Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a national agenda for Lifelong Learning (PSH) in creating a knowledgeable society. APEL provides opportunities for those who have work experience but do not have or do not have academic qualifications to continue their studies at Institutions of Higher Learning. In general, APEL assessment involves the assessment of knowledge acquired by a person through formal education (academic qualifications), informal (work experience) and non-formal (short courses / Massive Open Online Courses, MOOC).
APEL is defined in the Malaysian Qualifications Framework 2nd Edition (MQA, 2017) as the process of verifying an individual's achievement for a set of learning outcomes obtained through formal, non-formal and informal learning regardless of time and place. APEL is a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and evaluation of learning based on prior experience.
The purpose of APEL:
APEL was introduced for the purpose of providing opportunities and access to those who have work experience but are less qualified or do not have academic qualifications to continue their studies at Higher Education Institutions.
The Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency Act (MQA) Act 2007 (Act 679) has given a commitment to recognize prior learning as best as possible. Learning that has been gained through various types of experiences that occur in the life of the individual will be identified and will be given due recognition. Through APEL will enable individuals to thrive in the context of lifelong learning, this in turn broadens student mobility and adult student participation in higher education.
APEL [a.k.a APEL.Access - APEL.A] is implemented in Malaysia for the purpose of admission to Higher Education Providers (PPT). APEL.A assessment opened for FOUR (4) qualification levels namely:
Certificate (APEL T-3);
Diploma (APEL T-4);
Bachelor (APEL T-6); and
Bachelor (APEL T-7).
Entry Eligibility Request via APEL:
1. Malaysian citizen, experienced in related fields, aged:
19 years for Certificate program;
20 years for Diploma program;
21 years for the Bachelor program;
30 years + STPM / diploma / equivalent for Master's program;
also
2. Pass APEL assessment of Aptitude Test, Portfolio and Interview (Masters level only).