1: Is APEL qualification equal to a regular degree?
Yes. APEL qualifications are MQA-certified and legally/academically equivalent to traditional degrees.
Q2: Can I apply for APEL.A and APEL.C together?
Yes. You can use APEL.A for entry and APEL.C for credit transfer.
Q3: Is APEL open to international students?
Some private universities allow APEL.A and APEL.C for international students, subject to experience and document requirements.
Q4: I have experience but no certificates. Can I apply?
Yes. APEL values ability and learning outcomes over paper certificates. Submit a detailed CV and portfolio for assessment.
Q5: Which universities accept APEL?
Most Malaysian private and public universities accept APEL, e.g. OUM, AeU, UMS, SEGi, UCSI, Wawasan, Taylor’s, INTI, APU, etc.
US 12889 
GB 10222 
CA 9122 
AU 8402 
IE 6620 
BR 2160 
NZ 1804 
CN 1001 
