Turn Your Experience into a Recognised Qualification
About UMS APEL Centre
In September 2022: Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has approved the appointment to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) as an APEL Assessment Centre with “Open” status (Pusat Penilaian APEL Terbuka) for Bachelor's Degree (APEL.A T-6) and Master's Degree (APEL.A T-7) (Coursework and Mixed Mode).
In November 2024: Awarded Accreditation Certificate to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) as an APEL Assessment Center (PPA) for Bachelor's Degree (APEL.A T-6) and Master's Degree (APEL.A T-7) (Coursework and Mixed Mode) for the period 5 years (2024-2029) by MQA.
What is APEL?
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) allows your work experience, informal learning, and self-directed learning to be formally assessed and recognised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah, in line with Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) standards.
At UMS, we believe learning does not only happen in classrooms. It happens at work, in communities, in industries, and through lived experience.
Why APEL Matters at UMS?
Many learners in Sabah build strong knowledge and skills through real work and life experience. APEL exists to ensure this learning is recognised, not ignored.
Through APEL, you may:
Gain access to a UMS programme without traditional academic qualifications
Reduce study duration by avoiding repeated learning
Convert real experience into recognised academic value
Pursue lifelong learning with confidence and dignity
Who Should Consider APEL?
APEL is suitable for:
Working adults with relevant industry experience
TVET and skills-based graduates
Community leaders and development practitioners
Civil servants and public sector staff
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and SME operators
Mature learners returning to higher education
The APEL System
Two APEL.A Pathways
APEL.A T-6
Learn more >
APEL.A T-7
Learn More >
Check Application
MQA's central APEL portal.
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