Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for access to a programme of study and/or award of credits.

APEL provides an opportunity for individual with working experience but lack of formal academic qualifications to pursue their studies in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). In general, knowledge obtained through formal education and working experience will be both assessed in APEL’s assessment.

At the moment, UTM accepts APEL A Level 7 MQF as an alternative entry requirement for Master’s Degree.

Entry requirements for admission into the Master’s program (Level 7, MQF) and Doctorate by Coursework, Mixed Mode and Fully Research-based (Level 8, MQF) through APEL as approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE) are as below:

a) Programme at MQF Level 8
(Doctorate by Coursework, Mixed Mode and Fully Research-based)

i. At least 35 years of age in the year of application.

ii. Possess at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualifications (or those with higher qualifications, e.g., Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma).

iii. Possess at least 5 years of relevant work experience after completion of the Bachelor’s degree programme.

iv. Pass the APEL.A assessment for Doctorate level.

b) Programme at MQF Level 7
[Master (by Coursework, Mixed Mode and Fully Research-based), Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate]

i. At least 30 years of age in the year of application.

ii. Possess at least an STPM/Diploma/equivalent qualification** (or        those with higher qualifications, e.g., Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma)

iii. Possess relevant work experience.

iv. Pass the APEL.A assessment for Master’s level.