RAFFLES UNIVERSITY

APEL
CENTRE

ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING (APEL)

In 2024, Raffles University established the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Centre to support continuous professional development. This initiative addresses the escalating need for lifelong learning in an evolving job market by providing a structured pathway for adult learners to gain formal recognition for their prior experiential learning. The APEL Centre allows professionals to convert their work experience or informal learning into academic admission, bridging the gap between practical experience and formal education.

The establishment of the APEL Centre aligns with Raffles University’s goal towards FutureU through continuous professional development. Through this initiative, Raffles University reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and flexible educational environment.

Roles

To serve as a centre for assessing and recognizing non-formal and informal learning for the purpose of admission into formal higher education.
To act as a central body for coordinating APEL admission criteria and assessment instruments across institutions of higher learning.
To serve as a reference and support centre for APEL applicants.
To support and realize the national lifelong learning agenda.

Objectives

The primary objective of the RU APEL Centre is to provide alternative access for local and international adult learners to pursue higher education by systematically assessing their prior experiential learning. In alignment with MQA standards, the Centre is dedicated to implementing standardized and credible assessment processes, delivering personalized guidance for applicants, and maintaining rigorous quality assurance to ensure the integrity and continuous improvement of all APEL.A operations.

CONTACT

APEL CENTRE

Dr Low See Mei
Head of Apel Centre
Email: ApelCentre@raffles-university.edu.my

Mr Mohammed Faiz Haziq bin Mohammed Salleh
Apel Centre Executive
Email: ApelCentre@raffles-university.edu.my

APEL. A

How to Apply

Click the button below to access the APEL Assessment Centre Portal and begin your application.

APEL. A PROCESS

1

ENQUIRY

Talk to RU APEL Centre to check your eligibility and understand the
requirements

2

APPLY IN MQA PORTAL

Create your account on the MQA APEL.A portal at
https://www2.mqa.gov.my/apel_a/ and select Raffles University as your APEL Centre of choice

3

REGISTER WITH RU APEL CENTRE

Once registered with MQA, submit your details at https://apel.raffles-university.edu.my/

4

APTITUDE TEST

Sit for the MQA aptitude test at RU APEL Centre

5

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Assessors evaluate your documented prior learning

6

INTERVIEW (FOR T7-MASTER'S DEGREE ONLY)

For master’s level applicants, assessors conduct an interview to evaluate your readiness

7

CERTIFICATION

MQA issues your APEL.A certificate upon successful completion

8

ENROL AT RAFFLES UNIVERSITY

Use your certificate to enrol in your chosen RU programme and start your academic journey

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is suitable for APEL.A?

APEL.A is suitable for applicants who wish to pursue a tertiary education qualification but do not meet the traditional entry requirements. This includes individuals who have gained knowledge through informal learning or possess relevant work experience in the industry.

How long is the validity of an APEL.A Certificate?

The validity period of an APEL.A Certificate is five years from the date the APEL.A assessment results are released.

Am I eligible for a refund if my assessment is unsuccessful?

No, all fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable.

What programmes at Raffles University can be applied for via APEL.A?

Applicants can apply for the Diploma (T4), Bachelor’s Degree (T6), and Master’s (T7) programs at Raffles University via APEL.A, except for the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours).

How long does it take to complete the entire process?

Given that the APEL.A assessment may take as long as two (2) to four (4) months, applicants are advised to apply for APEL.A certification six (6) months prior to the date of admission into Raffles University.

What is included in Research Intent + Presentation

Applicants are required to submit a brief research intent outlining the information as indicated in the below prior to the presentation / demonstration. The items required of research intent are:

Institution identified to undertake the research
Potential supervisor consulted for the research studies (name and related information of the supervisor)
Title of research
Introduction / Research background
- Provide an introduction encompassing the context, establish the relevance of the proposal and provide a discussion of the important studies and theories or frameworks related to the research problem.
- Briefly provide the research scope, justification, and objectives of the research.
Research problem
- Identify the research problem and its significance in contribution to addressing an existing knowledge gap in the field/making a novel contribution to the said discipline.
Literature review
- Provide a critical summary of published research literature relevant to the topic under consideration for research. Its purpose is to create familiarity with current thinking and research on a particular topic and may justify future research into a previously overlooked or understudied area.
Research plan/methodology
- Outline the following in brief:
  - Methods used to gather the data.
  - Theories and techniques used to analyse the data.
  - Overall research plan from conceptualisation to the writing of thesis/dissertation.

Can I appeal the result of APEL. A?

Applicants are entitled to appeal the decisions regarding their APEL.A assessment results in a fair and just manner by submitting an official appeal within one (1) week from the date the results are officially announced based on the required workflow.
A different assessor will be assigned to evaluate the appeal. Applicants will be notified of the appeal outcomes, and the decision is final.
Applicants who fail the Aptitude Test may retake it up to two (2) times. If they fail on the second attempt, they must wait at least three (3) months before attempting it a third time.
Applicants who fail the Portfolio Assessment can submit a revised portfolio for reassessment. Applicants who fail the Interview Assessment can undergo another interview by submitting a revised portfolio.
However, the portfolio resubmission and repeat interview can only occur at least six (6) months after the date of notification of the APEL.A result from the APEL Centre.
Applicants must complete and submit the APEL.A Appeal / Resit or Resubmission Form to the APEL Centre. There will be fees charged for appeals.