For years, you have built expertise, navigated problems, and contributed to your job and industry in ways that no textbook can teach. Your knowledge has been shaped by real-world challenges, hands-on solutions, and workplace savvy. Without a formal qualification, however, your voice may not always carry the weight it deserves.
At Open University Malaysia (OUM), we believe that studying extends beyond the classroom. Through APEL.Q (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications), your years of learning – yes, outside the classroom – can now be recognised as an academic qualification.
Think of APEL.Q not only as an opportunity for career growth, but also a chance to deepen your knowledge, boost your credibility, and assert your influence at the workplace.
What is APEL.Q?
APEL.Q is an initiative by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) that allows experienced professionals to obtain formal academic qualifications based on their knowledge, skills, and expertise gained through work, training, and lifelong learning.
Instead of following a traditional study path, APEL.Q lets you validate what you already know through structured assessments, helping you obtain a degree without needing to formally repeat what you have already mastered at work.
For those who have spent years shaping industries, mentoring others, and managing complex situations, APEL.Q ensures that your contributions and knowledge are recognised and valued.
Who Can Benefit from APEL.Q?
This is a prime opportunity if you want to:
- Formalise your expertise – Turn years of experience into a degree that reflects your capabilities.
- Gain recognition and credibility – Stand out as an expert in professional discussions and decision-making.
- Stay relevant in your industry – Expand your knowledge and keep up with industry changes.
- Achieve personal fulfilment – Prove to yourself that your knowledge is valuable and worthy of academic recognition.
- Open doors to new opportunities – Whether it’s career growth, consultancy, or thought leadership, a degree will give you the authority to step forward.
APEL.Q is not just about getting a degree. It’s about ensuring that your experience counts.
APEL.Q Programmes at OUM
As one of the first universities to implement APEL.Q in Malaysia, OUM offers degree pathways in these disciplines:
Bachelor’s Degrees (At least 15 years of relevant experience)
- Bachelor of Tourism Management with Honours (BTRM) (R3-DL/812/6/0023 (A6009) 05/28) – For professionals in the travel, hospitality, and tourism industries.
- Bachelor of Manufacturing Management with Honours (BMMG) (R2-DL/345/6/0496 (A9206) 09/25) – Recognising those who drive efficiency and innovation in manufacturing.
- Bachelor of Occupational Safety and Health Management with Honours (BOSHM) – For workplace safety professionals committed to ensuring the highest OSH standards.
Master’s Degrees (At least 20 years of relevant experience)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) (R3-DL/0414/7/0128 (A10099) 03/31) – Ideal for professionals who want to enhance their strategic and managerial expertise.
- Master of Information Technology (MIT) (R3-DL/0611/7/0029 (A9815) 04/29) – Designed for IT professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and leadership capabilities.
Doctorate Degree (At least 25 years of relevant experience)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (R2-DL/340/8/0041 (MQA/FA0368) 03/26) – For top-level leaders who want to contribute research-driven insights to their industries.
If you have at least 15 years of professional experience, your journey towards a recognised qualification starts here.
How Does APEL.Q Work?
Instead of traditional coursework, APEL.Q assesses your real-world experience and competencies through a structured process:
- Self-Assessment and Registration – Attend an APEL.Q briefing to determine your eligibility.
- Portfolio Submission – Prepare a comprehensive portfolio of your work experience, skills, and achievements.
- Field and Validation Visit – A workplace visit may be conducted to verify your expertise.
- Challenge Test – A written or practical assessment to evaluate your proficiency.
- Capstone Courses – A final learning module or project that integrates your knowledge.
This process ensures that what you have already learnt and experienced is recognised in a way that is meaningful and relevant in an academic context.
Why Choose APEL.Q at OUM?
- Your Experience = Your Degree – No need to start from scratch; use what you already know.
- Flexible Learning – No full-time study required; assessments are based on your current expertise.
- Cost-Effective – You only pay for the assessment process, not the coursework.
- Recognised Qualification – Earn a respected degree from Malaysia’s leading open university.
- Stay Ahead, Stay Relevant – In today’s rapidly evolving industries, a formal qualification can help you maintain professional credibility.
At OUM, we believe that every expertise has its value. You have invested years into your profession; now is the time to reward yourself with the right degree.
Take the Next Step
Your knowledge, skills, and experience deserve recognition. Whether it’s about gaining personal fulfilment, professional credibility, or staying relevant in your field, APEL.Q is your unique pathway to a formal qualification.
You have already put in the work. Now, let OUM help you turn it into something greater.
Learn more about APEL.Q: Visit OUM’s APEL.Q page. For assistance, contact us at 03-78012000, reach out via WhatsApp, or email us at admission@oum.edu.my. We are here to assist you on your journey to gaining a recognised qualification.
