APEL.A is a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning, i.e., knowledge, skills and attitudes, for the purposes of admission/access into a programme of study under the various Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) levels.
APEL.A provides opportunities for individuals with work experience but lacking academic qualifications to pursue studies in Higher Education Institutions.
QIU APEL Centre is an assessment centre approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) to conduct APEL.A assessments, offering access to programmes at MQF Level T7 (Master’s level).
To know more about APEL.A, click here ➡️ Guidelines to Good Practices: Accreditation of Prior Learning Experiential Learning for Access (APEL. A) (2023)
The assessment instruments that will be utilised to assess the prior experiential learning of the learners for admission into a MQF Level T7 (Master’s Level) programme of study comprise a combination of instruments, depending on the mode of study.
Learners have to pass each stage of the assessment depending on the instruments adopted for the respective MQF level.
The assessment instruments carry different weightage that contributes to the overall assessment. The weightage of each assessment instrument for the MQF Level T7 is stated as follows:
| MQF Level | Level T7 (Master) | |
|---|---|---|
| Instruments | Coursework / Mixed Mode | Fully Research-Based |
| Aptitude Test | 40% | |
| Portfolio | 40% | 50% |
| Research Intent + Presentation | 30% | |
| Interview | 20% | 20% |
A formal written examination to assess the readiness of the applicant to commence his/her tertiary education. It comprises a few components:
*For International applicants：
The duration of the test is 2.5 hours.
It is a formal document that contains a compilation of evidence documenting prior experiential learning of an applicant acquired over a period of time.
The portfolio is prepared by applicants to demonstrate that the learning acquired is relevant and specific to the five clusters of learning outcomes outlined in the MQF.
All evidence must be organised and presented based on the identified formal, informal and non-formal learning in a portfolio form. It will be assessed by the appointed assessors in the APEL Assessment Centre.
Applicants are required to submit a brief research intent outlining the information as follows:
Institution identified to undertake the research
Potential supervisor
Title of research
Introduction/ Research background
Research problem
Literature review
Research plan/methodology
For research related to applied sciences or where it requires laboratory skills, a demonstration of such skills during the presentation will be required at a venue determined by the APEL Assessment Centre.
Upon successful completion of the Portfolio assessment, applicants will undertake an interview assessment.
This is a structured oral interview-based assessment to assess the applicant’s skills and knowledge/ competencies to undertake tertiary studies
Applicant’s competencies
The required competencies for the APEL.A Assessments are guided by the MQF’s five clusters of learning outcomes. Therefore, the assessments conducted aim to ensure that applicants will have the following minimum competencies to pursue higher education:
APEL.A is applicable to local and international applicants who do not meet the regular entry requirements imposed by academic programmes at any MQF level.
Applicants applying for entry via the APEL.A must meet the minimum age requirements stipulated for the various level of qualifications.
Applicants must fulfil the minimum formal qualifications stipulated for the Master’s level.
Applicants applying for entry via the APEL.A must have prior experiential learning.
for Programme at MQF Level 7 [Master (by Coursework, Mixed Mode and Fully Research-Based)]
*For International Qualifications Equivalency, applicant may refer to the document entitled “The List of Entry Qualifications for International Student” on the MQA website.
APEL.A is a systematic process involving identifying, documenting, and assessing prior experiential learning, including knowledge, skills, and attitudes, to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes. It serves as a pathway for access to a study programme and/or the awarding of credits.
APEL.A provides an opportunity for individuals with work experience but limited to pursue higher education at Higher Education Providers (HEPs). Generally, the APEL.A assessment evaluates the knowledge acquired through formal education or prior experience.
You can apply for APEL.A through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) portal and select Quest International University (QIU) as your preferred APEL Assessment Centre (Pusat Penilaian APEL – PPA).
After submitting your application, you will receive an automated email with instructions to register via QIU’s APEL.A Website. Once your submission has been received, the QIU APEL Centre will contact you to provide further information.
Alternatively, you may reach out directly to the APEL Centre by emailing apel.centre@qiu.edu.my or calling +605-2490500 Ext: 1360.
Quest International University (QIU) is an approved APEL Assessment Centre (AAC) / Pusat Penilaian APEL (PPA) that conducts APEL.A assessments for programmes at Master’s Degree (APEL T-7), including Coursework, Mixed Mode, and Research.
To apply for a Master’s Degree (APEL T-7) programme via APEL.A, an applicant must:
At least 30 years of age in the year of application.
Possess at least an STPM/Diploma/equivalent qualification* (or those with higher qualifications, e.g., Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma)
Possess relevant work experience.
Pass the APEL.A assessment for Master’s level.
*For International Qualifications Equivalency, applicants may refer to the document entitled “The List of Entry Qualifications for International Student” on the MQA website.
For entry into a Master’s Degree (APEL T-7) programme, the assessment instruments include:
By Coursework/ Mixed Mode
Aptitude Test (40%)
Portfolio (40%)
Interview (20%)
By Research
Portfolio (50%)
Research Intent and Presentation (30%)
Interview (20%)
The passing mark for each component and overall score is 50% of the total marks.
No. APEL.A certification is strictly for the purpose of furthering studies in a chosen field relevant to prior learning. It is not equivalent to an academic degree and cannot be used for seeking employment.
Malaysian citizens:
Non-citizens:
NOTE: All fees paid are non-refundable
Applicants are advised to submit their APEL.A application at least 6 months before their intended admission date at QIU or other higher education providers (HEPs).
The APEL.A Certificate is valid for five (5) years. If a learner does not enrol in a study programme within this timeframe, the certificate will expire, and they will need to submit a new application for APEL.A assessment.
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