Shorten Your Learning Duration via
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
The Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) at SEGi allows you to turn your work and life experience into recognised academic achievements—whether it’s gaining entry into higher education (APEL.A), earning credit exemptions (APEL.C), or receiving a full qualification (APEL.Q). Flexible, affordable, and officially recognised by MQA, APEL helps you save time, reduce costs, and fast-track your future.
What is APEL?
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a national framework by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) that recognises knowledge and skills gained outside the classroom. It provides adult learners with alternative routes into higher education, allowing them to use workplace experience, professional achievements, and informal learning as recognised academic credit.
APEL is especially beneficial for:
- Working adults without conventional academic qualifications
- Professionals aiming for career growth or promotion
- Individuals seeking to return to education through flexible pathways
Through APEL, real-world experience is validated and transformed into opportunities—helping you shorten study duration, reduce costs, and even achieve a full qualification in selected fields.
Why Choose APEL at SEGi?
Choosing APEL means choosing flexibility, recognition, and real value. This pathway is designed to help you:
Gain Access
Enter higher education without traditional entry qualifications
Save Time & Cost
Earn credit exemptions and fast-track your studies
Stay Competitive
Upskill for career advancement in a changing job market
Learn with Confidence
Benefit from SEGi’s dedicated APEL Centre, supported by MQA standards
Get Recognised
Turn years of work and life experience into formal academic achievement
APEL isn’t just about education—it’s about rewarding what you already know and giving you the edge to move forward.
Types of APEL
(Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access)
Can’t meet the entry requirements? APEL.A is the preferred alternative pathway to qualify yourself for a programme.
(Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Credit Award)
Cut your studying duration up to 30% using your experience from work & training
(Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualification Award)
Convert your work experience into a fully recognised qualification
Application Process
Start Your APEL Journey
Step-by-Step Process
1. Initial Enquiry
Connect with our advisors and share your interest along with your resume.
2. Eligibility Check
We’ll review your background and confirm which APEL route (A, C or Q) suits you best.
3. Briefing Session
Get guidance on the APEL process, required documents, and how to prepare your portfolio.
4. Assessment Phase
APEL.A – Aptitude test, portfolio, and interview.
APEL.C – Portfolio, challenge test, or both (depending on the subject).
APEL.Q – Portfolio, field validation visit (FVV), challenge test, and capstone. More information here
5. Outcome Notification
You’ll receive your results and the next steps to move forward.
Tip: Apply at least 1–2 months before your intended intake to ensure a smooth process.
What Can You Submit as Evidence?
Your experience is your strength — and through APEL, it becomes your pathway to academic recognition. At SEGi University, we value real-world learning and assess it through tangible proof of the skills, knowledge, and competencies you’ve built over time.
Whether you’re applying for APEL.A (Access), APEL.C (Credit Award), or APEL.Q (Qualification), submitting strong and relevant documentation is essential.
Types of Acceptable Evidence
You may provide a range of documents, including (but not limited to):
Employment Records
Appointment letters, job scopes, confirmation letters, payslips, or EPF statements to verify employment.
Workplace Achievements
Project reports, proposals, presentations, performance appraisals, or recognition certificates.
Professional Recognition
Memberships in professional bodies, licences, accreditations, or endorsements.
Training & Courses
Certificates from workshops, short courses, professional training (including non-MQA certified programmes), or industry-based training records.
Testimonies & References
Letters from employers, supervisors, or clients validating your competencies, or testimonials and case studies linked to your contributions.
Self-Learning or Volunteer Experience
Evidence of self-directed learning or community involvement, such as published blogs, YouTube tutorials, GitHub projects, or service records demonstrating relevant learning outcomes.
How You’ll Be Evaluated
The process involves four main stages:
1. Portfolio Submission
Showcase your knowledge and achievements with documented evidence aligned to programme learning outcomes.
2. Field and Validation Visit (FVV)
Assessors may visit your workplace/project site to verify claims and observe your competencies in action.
3. Challenge Test
A formal written, oral, or practical test to benchmark your skills against academic standards.
4. Capstone Project
A final project (e.g., case study, research paper, business plan, industry project) assessed by academic and industry experts to confirm mastery of your field.
What You Need to Prepare
Types of Acceptable Evidence
Appointment letters, job scopes, payslips, EPF statements
Project reports, proposals, presentations, performance appraisals, recognition certificates
Certificates from workshops, short courses, professional or industry training (including non-MQA certified)
Memberships in professional bodies, licences, accreditations, endorsements
Letters from employers, supervisors, clients; case studies/testimonials validating your contributions
Blogs, YouTube tutorials, GitHub projects, or community service records showing relevant learning outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
APEL A
(Access – Admission Pathway)
Minimum age requirement varies by level
(e.g., 19 for Certificate,
21 for Bachelor’s,
30 for Master’s,
35+ for Doctorate).
Relevant work experience is also required.
Depending on level: aptitude test, portfolio submission, and sometimes an interview.
Typically valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
APEL C
(Credit Award)
Up to 30% of the total programme credits can be awarded.
No – they appear as exemptions (e.g., “CT(APEL)”) and do not impact GPA/CGPA.
Through a portfolio submission and/or a challenge test, depending on the subject.
Yes – application and credit transfer fees apply (non-refundable).
APEL Q
(Qualification Award)
Varies by level: 10 years for Diploma, 15 years for Degree, 20 years for Master’s, and 25 years for
Doctorate.
Steps include portfolio submission, field validation visit, challenge test, and a capstone
course/project.
Yes – candidates are usually allowed up to three attempts per assessment component, with an
appeal process available.
Yes, as long as experience requirements are met.