Level up to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree with just your work experience.

 

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) provides an alternative pathway for adults who lack formal education to leverage their experience for career development. Through APEL, they can gain access to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes (APEL.A), or to shorten their study duration (APEL.C).

 

The systematic process identifies, documents, and assesses prior experiential learning from the aspects of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This determines the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for their goal of accessing a programme of study and/or award of credits.

APEL.A
APEL.C
APEL.A APEL.C

Accreditation Of Prior Experiential Learning For Access

 

APEL.A provides an opportunity for individuals with working experience but lack formal academic qualifications to pursue tertiary education at Higher Education Institutions. The APEL.A assessment, made up of the Aptitude Test and Portfolio Assessment components (refer to Glossary), will be on formal learning, informal learning and non-formal learning that has been attained over the years by the learner. 

APPLICABLE PROGRAMMES
APPLICATION PROCESS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
FEES

Bachelors

Bachelors

  • Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) 
  • Bachelor of Accounting (Fintech) (Honours) 
  • Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Honours) 
  • Bachelor of Banking and Finance (Honours) 
  • Bachelor of Business (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Honours) in Team Entrepreneurship
  • Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business and Marketing
  • Bachelor of Finance and Economics (Honours) 
  • Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Digital Construction Management
  • Bachelor of International Hospitality Management (Honours)
  • Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Honours)
  • Bachelor of International Events Management (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Education (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Mass Communication (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Mass Communication (Honours) in Advertising and Brand Management
  • Bachelor of Mass Communication (Honours) (Digital Media Production)
  • Bachelor of Mass Communication (Honours) in Public Relations and Event Management
  • Bachelor of Mass Communication (Honours) in Public Relations and Marketing
Masters

Masters

  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Management
  • Master of Laws in Healthcare and Medical Law
  • Master of Communication
  • Master of International Hospitality Management
  • Master of Applied Computing
  • Master of Science in Virtual Design and Construction
  • Master of Teaching and Learning
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning
Online Postgraduate Programmes

Online Postgraduate Programmes

  • Master of Business Administration (100% Online) 
  • Master of Global Hospitality Management (100% Online)
  • Master of Applied Computing (100% Online)
  • Master of Teaching and Learning (100% Online)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (100% Online)

Learners must achieve at least 50% for each component, i.e. Aptitude Test, Portfolio and Interview in order to pass the APEL.A assessment.

application process of apel a
Who Can Apply

Who Can Apply

For Bachelor’s Degree:

  • Malaysians
  • More than 21 years of age in the year of application
  • Possess relevant work experience*

For Master’s Degree:

  • Malaysians
  • At least 30 years of age in the year of application
  • Possess at least STPM / Diploma / equivalent qualifications (or those with higher qualifications e.g. Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma)
  • Possess relevant work experience*

* Relevant work experience will be calculated starting from the minimum age of 18 years.
Glossary

Glossary

Informal Learning

Learning which takes place continuously through life and work experiences. It is often unintentional learning.

 

Non-Formal Learning

Learning that takes place alongside the mainstream systems of education and training. It may be assesses but does not normally lead to formal certification.

Aptitude Test

A formal examination that applicants are required to pass. The purpose is to assess the competence and readiness of the applicant to pursue tertiary education. Test areas include Numerical Literacy, Bahasa Malaysia Language, English Language, and General Knowledge, Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy.

 

Portfolio

A compilation document of previous experience including formal, informal and non-formal learning. The portfolio must be prepared in such a way that it allows you to demonstrate that the learning acquired is relevant.

Why should I apply for APEL.A?

Why should I apply for APEL.A?

  • I want to obtain formal recognition for my prior learning
  • I possess the relevant work experience, skills and knowledge, and readiness to commence my tertiary education
  • I want to fast track my career progression with tertiary education qualification

If you agree to at least one of these statements, contact us to find out how to put your experience to work!
Why should I apply for APEL.A at Taylor’s University?

Why should I apply for APEL.A at Taylor’s University?

As one of the World’s Top 1% Universities, Asia’s Top 40, and Southeast Asia’s No. 1 Private University (QS World University Rankings 2025 & Asia University Rankings 2025), Taylor’s University is home to high-quality teaching expertise and a global industry network, which are vital for your professional development. 

 

The university is ranked Top Private in South East Asia for Employer Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025), demonstrating the strong recognition of a qualification from Taylor’s in the eyes of employers. Taylor’s University is also certified as a Higher Education Provider to award APEL.A by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
What are the application criteria for APEL.A?

What are the application criteria for APEL.A?

Bachelor's Degree programme:

For admission into the Bachelor's Degree programme, candidates must be Malaysian, at least 21 years of age in the year of application and have relevant work experience.

 

Master's Degree programme:

For admission into the Master's Degree programme, candidates must be Malaysian and at least 30 years of age in the year of application. Additionally, the candidate must hold an STPM, Diploma, or other recognised equivalent qualifications and have relevant work experience.
Can I apply to any programme at Taylor’s University via APEL.A?

Can I apply to any programme at Taylor’s University via APEL.A?

APEL.A assessment at Taylor’s is opened for TWO levels of admissions:

  • Admission to the Bachelor's Degree programme (APEL T-6); and
  • Admission to the Master's Degree programme (APEL T-7).

 

Please view the list of applicable programmes above.
Can I get any refund if my assessment is not successful?

Can I get any refund if my assessment is not successful?

No, all fees paid are non-refundable.
What is the breakdown of APEL.A Assessment?

What is the breakdown of APEL.A Assessment?

Type of Assessment     

       

T6 (Bachelor’s Degree)

 

T7 (Master’s Degree, Postgraduate Certificate)

 

Aptitude Test

 

30%

 

40%

 

Portfolio

 

70%

 

40%

 

Interview *

N/A

20%

 

 

Note: For Bachelor’s Degree, if the assessors are uncertain about the authenticity, sufficiency or relevancy of the evidence presented in the portfolio, they may request for an Interview session.
What are the areas assessed in the Aptitude Test?

What are the areas assessed in the Aptitude Test?

Aptitude test is a formal examination that applicants are required to pass. The purpose is to assess the competence and readiness of the applicant to pursue tertiary education.

 

Bachelor’s Degree Test Structure:

 

Assessment Aspects

 

No. of Question

 

 

Duration

 

Bahasa Malaysia Language

 

10 MCQ Questions

 

2 hours

English Language

 

10 MCQ Questions

 

Numerical Literacy

 

10 MCQ Questions

 

General Knowledge, Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy

 

10 MCQ Questions

 

 

Note: Candidates must obtain 50% in the Aptitude Test to pass the assessment.

 

 

 

 

Master’s Degree Test Structure:

 

Assessment Aspects

 

No of Question

 

Duration

 

Bahasa Malaysia Language

 

Part A: 13 Objective Questions
Part B: 1 Structured Question

 

2 hours 30 minutes

English Language

 

Part A: 12 Objective Questions

Part B: 1 Structured Question

 

Numerical Literacy

 

Part A: 25 Objective Questions
Part B: 1 Structured Question

 

General Knowledge, Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy

 

Part A: 25 Objective Questions
Part B: 2 Structured Question

 

 

Note: Candidates must obtain 50% in the Aptitude Test to pass the assessment.
What is Portfolio Assessment?

What is Portfolio Assessment?

Portfolio is compilation document of previous experience including formal, informal and non-formal learning. The portfolio must be prepared in such a way that it allows you to demonstrate that the learning acquired is relevant.
Are the applicants allowed to apply their studies to other Higher Education Provider (HEP) after passing the APEL.A assessment at Taylor’s University?

Are the applicants allowed to apply their studies to other Higher Education Provider (HEP) after passing the APEL.A assessment at Taylor’s University?

No. Applicants who have obtained MQA's APEL.A certificate from Taylor’s University can only further their studies at Taylor’s University.

 
I have applied for APEL.A through MQA website and selected Taylor’s University for assessment. What should I do next?

I have applied for APEL.A through MQA website and selected Taylor’s University for assessment. What should I do next?

Applicant will receive an email automatically generated by the system after registering on the MQA APEL.A Portal.  Next, the applicant needs to re-register with Taylor’s University via the link provided in the email.

 
I am interested in taking the APEL.A assessment and continuing my studies at Taylor’s University. When is the right time I should apply for APEL.A?

I am interested in taking the APEL.A assessment and continuing my studies at Taylor’s University. When is the right time I should apply for APEL.A?

Applicants are advised to submit the APEL.A application at least SIX (6) months before the date of admission to the programme at Taylor’s University.

 
What is the validity period of APEL.A certificate?

What is the validity period of APEL.A certificate?

APEL.A Certificate is valid for 5 years only. Applicant may submit a new application for APEL.A assessment after the APEL.A certificate expires.

 
Who should I contact if I have further questions on about APEL.A?

Who should I contact if I have further questions on about APEL.A?

For more information, please refer to APEL Unit at 03-5629 5000 or apel@taylors.edu.my.

Level Application Fee

Appeal Fee

Review of Marks

 

Aptitude Test - Re-sit

 

Portfolio Re-submission
Bachelors RM 370 RM 155* RM 180 RM 100
Masters RM 560 RM 200* RM 200 RM 170

*For review of each assessment instrument

Notes

  • Fees will be reviewed annually. For the avoidance of doubt, Taylor’s reserves the right to revise the fee payable for any given semester.
  • All fees paid are non-refundable.

For more information, download our guide to help you to kickstart the journey:

Learner's Guide for APEL.A

Download Here

Accreditation Of Prior Experiential Learning For Credit Award

 

APEL.C is the award of credits for prior experiential learning towards a module in an accredited programme. The credit award is granted on the basis of the knowledge and skills acquired through informal and non-formal learning. The maximum percentage of credit transfer is 30% of the minimum graduating credits. 

 

Leverage Your Personal Experience

 

APEL.C recognises learning acquired through work experience and short courses attended. By converting prior learning into academic credits, APEL.C reduces redundant learning.

Save Time and Money

 

By receiving credit for prior learning, you may be able to reduce the cost it takes to complete your programme, potentially reducing the time of your education.

Engage in Lifelong Learning

 

Continue strengthening your knowledge and skills while enhancing your earning potential through a pathway that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their unique educational goal.

APPLICABLE PROGRAMMES
APPLICABLE MODULES
APPLICATION PROCESS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
FEES

Conventional Mode

Conventional Mode

  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Management
  • Master of Communication
  • Master of International Hospitality Management
  • Master of Laws
  • Master of Laws in Healthcare and Medical Law
  • Master of Teaching and Learning
  • Master of Science in Virtual Design and Construction
  • Master of Applied Computing
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning
Online Distance Learning (ODL)

Online Distance Learning (ODL)

  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Global Hospitality Management
  • Master of Applied Computing
  • Master of Teaching and Learning
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education

Note: Applicable for selected modules only.

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration

  • Delivering Value to Customers
  • Managing People for Performance
  • Managing Decisions
  • Strategy and Innovation

Note: For other modules, please contact the APEL Unit.
Master of Communication

Master of Communication

  • Organisational Communication
  • Media Management
  • Advanced Communication Theories
  • Global Communication
  • Integrated Marketing Communication

Note: For other modules, please contact the APEL Unit.
Master of International Hospitality Management / Master of Global Hospitality Management

Master of International Hospitality Management / Master of Global Hospitality Management

  • Hospitality Project Management
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Hospitality Asset Management and Financial Planning
  • Quality Management
  • Strategic Decision Making in the Hospitality Industry

Note: For other modules, please contact the APEL Unit.
Master of Laws

Master of Laws

  • Current Controversies in Contempt of Court
  • International Business Law
  • International Dispute Resolution
  • E‐Commerce Law
  • International Corporate Governance and Corporate Crime

Note: For other modules, please contact the APEL Unit.
Master of Laws in Healthcare and Medical Law

Master of Laws in Healthcare and Medical Law

  • Healthcare Regulations and Policies
  • Informed Consent to Treatment and Confidentiality
  • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Negligence
  • Fundamental Aspects of Medical Litigation

Note: For other modules, please contact the APEL Unit.
Master of Management

Master of Management

  • Marketing Management
  • Organisational Management
  • Leadership and Management of Change
  • Strategic Management

Note: For other modules, please contact the APEL Unit.
Master of Teaching and Learning / Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning / Postgraduate Certificate in Education

Master of Teaching and Learning / Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning / Postgraduate Certificate in Education

  • Curriculum and Instruction in English Language
  • Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education
  • Curriculum and Instruction in Social Studies
  • Curriculum and Instruction in Higher Education
  • Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics
  • Curriculum and Instruction in Science
  • Curriculum and Instruction in Chinese as a Second Language
  • Professional Practice
  • Assessing Learning in English Language
  • Assessing Learning in Early Childhood Education
  • Assessing Learning in Social Studies
  • Assessing Learning in Higher Education
  • Assessing Learning in Mathematics
  • Assessing Learning in Science
  • Assessing Learning in Chinese as a Second Language

Note: For other modules, please contact the APEL Unit.
Master of Applied Computing / Master of Science in Virtual Design and Construction

Master of Applied Computing / Master of Science in Virtual Design and Construction

Note: Modules listed above are based on the nature of the module and Module Learning Outcome (MLO) ability to be mapped to a prior learning experience. All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.

Students must achieve at least 50% of each module learning outcome for the Challenge Test or Portfolio Assessment (refer to Glossary) to satisfy the requirement of being granted an APEL.C award.

application process of apel c
Who Can Apply

Who Can Apply

  • Malaysians & Non-Malaysians
  • Applicants who are registered students of Taylor’s in the applicable programme
  • Applicants with relevant informal and/or non-formal learning experience in the module(s) applied for APEL.C award
Glossary

Glossary

Informal Learning

Learning which takes place continuously through life and work experiences. It is often unintentional learning.

 

Non-Formal Learning

Learning that takes place alongside the mainstream systems of education and training. It may be assesses but does not normally lead to formal certification.

Challenge Test

A proctored standard test to assess if you have achieved the module learning outcomes. It can be in the form of a written test, oral examination and/or performance assessment, depending on the nature and discipline of the module, as well as individual module learning outcome.

 

Portfolio

A compilation document of previous experience including formal, informal and non-formal learning. The portfolio must be prepared in such a way that it allows you to demonstrate that the learning acquired is relevant.

Why should I apply for APEL.C?

Why should I apply for APEL.C?

  • I want to obtain formal recognition for my prior learning.
  • I possess the relevant skills, knowledge, and prior learning for a module that forms part of my programme.
  • I can demonstrate evidence of my prior learning.

 

If you agree to at least one of these statements, contact us to find out how to put your experience to work!
Why should I apply for APEL.C at Taylor’s University?

Why should I apply for APEL.C at Taylor’s University?

As one of the World’s Top 1% Universities, Asia’s Top 50, and Southeast Asia’s No. 1 Private University (QS World University Rankings 2025 & Asia University Rankings 2024), Taylor’s University is home to high-quality teaching expertise and a global industry network, which are vital for your professional development. 

 

The university is ranked Top Private in South East Asia for Employer Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025), demonstrating the strong recognition of a qualification from Taylor’s in the eyes of employers. Taylor’s University is also certified as a Higher Education Provider to award APEL.A by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
What is the age limit to apply for APEL.C?

What is the age limit to apply for APEL.C?

There is no age requirement or limit to apply.
What is the maximum percentage of credit transfer allowed?

What is the maximum percentage of credit transfer allowed?

The maximum percentage of credit transfer is 30% of the minimum graduating credits. This percentage is in addition to the credit transfer provision, i.e. 30% based on the existing formal credit transfer policy.

 
Is APEL.C applicable for all modules?

Is APEL.C applicable for all modules?

According to the Guidelines to Good Practices: Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Credit Award issued by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), APEL.C is applicable for all modules (including internship), except for final-year project-based modules and dissertations. At Taylor’s, currently APEL.C is applicable for selected programme modules. View the list of modules listed above or get in touch with us for more info.

 
How is APEL.C assessed?

How is APEL.C assessed?

The assessment depends on the experiential learning accumulated by the student over the years. Methods of assessment that can be used are the Challenge Test or Portfolio Submission.

 
What is the difference between the Challenge Test and Portfolio Submission?

What is the difference between the Challenge Test and Portfolio Submission?

The Challenge Test is a proctored standard test to assess if you have achieved the module learning outcomes. It can be in the form of a written test, oral examination and/or performance assessment, depending on the nature and discipline of the module, as well as individual module learning outcome.

 

The Portfolio Submission requires you to prepare a compilation document of previous experience including formal, informal and non-formal learning. The portfolio must be prepared in such a way that it allows you to demonstrate that the learning acquired is relevant.
When can I submit a formal application?

When can I submit a formal application?

You may apply for APEL.C any time after you have enrolled as a Taylor’s student and accepted the offer. However, you are advised to submit the APEL.C application before or during the first semester of study. Kindly take note that APEL.C application is open in January, April, July, and October. Please refer to the APEL Unit for the submission deadline.

 
Can I get any refund if my assessment is not successful?

Can I get any refund if my assessment is not successful?

No, all fees paid are non-refundable.

 
Will APEL.C credit transfer contribute to my CGPA?

Will APEL.C credit transfer contribute to my CGPA?

No. The credit award (without any grades) will appear in the transcript of the student as ‘CT(APEL)’.

Application Fees Credit Transfer (Exemption) Fee Total Fees per module Appeal Fees
RM 250 RM 500 RM 750 RM 250

Notes:

  • Fees will be reviewed annually. For the avoidance of doubt, Taylor’s reserves the right to revise the fee payable for any given semester.
  • A non-refundable application fee of RM250 per module is required for the processing of all applications. 
  • The Credit Transfer (Exemption) fee of RM500 will only be charged upon passing the APEL.C assessment. 
  • All fees paid are non-refundable.

For more information, download our detailed FAQ and Guide to help you to kickstart the journey:

Detailed FAQs

Download Here