Kuala Lampur:Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) has been recognized by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency as the only open Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL.A) assessment centre on the East Coast.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UniSZA's vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Fadzli Adam, stated that the recognition is a significant step for the university in enhancing access to higher education for professionals, experienced workers, and the public who have gained knowledge and skills through work experience.

With this recognition, UniSZA can conduct APEL.A assessments up to Level T-8, offering access to doctoral-level studies. Prof Dr Fadzli emphasized that education should not be confined to traditional pathways and that APEL.A provides a systematic assessment of experiential learning, enabling individuals to return to university and advance their academic qualifications and career opportunities.

UniSZA's deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International), Prof Dr Zuhairah Ariff Abd Ghadas, noted that APEL.A complements the university's academic ecosystem by offering an alternative admission route for candidates with relevant experience and competencies. She highlighted that while formal qualifications are important, workplace-acquired experience, knowledge, and competencies can also serve as a solid foundation for returning to higher education.

The fields of study available through APEL.A at UniSZA include contemporary Islamic studies, languages and communication, informatics and computing, applied social sciences, business and management, law and international relations, as well as health sciences, depending on the specific programme requirements and provisions. Candidates who earn an APEL.A certificate may also use it to seek admission to suitable programmes at other higher education institutions, subject to their respective admission criteria.