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APEL.M

Fast-Track Your Degree

Stack Your Microcredentials and Convert Them Into 50% of Your Credits

APEL.M enables students to accumulate microcredential credits relevant to their degree and achieve formal qualifications, even without SPM, STPM, Diploma, or Foundation Studies.

Malaysia’s only MQA-approved APEL-M university

Enter Without Formal Qualifications, Then Finish Only the Remaining Credits

If you’ve been building skills through short courses but thought a full degree was out of reach, APEL.M gives you another way in. It’s recognised by MQA and exclusive to WOU Malaysia.

All you need to do is qualify for the age requirement and submit your portfolio.

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What is APEL.M?

APEL.M stands for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Microcredentials. It is an MQA-governed pathway that allows you to enter a degree programme by converting completed microcredentials into up to 50% of your programme credits.

Unlike APEL.A, there is no prequalification required. Simply submit a portfolio of your completed microcredentials.

Once admitted, you only need to complete the remaining credits to graduate. It is the most flexible route to a recognised qualification for working adults who want to start small and build momentum.

  • Access Without Traditional Entry Requirements
    No academic requirements. Open to anyone aged 21 and above.
  • Microcredentials Are Converted to Credits
    No exams, no assessments for APEL.M application, just submission of completed microcredentials.
  • Customised and Flexible Learning Path
    Focus only on the remaining credits needed, and complete at your own pace.
  • Time and Cost Savings
    Reduces the number of courses you need to complete, saving both time and tuition costs.

APEL.M Policy

Entry Requirement

  1. Open to local and international learners
  2. Learners must complete at least 50% of the programme’s graduating credits* through unbundled microcredentials.
  3. Meet the minimum age of graduation.

Note: * Not inclusive of MPU subjects

APEL.M Application Process

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Register your APEL M application on the MQA website, then proceed to the WOU APEL portal to complete your information.

Register ​with MQA​

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A WOU advisor will guide you through eligibility requirements and help with portfolio preparation

Prepare your Portfolio with the advisory from WOU.

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Your portfolio will be thoroughly assessed and moderated, and MQA will issue your APEL M certificate upon approval.

MQA Certification

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Enter your preferred degree programme* and begin your journey!

*Degree Programmes Subject to Availability.

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APEL.M Assessment

Working Portfolio
Working portfolio
  • Learners applying through APEL.M need only submit a complete portfolio to assess their readiness for tertiary study.
  • In this portfolio, they must clearly list the number of microcredentials completed, the percentage of credits accumulated, and supporting evidence, such as Malaysian Microcredential Statement (MMS).

Find the Right Programme for You

Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is APEL?

APEL is a process that recognises what you have learned through your work and life experiences. It identifies, documents and assesses your knowledge, skills and competencies to see if they match the learning outcomes of a programme.

Through APEL, you can gain:

  • Entry into a programme, and/or
  • Credit exemptions, based on your formal, non-formal or informal learning.
Which levels does WOU offer for APEL.M?

The approved MQF levels offered for APEL.M application are as following:

    1. Doctoral Degree (coursework and mixed mode) Programme.
    2. Master’s Degree (coursework and mixed mode) Programme.
    3. Bachelor’s Degree Programme
    4. Diploma Programme
APEL.M Application Criteria?

Local and international applicants can only apply for admission via the APEL.M if he/she has completed the following quantum of microcredentials, which are unbundled from accredited programmes, and meet the minimum age requirements of the APEL.A at the various MQF levels:

i. Completed at least 50%* of the total graduating credits of the intended programme via

microcredentials which are unbundled from the accredited programme or standalone

microcredentials from one or multiple HEPs.

ii. Meet the minimum age requirements as stipulated in the APEL.A for the various levels of 

qualifications under the MQF.

    • Level 8 (Doctoral Degree) – At least 35 years of age in the year of application
    • Level 7 (Master’s Degree) – At least 30 years of age in the year of application
    • Level 6 (Bachelor’s Degree) – At least 21 years of age in the year of applicationLevel 4 (Diploma) – At least 20 years of age in the year of application

iii. Meet the prescribed minimum age of graduation as stipulated in the Guidelines to Good

Practices: Microcredentials.

iv. Possess relevant working experience.

The remaining percentage of courses in a programme from the above categories can be assessed by the receiving institution through the prescribed courses in the programme whose award is sought by the applicant.

Note: * Total 50% of the total graduating credits are NOT inclusive of MPU subjects.

How long does the APEL.M assessment take?

The APEL.M assessment may take four to six months to complete. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for APEL.M certification six months prior to the date of admission into the intended institution and programme.

Assessment timelines depend on the programme level:

Level Minimum Time (after complete submission)
Doctorate 6 months
Master’s 3 months
Bachelor’s 2 months
Diploma 2 months

Important:

  • Timelines may vary if you need to redo any part of the assessment.
  • If your portfolio is unsuccessful, there is a 6-month cooling-off period before resubmission.

Applicants are advised to apply at least six months before the intended intake.

How do I submit an APEL.M application to WOU?
  1. Register with MQA at: https://www2.mqa.gov.my/portalapelm/
  2. Submit your APEL.M application through WOU’s portal: https://myapel-m.wou.edu.my/
  3. Bring your MQA registration form to WOU for verification.
What does the APEL.M assessment include?

APEL.M uses 100% portfolio assessment across all MQF levels.

What is the passing mark?

A minimum of 50 percent is required for:

  • Each assessment component, and
  • The overall score.
Can I appeal the results?

Yes.
You may submit an appeal within one week of the official results, and the appeal will be reviewed by a different assessor.

Appeal fee: RM50

If I fail, can I resubmit my portfolio?

Yes.
You may resubmit your portfolio after six months from the date you were notified of the result.

Resubmission fee: RM80

Will I receive a certificate after passing?

Yes, MQA will issue an official notification letter and an APEL.M certificate, which applicants may use to apply for admission to any Higher Education Institution (HEIs) in Malaysia.

What is the APEL.M certificate used for?

The certificate allows you to earn a qualification through completing microcredentials (unbundled or standalone).

Does the APEL.M certificate expire?

No.
There is currently no validity period.

APEL.M Fees at WOU?

Level

Fee (RM)

Diploma (Level 4)

240

Degree (Level 6)

350

Master (Level 7)

450

Doctorate (Level 8)

550