Your Career Experience Could Be Your Pathway to a Master’s Degree

APEL recognises the knowledge and skills you have gained through years of work, professional practice, training and life experience to help you gain university admission or academic credit.

👤 Explore APEL.A Admission Pathway → 🎓 Explore APEL.C Academic Credit Recognition →

What is APEL?

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a systematic process that involves identifying, documenting and assessing prior experiential learning to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes.

This process is used to gain access to a programme of study and/or to receive credit awards.

Professional 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 Relevant Prior Learning

Learning acquired through life experiences and self-learning.

Is APEL Right For You?

APEL is suitable for individuals who have gained valuable knowledge and skills through work, professional practice, training or life experience.

Professionals with significant industry experience
Individuals without conventional academic qualifications who wish to pursue postgraduate studies
Working adults seeking career advancement
Professionals seeking recognition for their prior learning and experience
Individuals committed to lifelong learning

APEL at a Glance

5 Years

Validity of an APEL.A certificate

2 Pathways

Admission or academic credit recognition

60% Maximum Credit

Academic credit via APEL.C, subject to applicable requirements

Choose Your APEL Pathway

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APEL.A

Alternative Admission Pathway

Gain admission into an INCEIF programme based on your relevant work experience and prior learning.

Learn More About APEL.A →

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APEL.C

Academic Credit Recognition

Receive credit award for selected courses based on recognised prior learning and experience.

Learn More About APEL.C →

APEL.A or APEL.C?

Both APEL.A and APEL.C recognise prior experiential learning, but they serve different purposes depending on where you are in your academic journey.

🎯 Purpose

Admission into a programme

Academic credit recognition

📅 When

Before enrolment

After enrolment

👥 Suitable For

Prospective students

Current students

🏅 Outcome

Eligible for programme admission

Credit exemption for eligible courses

Benefits of APEL

🏅

Turn Years of Experience into Academic Recognition

Receive formal recognition for your professional experience, transforming it into valuable academic credits.

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Accelerate Your Education

Fast-track your educational journey by using prior learning to reduce time needed to complete your studies.

💰

Save Time and Tuition Fees

Lower your tuition fees by bypassing certain courses or study levels through work and life experiences.

📈

Boost Your Career Prospects

Obtain relevant qualifications that enhance your employability and open new career opportunities.

Why Choose INCEIF?

🏆

#1 Global University in Islamic Finance

Recognised internationally for excellence and leadership in Islamic finance education.

✅

AACSB Accredited

Part of a globally recognised network of leading business schools committed to the highest standards of quality.

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Flexible Postgraduate Programmes

Designed for working professionals with flexible study modes to suit your career and lifestyle.

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Dedicated APEL Advisory Support

Receive personalised guidance and support throughout your APEL application and admission journey.

Common Questions About APEL

Can international applicants apply?

Yes. International applicants may apply through APEL, subject to the applicable Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) policies, the requirements of the appointed MQA-approved APEL Assessment Centre, and INCEIF University’s admission requirements.

Can I apply without a Bachelor’s degree?

Yes. Eligible applicants may apply for admission through APEL.A if they satisfy the eligibility criteria established by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The assessment is conducted through an MQA-approved APEL Assessment Centre.

Will employers know I entered through APEL?

No. Students admitted through APEL graduate with the same qualification awarded by INCEIF University upon successfully fulfilling all programme requirements. The degree certificate does not indicate the admission pathway.

What is the difference between APEL.A and APEL.C?

APEL.A enables eligible individuals to gain admission into an academic programme based on prior experiential learning before enrolment. APEL.C allows enrolled students to obtain academic credit for relevant courses based on their prior learning and experience.

How long is an APEL.A certificate valid?

An APEL.A certificate is generally valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance, subject to the latest policies and guidelines issued by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

How much academic credit can I receive through APEL.C?

Eligible learners may receive academic credit of up to 60% of the total programme credits through APEL.C, subject to MQA policies, programme requirements, and successful assessment.

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