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Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

Turn Experience 
Into Opportunity!

Turn your professional skills and experience into academic credits through our Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. This recognition of your unique journey can fast-track your path to a degree, helping you advance in your education and career more efficiently.

Welcome to Asia Metropolitan University

Since 2004, Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) has evolved into a full-fledged university providing a diverse choice of undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Now, the university has been recognized by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) for APEL.A Assessment Centre with ‘internal’ status. Today, AMU has embarked its new journey to play an important role in creating an alternative pathway to access higher education, for all Malaysian community. AMU offers APEL-T6 and APEL-T7 entrance criteria for all our homegrown Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree programmes. Our aim is to facilitate individuals who have work experience but without conventional tertiary credentials an option to pursue academic education. This effort is to ensure that higher educational opportunities are extended and accessible to adult learners to progress in the context of lifelong learning while improving their quality of life.

What is APEL?

A systematic process that involves identification of knowledge gained, documentation of evidence and assessment of prior experential learning to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes for access to a programme of study and award of credits.

WHAT IS APEL.A?

Accreditation of prior experiential learning for the purposes of admission/access into a programme of study under the various Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) levels.

WHY APEL?

APEL established to provide an alternative entry to those who have less formal education sufficient to pursue higher. APEL encourages individuals to improve their knowledge continually leading to the award of a formal qualification certificate. This in turn will provide a better chance in the career development of the individual.

AMU APPLICABLE PROGRAMMES

This applies only to selected programmes

Bachelor Degree (T6)

Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons)

MQA/FA 1737 | R2/340/6/0207

Bachelor of Accountancy (Honours)

MQA/FA 11416 | N/0411/6/0055

Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours)

MQA/PA 14329 | N/482/6/0215

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Healthcare Management

A9630 | R2/723/6/0103

Master Degree (T7)

Master of Science in Healthcare Management

A9905 | R3/0910/7/0021

Master in Business Administration (General) 

MQA/FA 2819 | R2/340/7/0230

Master in Business Administration – Open & Distance Learning (ODL)

MQA/FA 14586 | NDL/340/7/0781

APEL.A ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor LEVEL

Malaysian citizen/ expatriate working in Malaysia


Must be 21 years old and above


Possessed relevant working experience


Pass the APEL.A Assessment


master LEVEL

Malaysian citizen/ expatriate working in Malaysia


Must be 30 years old and above


Possessed education qualification equivalent to university entry qualifications such as ‘A-Level’, ‘STPM’, Pre-University certificate, Diploma or equivalent


More than 5 years of working experience


Pass the APEL.A Assessment


5 Steps for Apply for Apel.a

Step 1

Verify Your Eligibility

Step 2

Submit Your Application

Step 3

Prepare for the Test

Step 4

Sit for the Assessment

Step 5

Pass the Exam and Enrol

Bachelors (APEL.A Level 6):

  • You must be at least 21 years old or above when applying.
  • Must have relevant work experience or prior experiential learning.

Masters (APEL.A Level 7):

  • You must be at least 30 years old or above when applying.
  • Must possess STPM / Diploma / A-Levels or an equivalent qualification.
  • Must have relevant work experience or prior experiential learning.

Registration Fee

  • Bachelor = RM370
  • Masters = RM560
Once you have submitted your application, it’s time to start preparing for the assessment. Don’t worry about finding study materials. We will offer comprehensive resources and support to guide you toward success.
Assessment Component Bachelors Masters
Aptitude Test Subjects:
Bahasa Malaysia
English Language
Numeral Literacy
General Knowledge & Critical Thinking
Digital Literacy		 30% weightage
40 MCQs (10 per subject)
Required competency level: SPM or equivalent
2hr		 40% weightage
75 MCQs and 5 essay questions (all subjects)
Required competency level: Diploma or equivalent
2hr 30min
Work Experience Portfolio / Prior Experiential Learning 70% weightage 40% weightage
Interview Not required 20% weightage
Upon successful completion of all assessment components, you can now apply for your preferred programme of study.

5 Steps for Apply for Apel.a

Step 1

Verify Your Eligibility

Bachelors (APEL.A Level 6):

  • You must be at least 21 years old or above when applying.
  • Must have relevant work experience or prior experiential learning.

Masters (APEL.A Level 7):

  • You must be at least 30 years old or above when applying.
  • Must possess STPM / Diploma / A-Levels or an equivalent qualification.
  • Must have relevant work experience or prior experiential learning.

Step 2

Submit Your Application

Registration Fee

  • Bachelor = RM370
  • Masters = RM560

Step 3

Prepare for the Test
Once you have submitted your application, it’s time to start preparing for the assessment. Don’t worry about finding study materials. We will offer comprehensive resources and support to guide you toward success.

Step 4

Sit for the Assessment
Assessment Component Bachelors Masters
Aptitude Test Subjects:
Bahasa Malaysia
English Language
Numeral Literacy
General Knowledge & Critical Thinking
Digital Literacy		 30% weightage
40 MCQs (10 per subject)
Required competency level: SPM or equivalent
2hr		 40% weightage
75 MCQs and 5 essay questions (all subjects)
Required competency level: Diploma or equivalent
2hr 30min
Work Experience Portfolio / Prior Experiential Learning 70% weightage 40% weightage
Interview Not required 20% weightage

Step 5

Pass the Exam and Enrol
Upon successful completion of all assessment components, you can now apply for your preferred programme of study.

ENROLL WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE THROUGH APEL​ WITH US NOW

Apply with APEL today

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTION FOR AMU APEL

What is APEL?

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation, and assessment of prior experiential learning i.e. knowledge, skills, and attitudes, to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for admission/access to a programme of study and/or award of credits. Learners can base their applications on any combinations of formal, non-formal and informal learning.

Which levels of study are offered for APEL.A application and assessment in AMU?

The following three levels of study are offered for APEL.A application and assessment in AMU:

Master’s Degree Programme
Bachelor’s Degree Programme

Programmes Offered Under APEL


Level T6 (Bachelor’s Degree)

https://amu.edu.my/?programme=bachelor-of-accountancy

https://amu.edu.my/?programme=bachelor-of-business-administration-hons

https://amu.edu.my/?programme=bachelor-of-information-technology-honours

https://amu.edu.my/?programme=bachelor-of-information-technology-honours


Level T7 (Master’s Degree)
https://amu.edu.my/?programme=bachelor-of-information-technology-honours

https://amu.edu.my/?programme=master-in-business-administration-open-distance-learning

https://amu.edu.my/?programme=master-of-business-administration-human-resource-management

https://amu.edu.my/?programme=master-of-science-in-healthcare-management

https://amu.edu.my/?programme=postgraduate-certificate-in-teaching-methodology

APEL.A Entry Requirements

The APEL.A application criteria are listed below:

1. Programme at Master’s Degree level
The applicant shall be 30 years of age in the year of application with at least STPM/Diploma/equivalent qualifications and must possess relevant work experience.

2. Programme at Bachelor’s Degree level
The applicant shall be 21 years of age in the year of application and must possess relevant work experience.

How long would the APEL.A assessment take to complete?

The APEL.A assessment may take as long as two to four months to complete. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for APEL.A certification six months prior to the date of admission into the intended institution and programme.

1. Master’s Degree level
Minimum period of three months from the date of submission of complete application.

2. Bachelor’s Degree level
Minimum period of two months from the date of submission of complete application.

The minimum periods stated above are only an estimate for the evaluation process, without there being repetition of any assessment components due to failure. The evaluation period therefore depends on the individual applicants.

How to submit APEL.A application to AMU?

For candidates who would like to undergo APEL.A assessment at AMU, you must first register with MQA (https://www2.mqa.gov.my/apel_a/) before submitting your application via AMU’s APEL.A Portal https://amu.edu.my/apply-with-apel/ The registration form is to be presented for AMU’s verification and validation.

How much are the fees for APEL.A assessment?

The fees for APEL.A assessment are listed below:

LEVELS FEES (RM)
1. Master’s Degree level RM 560
2. Bachelor’s Degree level RM 370

What are the components in the APEL.A assessment and their weightages?

1. Master’s Degree level Aptitude Test (40%) > Portfolio (40%) > Interview (20%)
2. Bachelor’s Degree level Aptitude Test (30%) > Portfolio (70%)

What is an Aptitude Test?

Aptitude Test is a formal examination which the applicant must pass.
Aptitude Test is to assess the knowledge and competencies of an applicant in the aspects of numerical literacy, languages, and general knowledge / critical thinking.

Sample Aptitude Test (Level 6 & 7)
View Sample Level 6
View Sample Level 7

What is the duration for the Aptitude Test?

Test durations are listed below:
LEVELS DURATION
1. Master’s Degree level 2 hours & 30 minutes
2. Bachelor’s Degree level 2 hours

What are the weightages and structures of the Aptitude Test?

1. Master’s Degree level – Weightage: 40% Structure

Sections Number of Questions

Numerical Literacy / Mathematics
Part A: 25 objective questions
Part B: 1 structured question

English Literacy
Part A: 12 objective questions
Part B: 1 structured question

Bahasa Malaysia Literacy
Part A: 13 objective questions
Part B: 1 structured question


General Knowledge / Critical Thinking
Part A: 25 objective questions
Part B: 2 structured questions

2. Bachelor’s Degree level – Weightage: 40% Structure

Sections Number of Questions
Numerical Literacy / Mathematics 10 objective questions
English Literacy 10 objective questions
Bahasa Malaysia Literacy 10 objective questions
General Knowledge / Critical Thinking 10 objective questions

What is a Portfolio?

Portfolio is a compilation that documents the prior experiences of an applicant which include formal, informal, and non-formal learning. Portfolio must be prepared in English.

What are examples of evidence for APEL.A application & Portfolio?

Below are listed the examples of evidence that can be used to support APEL.A application and Portfolio:

Direct Evidence
Certificates
Work Samples
Bahasa Malaysia Literacy
Records of Workplace Activities
Documents

Indirect Evidence
Written Records
Part A: 12 objective questions Part B: 1 structured question
Email
Supporting Letters

For further details, please refer to Appendix 4 in the ‘APEL.A Learners’ Handbook’.

What are the resources made available for the Aptitude Test Portfolio?

Specimen questions and Portfolio guidelines are made available on the APEL.A page for applicants to make the necessary preparations for the Aptitude Test and Portfolio.

What is an Interview?

Interview is only applicable for APEL.A assessment at the Master’s Degree level. Applicants are required to present their Portfolio to a panel of assessors and explain their acquired learning in greater detail, which will be conducted in the form of an interview and carries a weightage of 10% of total assessment marks.

What is the passing mark?

The passing marks for each component and overall score is at least 50% of the total marks.

Is appeal for APEL results allowed?

Yes, applicants who have failed the Aptitude Test may appeal for a review or apply for a re-sitting. Applicants who have failed the Portfolio assessment (Bachelor’s Degree levels) may re-submit the Portfolio for another assessment. Applicants who have failed either the Portfolio assessment or interview (only for Master’s Degree) MUST re-do both components regardless of which component the candidate failed.

Will applicants who pass the APEL.A assessment be issued any certificate/document?

An official notification letter to inform the results will be issued to the applicant by MQA or the APEL Assessment Centre. Applicants who have passed the APEL.A assessment will be awarded the APEL certification by MQA, which can be used to apply for admission into any of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia.

What is the use of APEL certification?

APEL certification can only be used by applicants for the purpose of furthering their studies at HEIs. It is not the awarding of qualifications like the academic programme at HEIs. The APEL certificate also cannot be used for employment purposes. For example: APEL Certificate for Master’s level (Level 7) can only be used to apply for admission to HEIs to further their studies at Master’s level. It is not an award for a Master’s programme as issued by the HEI.

Does the APEL certificate have a validity period?

The APEL.A certificate has a 5-year validity period from the date the results are announced. However, for those who have the certificate issued before 1 January 2023, the validity ends on 31 December 2027.

How if the candidate fail in the screening committee of PPA?

APEL candidates who fail the screening by the APEL Assessment Centre may submit an appeal.

Effective 1 August 2019, an appeal application will be charged a RM100.00 service fee.

The RM100.00 service fee must be paid in the form of a banker’s draft payable to MALAYSIAN QUALIFICATIONS AGENCY. The candidate’s name, MyKad number, and the note “APEL Candidate Appeal PPA (Level 7)” must be written on the back of the banker’s draft.

Contact details of MQA Officers

apeladmin@mqa.gov.my

☎ 03-8688 1969
☎ 03-8688 1964
☎ 03-8688 1950
☎ 03-8688 1949

Address:

Quality Assurance Coordination and Reference Division
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
Mercu MQA, No. 3539
Jalan Teknokrat 7, Cyber 5
63000 Cyberjaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan

Where can applicants refer to for more information about APEL.A assessment?

Applicants can refer to the ‘APEL.A Learners Handbook’ and the MQA APEL
website (https://www2.mqa.gov.my/apel/).

HAVE A QUESTION?

CONTACT US

Asia Metropolitan University (Cyberjaya campus)

Unit 3, Level 1, Tower Block, University of Cyberjaya, Persiaran Bestari,
63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor

Email us at: apeladmission@amu.edu.my 

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