Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualification (APEL.Q)
APEL.Q stands for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualification. It is a pathway that was introduced by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) that allows you to leverage your existing knowledge and skills, gained through work experience, short courses, and other modes of informal or non-formal learning, to earn a fully accredited qualification.
APEL.Q promotes lifelong-learning and provides opportunities to individuals of various backgrounds and ages to access tertiary-level education.
Why APEL.Q?
APEL.Q offers a practical pathway to higher education by recognising your prior learning and experience. It helps reduce both cost and study duration by allowing you to earn credits from your work experience, short courses, and other informal learning, without the need to repeat what you already know. This means you can progress more efficiently, saving both time and money while avoiding redundant learning.
By turning your experience into recognised credentials, you gain the opportunity to boost your career prospects and earning potential, standing out in today’s competitive job market.
Entry Requirements for the Various Academic Qualifications Through APEL.Q
Applicants must meet the minimum work experience required by the program according to the MQF level,
as follows:
Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) Level | Academic Sector | Minimum Years of Work Experience |
|---|---|---|
3 | Certificate | 5 Years |
4 | Diploma | 10 Years |
5 | Advanced Diploma | 12 Years |
6 | Bachelor's Degree | 15 Years |
7 | Master's Degree | 20 Years |
8 | Doctoral Degree | 25 Years |
What are the evaluation method?
APEL.Q learners will go through 4 stages of assessments.
- Portfolio Assessment - (20%)
A formal document that compiles written and recorded evidence of learning gained from prior experiences over a defined period of time.
- Field Visit and Verification (FVV) – (20%)
Evaluate and confirm that the learner has the right knowledge and skills, carried out either in their workplace or in any suitable and supportive location.
- Challenge Test – (30%)
Tests conducted by the PPT, which may include written exams, product or performance assessments, and comprehensive oral evaluations.
- Capstone Course - (30%)
The Capstone Course amalgamates the key learning outcomes of the study programme and is where applicants demonstrate their mastery of programme learning outcomes. An oral examination is built into the evaluation.
Learner's Handbook - APEL.Q
Want to learn more about the APEL.Q process?
Download a copy of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University’s APEL.Q Learners’ Handbook.
Available APEL.Q Courses
Interested to undertake the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualification?
List of course(s) available for APEL.Q!
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Important Dates
| Intakes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Intake | Feb | April | Sept |
| Last day to register on MQA portal | Jan 2026 | Apr 2026 | Aug 2025 |
| Portfolio | Feb 2026 - Mar 2026 | May 2026 - Aug 2026 | Sept 2025 - Jan 2026 |
| Field and Validation Visit (FVV) | May 2026 - Aug 2026 | Sept 2026 - Jan 2027 | Feb 2026 - Mar 2026 |
| Challenge Test (CT) | Sept 2026 - Jan 2027 | Feb 2027- Mar 2027 | May 2026 - Aug 2026 |
| Capstone Course | Sept 2027 - Jan 2028 | May 2027 - Aug 2027 | Sept 2026 - Jan 2027 |
| Results | Feb 2028 | Sept 2027 | Feb 2027 |
*Dates to be confirmed, and subject to change
