Your Questions Answered
Find answers to the most common questions about SHW's programmes, admission, accreditation, and study format. Can't find what you need? Contact us directly.
Performance-Based Admission (PBA)
PBA is WOOLF's alternative admission pathway — allowing candidates to demonstrate academic readiness through actual coursework, rather than prior qualifications alone.
Performance-Based Admission (PBA) is an alternative entry pathway for candidates who may not meet the standard academic eligibility requirements for a programme but demonstrate the potential to succeed. Rather than relying solely on prior qualifications, PBA allows you to enrol in courses and build an academic record — proving your readiness through actual coursework performance. Successful PBA students transition to full degree enrolment once specific performance criteria are met. Degrees obtained through PBA carry the same accreditation and value as those earned via standard admission.
PBA is designed for candidates who do not hold a traditional bachelor's degree or whose prior qualifications do not meet standard entry requirements, but who can demonstrate the ability to succeed at postgraduate level through their coursework. This includes:
- Professionals with significant relevant work experience
- Senior managers and executives without formal degrees
- Candidates with non-EU qualifications not yet formally recognised
- Those holding professional certifications (CPA, CFA, etc.) but no academic degree
- Candidates who prefer to demonstrate capability through study rather than portfolio review alone
- Enrol under PBA status: You are admitted to the programme provisionally as a Performance-Based Admission student.
- Complete coursework: You begin your studies and build an academic record through actual programme modules.
- Meet performance criteria: To transition to full matriculation you must complete a minimum of 200 hours of coursework (or 20% of the total degree workload, whichever is lesser) and maintain a GPA of 80% or higher.
- Full degree enrolment: Once the criteria are satisfied you are fully matriculated and proceed to complete your degree as a standard student.
PBA is available for all programmes with a minimum workload of 200 hours.
Yes. Degrees obtained through PBA hold exactly the same accreditation and value as those earned via standard admission or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). There is no distinction on the certificate or transcript — you graduate with the same European-accredited qualification from WOOLF University.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal process by which prior formal learning (academic qualifications, professional certifications) or informal/non-formal learning (work-based learning, self-study) is evaluated and, where appropriate, credited towards your programme. RPL can reduce your programme duration, exempt you from certain modules, or satisfy entry requirements.
A wide range of credentials may be considered for RPL, including:
- Non-EU university degrees or diplomas
- Professional qualifications (CPA, CFA, CIMA, Solicitor's qualification, etc.)
- Vocational and technical qualifications at an appropriate level
- Significant in-house or organisational training programmes
- Prior postgraduate coursework not leading to a completed degree
RPL is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Accreditation & Global Recognition
Yes. SHW is an affiliated college of WOOLF University, which is accredited by Malta's Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Malta is a member of the European Union, and MFHEA is Malta's national quality assurance body for higher education — equivalent to bodies like the QAA in the UK or ACQUIN in Germany. WOOLF degrees are recognised within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) framework.
WOOLF is a global collegiate university that connects affiliated colleges under a shared European accreditation framework, inspired by the collegiate model of Oxford and Cambridge universities. WOOLF is headquartered in Malta and holds formal accreditation from MFHEA. SHW is one of WOOLF's affiliated colleges, meaning SHW students receive their degrees through WOOLF's accredited framework. More information is available at woolf.university.
International recognition depends on the specific country and institution in question. European accreditation (via MFHEA and the EHEA framework) provides a strong basis for recognition in many countries. We recommend verifying recognition requirements in your specific country before enrolling. Our advisors can help you research this. Many of our students have successfully used SHW degrees for career advancement internationally.
Tuition Fees & Payment
Tuition fees vary by programme, duration, and individual circumstances. We do not publish a one-size-fits-all price because each student's situation is different (RPL credits, payment plan, agency partnership, etc.). Please contact our study advisors for a personalised, transparent fee quotation with no hidden costs.
Yes. SHW offers flexible instalment payment plans so that tuition fees can be spread over time rather than paid as a lump sum. Details will be discussed during your consultation and set out clearly in your enrolment agreement.
Yes. SHW has a network of registered education agencies and partnerships. If you are applying through a registered agency, fees and processes may differ slightly. Please contact us directly or ask your agent to get in touch with our partnership team.
Study Format & How It Works
All learning at SHW is delivered online. You receive access to a virtual learning environment where course materials, reading lists, assessment tasks, and supervisor communications are managed. There are no fixed lecture times — you study at a pace and schedule that suits you, within agreed submission deadlines. Supervision meetings are held via video call (typically monthly for doctoral students).
Yes — in fact, this is the norm at SHW. The majority of our students are working professionals who study part-time alongside their careers. Programme durations of 12–24 months (for master's) and 3–4 years (for doctoral) reflect this part-time study model. You are not expected to study full-time.
All SHW programmes are taught entirely in English. You will read, write, and be assessed in English. A strong working knowledge of English is required for admission. Non-native English speakers may be asked to demonstrate language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or equivalent), though this is assessed case by case.
SHW offers rolling admissions — there are no fixed intake dates like traditional universities. Once your application is approved and enrolment is complete, you can begin your programme. This flexibility means you are not waiting for a September or January start; you can begin as soon as you are ready.