Frequently Asked Questions

UTeM ACCESS is Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka's centre for alternative access to higher education. Its mission is to provide lifelong learning opportunities for working professionals and individuals seeking to upgrade their qualifications. Through the Lifelong Learning Centre, UTeM ACCESS aims to empower individuals to continue their education, unlock new opportunities, and shape their own success by offering flexible pathways to education at every stage of life. The centre is guided by the vision: "At UTeM, we believe every dream deserves a chance to grow.

General Contact: +606 229 2111
APEL Programme: +606 229 2059
Part-Time Programme: +606 229 2060
Open Access Programme: +606 229 2061
Offshore Programme: +606 229 2062
Email (General): Contact through website form
Location: UTeM Technology Campus, Jalan TU 43, Hang Tuah Jaya, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka

Study Mode and Target Group:

The Open Access Programme operates on a full-time study mode and is designed for full-time students seeking a self-funded pathway to higher education. In contrast, the Part-Time Programme offers flexible, part-time study schedules tailored for working professionals who wish to continue their education while maintaining employment.
Funding and Duration:

Both programmes are entirely self-funded with no government subsidies available to students. However, they differ in duration—the Open Access Programme follows the standard academic timeline of 3.5 to 4 years for bachelor's degrees, whereas the Part-Time Programme extends the duration to accommodate a flexible, part-time learning schedule.
Programmes and Entry Requirements:

Both programmes cover the same breadth of academic fields, including Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Technology Management, and Diploma programmes. The entry pathways differ significantly: Open Access accepts direct applications from students after the UPU (Unified Placement System) process closes or from international applicants at any time. Part-Time programmes, on the other hand, are designed for working adults who meet the minimum qualifications set by the university.
Class Schedule:

The Open Access Programme delivers full-time classes during regular business hours, requiring students' full-time commitment and availability. The Part-Time Programme, conversely, schedules classes specifically designed around working professionals' schedules, allowing them to balance their employment commitments with their academic pursuits.

Part-Time programmes are available in:

Engineering (Bachelor's) - Various engineering disciplines
Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) - Applied engineering fields
Computer Science (Bachelor's) - Software development, networking, interactive media
Technology Management (Bachelor's)
Technopreneurship (Bachelor's)
Diploma in Engineering - Various specializations
Diploma in Computer Science

Programmes are offered through faculties including FTKE, FTKEK, FTKM, FTKIP, and FTMK.

The Open Access Programme is entirely self-funded. Applicants must pay the full tuition fees without any government subsidies or financial aid. This is explicitly stated: "Applicants who choose this route must note that they are required to pay the full tuition fees without any government subsidies or financial aid that would typically be available through the UPU route."

The Open Access Programme differs in:

Admission Pathway - Alternative to the centralized UPU system
Funding - Self-funded (no government subsidy)
Flexibility - Can apply directly to UTeM after UPU appeal process closes (local) or anytime (international)
Target Group - For students narrowly missing UPU offers, international students, and those seeking flexible timelines
Academic Quality - Same high-quality UTeM curriculum and teaching standards as mainstream programmes
Diversity - Brings together local and international students

However, the academic content, standards, and final qualifications are equivalent to mainstream programmes.

The Offshore Programme is an academic initiative that brings UTeM's curriculum and teaching expertise to Learning Centres outside Melaka. Through this programme, students can pursue selected UTeM academic programmes at off-campus Learning Centres in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Pulau Pinang, and Sabah while enjoying the same learning standards, assessments, and academic integrity as students at UTeM. Upon completion of their studies, students are awarded internationally recognized Malaysian qualifications.

Contact: Offshore Programme office at +606 229 2062

APEL stands for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning. It is a systematic process that recognizes and accredits learning acquired through formal, non-formal, or informal means—such as work experience, training, courses, workshops, or self-directed learning. APEL provides alternative pathways for individuals to gain formal recognition of their prior learning and experience, which can be used to accelerate their studies and reduce costs.

The key benefits of APEL are:

• Recognition of Prior Learning – Formally acknowledges knowledge, skills, and experience gained through work, training, or self-learning.
• Faster Completion – Reduces course requirements for graduation, allowing students to complete their studies in a shorter time.
• Cost-Effective – Reduces overall tuition fees by granting exemptions through credit awards.
• Encourages Lifelong Learning – Motivates continuous upskilling and professional development.
• Enhances Career Progression – Provides formal recognition that strengthens professional credibility.
• Flexible & Inclusive – Offers access to higher education for individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially working adults.

APEL C stands for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Credit Award. It allows individuals to earn academic credits based on their prior learning experiences, such as work experience, training, or informal learning.

Eligibility: Individuals with relevant work experience, skills, or prior learning that align with the learning outcomes of courses offered by UTeM are eligible to apply for APEL C. Applicants should possess competencies and experience that are directly related to the courses for which they wish to claim credit.

APEL C Costs

The costs for APEL C are structured in two stages:

Processing Fee

• RM60.00 per course (payable before submitting the self-assessment form).

Application Fee

• The application fee varies according to the programme level and is based on the higher of:
  • RM80.00 per credit, or
  • 50% of the original course fee.

Examples by Programme Level

• Bachelor's Degree (Local): RM80.00 per credit or 50% of the original course fee.
• Bachelor's Degree (International, Non-Engineering): RM111.00 per credit or 50% of the original course fee.
• Bachelor's Degree (International, Engineering): RM125.00 per credit or 50% of the original course fee.
• Master's Degree by Coursework (Local): RM200.00 per credit or 50% of the original course fee.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Local): RM150.00 per credit or 50% of the original course fee.
• Doctor of Technology Management (DTM) (Local): RM256.00 per credit or 50% of the original course fee.

Important Note
The maximum credit that can be awarded through APEL C is 30% of the total programme credits. Approved APEL C credits do not automatically reduce semester fees, as the final fees payable depend on the number of credits registered in each semester.

APEL C Eligibility for Courses

APEL C is available for credit transfer towards courses offered under UTeM's diploma and degree programmes, including:

• Engineering programmes

• Engineering Technology programmes

• Computer Science programmes

• Technology Management programmes

• Diploma programmes in various engineering and technology disciplines

For a complete list of eligible courses, applicants are advised to refer to the List of Courses page or contact the APEL Centre directly for further information.