APEL.C
Transform Your Experience
into Academic Credit Recognition
APEL.C is a mechanism that recognises knowledge, skills and competencies acquired through work experience, professional practice and prior learning for academic credit award.
EXPERIENCE
RECOGNITION
ACADEMIC CREDIT
What is APEL.C?
APEL.C allows students to obtain academic credit based on knowledge and skills acquired through:
Work
Experience
Skills and knowledge gained through employment.
Industry
Practice
Practical exposure and contributions in your professional field.
Professional
Training
Courses, certifications and professional development programmes.
Workshops &
Seminars
Knowledge gained from attending or participating in industry events.
Other Non-Formal
& Informal Learning
Learning acquired through life experiences and self-learning.
Up to 60% Credit Award
Eligible learners may receive up to 60% credit transfer through APEL.C based on prior non-formal and informal learning. The overall credit transfer may be up to 70% when combined with formal learning (including micro-credentials), subject to MQA requirements.
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you are:
- A registered INCEIF student
- Enrolled in a coursework programme / Mixed-mode programme
- Applying for selected Master’s level courses
You are not eligible if you are:
- Enrolled in a research-based programme
- Applying for courses that have already been completed or graded
- Applications without sufficient and relevant evidence
Available Programmes & Courses
APEL.C is available for selected Master’s level courses within the following programmes:
Executive Masters in Islamic Finance (eMIF)
Eligible Courses
- Islamic Economic System and Institutions (ECN5023)
- Islamic Banking Practices (BKG5113)
- Islamic Capital Market (FIN5113)
Masters in Islamic Finance Practice (MIFP)
Eligible Courses
- Islamic Economic System and Institutions (ECN5023)
- Islamic Banking Practices (IBS5013)
- Islamic Capital Market (FIN5044)
Master in Business Administration (Sustainable Business) (MBA)
Eligible Courses
- Business Economics (ECN5113)
Masters of Science in Islamic Finance (MSc)
Eligible Courses
- Economic for Islamic Finance (FN5123)
- Islamic Banking (BK5503)
- Islamic Capital Market (FN5603)
Assessment Methods
INCEIF may assess applications using either Challenge Test or Portfolio Assessment. The suitability of the method will be determined by INCEIF according to the courses to ensure the method used is sufficient, reliable and suitable to assess the course learning outcomes.
Challenge Test
Students will be required to sit for a test to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Portfolio Assessment
Students submit evidence to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competencies.
APEL.C Journey
The APEL.C application is completed in 5 main stages. Students will be given the option to appeal once the results are released.
Self-Assessment
Complete self-assessment and submit a 500-word report.
Submit
Application
Submit application form and supporting evidence.
Assessment
Assessment will be conducted via Challenge Test or Portfolio Assessment.
Result
Credits awarded and recorded as CT (APEL).
Appeal
(Optional)
Appeal may be submitted if applicable.
Need the full APEL.C process guide?
Download the APEL.C Student Guidebook for detailed steps, requirements and assessment guidance.
APEL.C Assessment Fees
Below are the applicable fees for Malaysian and international students.
| Assessment Item | Malaysian | International |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Assessment Initial eligibility review | RM70 | USD30 |
| APEL.C Application Formal application and assessment process | RM500 | USD150 |
| Appeal Applicable only when an appeal is submitted | RM100 | USD40 |
Subject to change without prior notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is APEL.C?
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Credit Award (APEL.C) is a mechanism that recognises knowledge, skills and competencies acquired through work experience, professional practice, training and prior learning. Eligible students may be awarded academic credit for selected courses where they can demonstrate achievement of the relevant course learning outcomes.
Who can apply for APEL.C?
APEL.C is open to eligible INCEIF students who:
- A registered INCEIF student
- Enrolled in a coursework programme / Mixed-mode programme
- Applying for selected Master’s level courses
APEL.C is not applicable to research-based programmes or courses that have already been completed and graded.
How many credits can be awarded through APEL.C?
The maximum credit award through APEL.C is 30% of the total graduating credits of a programme of study, subject to INCEIF policies and the requirements prescribed by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Will APEL.C affect my CGPA?
No. Credits awarded through APEL.C are recorded as CT (APEL) in the academic transcript and are not included in the calculation of the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) or Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
When should I submit my APEL.C application?
Applicants are encouraged to submit their application during the first year of study.
How long does the assessment process take?
The assessment timeline may vary depending on the assessment method, completeness of supporting documents and the volume of applications received.
What is the difference between Challenge Test and Portfolio Assessment?
Challenge Test uses direct testing, while Portfolio Assessment evaluates submitted evidence of competencies.
Need guidance on APEL.C?
Our APEL advisors are here to support you through your APEL.C journey.
+603 7651 4164 (Mr. Sasi)
+603 7651 4088 (Mr. Hisham)
INCEIF University, Kuala Lumpur
Challenge Test Details
A challenge test may be conducted through written, oral, performance or product-based assessment, depending on the nature of the course.
Purpose of the Challenge Test
The Challenge Test is used to assess whether the student has achieved the relevant course learning outcomes through prior learning, work experience, professional practice or other recognised learning.
INCEIF may use one assessment method or a combination of several assessment types to ensure that the evaluation is sufficient, reliable and suitable for the course learning outcomes.
Written Test
A written assessment may be used to evaluate knowledge, understanding and application of the subject matter.
- Multiple choice questions
- True or false questions
- Matching questions
- Fill in the blanks
- Short answer questions
- Essay questions
- Situation-based problem solving
Oral Examination
An oral examination may be used to verify understanding, reasoning and ability to explain the learning achieved.
- Structured oral test
- One-to-one interview
- Panel interview
Performance Assessment
Performance assessment may be used where practical demonstration is suitable for measuring the intended learning outcomes.
- Simulation
- Objective structured clinical examination, where applicable
- Presentation
- Skill demonstration
Product Assessment
Product assessment may be used to review evidence, outputs or documented learning produced by the student.
- Portfolio or evidence collection
- Self-evaluation
- External training programme review
Portfolio Assessment Details
Portfolio Submission allows students to demonstrate prior learning through organised and relevant evidence.
What is Portfolio Submission?
A portfolio is a compilation of evidence prepared by the student to demonstrate that the learning acquired is relevant and specific to each course learning outcome for a particular course.
The Portfolio Submission form is available in Appendix 6 of the relevant APEL.C guidebook or handbook.
Identify Course Learning Outcomes
Review the course learning outcomes and understand what knowledge, skills or competencies must be demonstrated.
Compile Relevant Evidence
Prepare documents, work samples, certificates, reports, project records or other evidence that supports the learning claimed.
Map Evidence to Learning Outcomes
Ensure each item of evidence is clearly linked to the relevant course learning outcome.
Submit for Assessment
Submit the completed portfolio for review according to the required format and assessment process.


