APEL.A – ACCESS
A certificate that enables candidates to apply for academic programmes at Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia.
Assessment Aspects
APEL.A involves the assessment of prior experiential learning, which can be acquired through formal, non-formal or informal means, including but not limited to:
- Work experience
- Hobbies
- Short-term and long-term courses
- Short-term and long-term training
- Self-directed learning (e.g. through Google, YouTube, Facebook, Blogs, Websites)
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to Malaysian and non-Malaysian citizens
- Must possess relevant work experience in a related field
- Must meet the required minimum age requirement based on MQF Level
MQF Level
Qualification
Minimum Age
Level 3
Certificate
19 Years Old
Level 4
Diploma
20 Years Old
Level 5
Advanced Diploma
20 Years Old
Level 6
Bachelor’s Degree
21 Years Old
Level 7
Master’s Degree
30 Years Old
Level 8
Doctorate (PhD)
35 Years Old
- For Level 7 (Master’s) and Level 8 (Doctorate) applications, candidates must possess a Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree, respectively.
Benefits & Advantages of APEL.A
No formal academic qualifications required (e.g., SPM, PMR, STPM, etc.)
Reduces study duration
Cost-effective pathway to higher education
Affordable assessment fees
