51风流

Broadens pathways to tertiary education

Lifelong learning is the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skill development throughout a person’s life. For some, it provides a means of personal growth, fulfillment, and self-improvement—including upskilling and reskilling—while for others, it is essential for career advancement and accessing new opportunities.

As a recognised centre for the National Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), Management and Science University (MSU) offers innovative pathways for working adults to further their education. Its diverse range of programmes is designed to suit students’ schedules while aligning with their academic and professional experience.

With ten locations across Malaysia including in Sabah and Sarawak, MSU ensures convenient access for prospective candidates to sit for the APEL Aptitude Test, a non-traditional pathway to higher education. MSU currently offers APEL (A) and APEL (C) at multiple levels: T-3 (Certificate), T-4 (Diploma), T-6 (Bachelor’s Degree), and T-7 (Master’s Degree).

Introduced and approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), APEL broadens access to higher education for adult learners who have substantial work experience but lack formal academic qualifications.

APEL (A), or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, provides working professionals with a direct pathway to higher education, even without formal academic qualifications. It is a structured process that involves identifying, documenting, and assessing an individual’s prior experiential learning to determine how well it meets the learning outcomes required for entry into a programme of study and/or the awarding of academic credits.

Alternatively, APEL (C) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Credit Transfer—allows individuals to earn academic credits by matching their prior learning and experience to specific modules within a programme of study. This pathway supports credit transfer for programmes ranging from diploma to PhD levels. Once an applicant’s competency is assessed and validated, the awarded credits can significantly reduce the overall duration of study, resulting in substantial savings in both time and cost.

An applicant presenting only an SPM qualification would typically be eligible for diploma-level studies. However, with APEL (C), it becomes possible to gain direct entry into a bachelor’s degree programme, based on assessed prior experiential learning.

Another flexible pathway for adult learners to further their education is through micro-credential programmes. These industry-relevant courses offer flexible learning and streamlined assessments, catering to individuals seeking targeted knowledge in specific fields. Their stackable structure allows learners to accumulate credits that can be applied toward academic programmes at MSU, enabling exemptions and a smoother transition into formal qualifications.

The MSU APEL Centre is overseen by the MSU Academy (MA), established to deliver high-quality continuing education that meets the changing needs of society. Dedicated to advancing lifelong learning, MA offers programmes tailored for individuals seeking flexibility in both scheduling and the delivery of learning experiences.

For working professionals and those in self-managed careers, balancing work and study presents ongoing challenges—be they financial, personal, or professional. To support individuals in keeping pace with the evolving demands of their industries, MSU offers flexible learning modes and programmes that enable them to pursue further education while effectively managing their other commitments.

By integrating Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with traditional academic curricula, MSU enhances student competencies through industry internships, community engagement, creative entrepreneurship, and global exposure. This holistic approach equips MSU graduates with the well-rounded skills and experience highly valued by employers

Ranked among the best in the region, the University’s programmes are thoughtfully designed to maximise graduate potential, consistently producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

MSU comprises the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, the Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies, the Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering, the International Medical School, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Education and Social Sciences, the School of Hospitality and Creative Arts, the School of Graduate Studies and the Graduate School of Management

For a full range and information on flexible programme offered at MSU, please call 03-5521 6868, email [email protected], or visit