Are you a working professional with over 25 years of experience? Transform your industry expertise into a Doctorate qualification, gaining academic recognition without traditional coursework. Earn the prestigious Dr. title and enhance your professional credibility.

Fast-Track to a Doctorate (DBA)

Achieve a prestigious doctoral qualification in just one year.

Gain the Dr. title

Gain the Dr. title and open doors to higher-level roles and expert recognition.

Recognised by MQA (Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia)

APEL Q is officially accredited, ensuring your doctorate is fully recognised in Malaysia and internationally.

No Classes Required

Programme  : Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Your real-world experience replaces traditional study, saving you time and effort.

• The APEL.Q provision applies to adult learners with relevant prior experiential learning, who have formally registered as learners (Malaysians and Non-Malaysians) of the HEP regardless of the mode of entry whether through traditional or APEL route.
• To apply for APEL.Q, applicants must fulfil the minimum years of working experience at the appropriate level in the relevant field as illustrated below

3

4

5

6

7

Certificate

Diploma

Advanced Diploma

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

5 years

10 years

12 years

15 years

20 years

8

Doctoral Degree

25 years

• APEL.Q encompasses the assessment of prior experiential learning (formal/ informal/ non-formal) for the purpose of an award of academic qualifications
• APEL.Q shall be implemented for all disciplines of study and all levels of qualifications (undergraduate and post-graduate) under the MQF except 100% research-based programmes
• APEL.Q shall be awarded through assessment of prior experiential learning and successful completion of the capstone course(s)

The HELP Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed for professionals seeking personal, career, and organisational growth. The program focuses on enhancing business management practice and contributing to real-world knowledge. Students will develop and apply research to solve business challenges, present findings to diverse audiences, and drive innovative solutions in their fields.

• Facilitates access to higher education for ‘non-traditional’ students
• Acknowledges and validates prior learning
• Accelerates the time to earn a qualification
• Learning as a lifelong process

Counselling & Briefing by HELP University

Portfolio

Challenge Test

Application

Field & Validation

Capstone

1. Guided Self Assessment

2. APEL.Q Application

• Formal Document that contains a compilation of evidence :
  Portfolio submission form > Learning statements > Documentary Evidence
  
  
• Assessment Criteria
  Authenticity, Acceptability, Sufficiency, Currency, Specificity

• Assess and validate that the learner has the appropriate knowledge and competencies
• Conducted entirely online, providing a flexible option
• Allows the learner to demonstrate their learning in a particular job

• Combines key learning outcomes of the programme and demonstrates that learners have mastered the core discipline of their studies
• Capstone will commence upon the successful completion of the three assessments
• Inclusive of a comprehensive presentation

• A monitored standardized test
• In the form of a written examination, product and/or performance assessment

What is APEL.Q?

APEL for the purpose of Award of Academic Qualifications [APEL.Q] is a method of assessing knowledge acquired through formal education, work experience, life experience and/or a collection of short courses to obtain academic qualifications from a Higher Education Provider (HEP) and Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA)

When did APEL.Q begin implementation?

APEL.Q began implementation in July 2021 in Malaysia under MQA.

Who conducts the APEL.Q assessment on students?

APEL.Q is conducted by the HELP University on its students, provided the university has received approval from MQA to manage APEL.Q. To ensure quality, HELP University must implement APEL.Q based on the "Good Practice Guidelines: APEL.Q" issued by MQA, which includes operational policies and assessment instrument development guidelines.

Is there an age limit to apply for APEL.Q?

No. APEL.Q does not impose an age limit like APEL.A, which sets specific age requirements for each study level. However, APEL.Q sets minimum years of relevant work experience for each Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) level.

What is the fee for APEL.Q and how can payment be made?

The total fee for APEL.Q is RM60,000 (approximately USD 12,600). Payment arrangements may be made in installments upon formal request by the student.

Is APEL.Q only limited to Malaysian citizens?

No. APEL.Q applications are open to all individuals regardless of whether they are citizens or international applicants.

Can a college, branch campus, or subsidiary under a parent HEP use the APEL.Q approval granted to the parent institution?

No. Each institution must apply for APEL.Q approval independently from MQA, as each has its own Senate and makes its own academic decisions.

Is there an appeal process for reviewing the APEL.Q assessment result given to a student?

Yes. The appeal process after a failed APEL.Q assessment only involves a review of the decision and does not include submitting new evidence or retaking the entire assessment.

Can an approved HEP that is implementing APEL.Q change the student fee for the APEL.Q assessment process?

Yes, because the fee determination for APEL.Q is under the jurisdiction of the HEP. Therefore, the setting and revision of fees do not require referral to MQA.

What are the benefits of APEL.Q?

The benefits of APEL.Q include:

• Students undergo a shorter study period.
• Encourages working individuals to obtain higher qualifications.
• Recognizes and validates learning experiences gained outside formal education.
• Avoids redundancy in learning.
• Can reduce students’ education costs.
• Makes the higher education system more flexible and on par with developed countries, most of which recognize prior learning.
• One of the methods to promote lifelong learning.
• Helps create a knowledgeable society aimed at economic and social development.
• Contributes to human capital development through the recognition of skilled workers.

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