At i-CATS University College, we recognise that meaningful learning extends far beyond the traditional classroom environment. Valuable knowledge, professional competencies, technical skills, and practical expertise are often developed through years of work experience, industry practice, leadership roles, community engagement, professional training, and lifelong learning experiences.
Through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Credit Award (APEL.C), i-CATS provides learners with the opportunity to transform their prior experiential learning into recognised academic credit. This initiative reflects our commitment to lifelong learning, flexible education pathways, talent recognition, and inclusive access to higher education. APEL.C at i-CATS is designed to support capable and experienced learners by reducing unnecessary repetition of learning, accelerating academic progression, and recognising demonstrated competencies in accordance with established academic and quality assurance standards. The APEL Centre remains committed to delivering a professional, transparent, learner-centred, and quality-assured assessment process through continuous guidance, academic support, and institutional excellence.
We invite you to embark on your academic journey with confidence and allow your experience to become a valuable pathway towards future achievement.
Recognise your experience. Advance your future.
At i-CATS University College, the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning is currently implemented specifically through APEL for Credit Award (APEL.C).
APEL.C is a formal academic mechanism that recognises learning acquired through work experience, professional practice, and other non-formal or informal learning pathways. It enables learners to demonstrate that they have achieved the required Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) through prior experiential learning.
Through APEL.C, eligible registered learners at i-CATS may apply for credit transfer for selected courses within their programme of study. The assessment focuses on evidence of learning and demonstrated competency, rather than solely on the duration or type of experience.
The implementation of APEL.C at i-CATS is fully aligned with the requirements of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and is governed by the University’s academic quality assurance policies and procedures, ensuring a transparent, consistent, and credible assessment process.
To support effective governance and operational coordination, the APEL Centre operates within a structured institutional framework involving academic leadership, supporting departments, and quality assurance units, as illustrated below.
Organisational Structure of the APEL Centre, i-CATS
The APEL Centre operates under the oversight of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International Office) and is supported by multiple university units including Registry, Finance, Marketing, Corporate Strategy, Academic Quality, Information Technology, and Faculties to ensure effective governance, quality assurance, and operational efficiency.
APEL.C helps learners transform prior experience into recognised academic credit.
Recognise prior work experience
Reduce duplication of learning
Shorten study duration where applicable
Reduce education cost
Progress faster towards graduation
Gain formal academic recognition for demonstrated learning
Recognise prior work experience
Reduce duplication of learning
Shorten study duration where applicable
Reduce education cost
Progress faster towards graduation
Gain formal academic recognition for demonstrated learning
The APEL.C process follows a structured and quality-assured pathway designed to recognise prior experiential learning and award academic credit.
The APEL.C process follows a structured and quality-assured pathway designed to recognise prior experiential learning and award academic credit.
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Initial guidance on eligibility, procedures and assessment pathways.
Advisor explains requirements, evidence preparation and assessment methods.
Learners evaluate prior learning and prepare CLO mapping evidence.
Advisor reviews the submission and determines eligibility.
Eligible learners submit the official APEL.C application form.
Assessment through Challenge Test or Portfolio Submission.
Assessment outcomes are compiled and reviewed by the APEL Centre.
Pass or Not Pass decision is determined and endorsed.
Unsuccessful applicants may submit an appeal for reconsideration.
Credits are recorded and learners receive formal notification.
Check whether you meet the requirements for APEL.C application.
APEL.C does not normally apply to final-year projects, dissertations, and certain practicum or industrial training components unless permitted by the applicable framework.
Applicants are required to submit:
counselling, self-assessment, application,
portfolio submission, assessment rubric, moderation and appeal forms.
Check whether you meet the requirements for APEL.C application.
APEL.C does not normally apply to final-year projects, dissertations, and certain practicum or industrial training components unless permitted by the applicable framework.
Applicants are required to submit:
counselling, self-assessment, application,
portfolio submission, assessment rubric, moderation and appeal forms.
A proctored assessment designed to determine whether the learner has achieved the course learning outcomes. It may include:
A structured compilation of evidence showing how the learner’s experience, training, work, and self-learning meet the course learning outcomes.
A proctored assessment designed to determine whether the learner has achieved the course learning outcomes. It may include:
A structured compilation of evidence showing how the learner’s experience, training, work, and self-learning meet the course learning outcomes.
● Are recorded as credit transfer
● Do not carry grades
● Are not counted in GPA or CGPA
● Count toward graduation requirements
● Are awarded only for the specific course applied for
APEL Centre, i-CATS
Jalan Stampin Timur
93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
General Line: +6082-570888
Email: apel@icats.edu.my
Website: https://www.icats.edu.my
APEL Portal: https://apel.icats.edu.my
● Are recorded as credit transfer
● Do not carry grades
● Are not counted in GPA or CGPA
● Count toward graduation requirements
● Are awarded only for the specific course applied for
APEL Centre, i-CATS
Jalan Stampin Timur
93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
General Line: +6082-570888
Email: apel@icats.edu.my
Website: https://www.icats.edu.my
APEL Portal: https://apel.icats.edu.my
