Australian qualifications
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) was designed by the Australian Government to make sure that Australian qualifications are the same throughout the country and that they represent the same high standard of education.
AQF qualifications by education sector
International students and the AQF
Comparisons between overseas qualifications and AQF qualifications
What is the AQF?
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) regulates all Australian qualifications, providing clear rules on the level of education each qualification title represents and must provide.
Each qualification generally leads into the next qualification up the education framework. Having a system that is standard across the whole country makes it easier for people to continue their education as there is a clear pathway to follow. It also makes transferring between different states/territories and universities much easier as there is no confusion caused by differing qualification titles and education levels.
AQF qualifications by education sector
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Schools sector |
Vocational Education and Training (VET) |
Higher education sector |
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Senior Secondary Certificate of Education |
Vocational Graduate Diploma |
Doctoral Degree |
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VET in Schools |
Vocational Graduate Certificate |
Masters Degree |
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Advanced Diploma |
Graduate Diploma |
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Diploma |
Graduate Certificate |
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Certificate IV |
Bachelor Degree |
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Certificate III |
Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma |
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Certificate II |
Diploma |
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Certificate I |
In addition to these qualifications, the AQF includes a Statement of Attainment that is issued when only part of a qualification is completed. It is a formal record of completion of part of an AQF qualification.
International students and the AQF
The AQF has advantages for international students. It makes course searches much easier as the qualification titles are the same throughout Australia. This means that you can focus on finding the best course and university for your needs, without also having to spend time looking into what each qualification title means. In addition, international students who complete a qualification within the AQF will easily be able to understand the entrance requirements for higher qualifications; for example, from undergraduate to postgraduate study.
The AQF also contributes to the worldwide recognition of Australian qualifications, as it is easy for other countries to understand what level of education each Australian qualification represents.
There are a limited number of courses that are not part of the AQF but are also available to international students. These courses, foundation and bridging courses for example, are designed to help students meet course entry requirements or to lead to further study resulting in an AQF qualification. See the foundation studies page for more information.
Comparisons between overseas qualifications and AQF qualifications
To find out if your home country qualification satisfies entrance requirements for an Australian course you will need to ask your chosen education provider(s). There is more information on international qualification recognition at http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition .
Quality assurance
A number of regulations and laws are in place to ensure the quality and consistency of Australia’s international education sector. Australia has a national quality assurance system that is strictly governed by both government and industry.
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 requires education providers that offer courses to international students to meet nationally consistent standards in education quality, facilities and services. The Act therefore ensures that international students receive the same standard of education as Australian students.
In addition, education providers that wish to offer courses to international students must be registered with the Australian Government under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Registration with CRICOS requires institutions to demonstrate that their qualifications meet Australian standards.
Note: international students should carefully check the CRICOS website, http://cricos.dest.gov.au , to make sure that courses they are interested in enrolling in are registered.
Further information
Private colleges that offer higher education must be registered with the AQF as eligible to offer higher education qualifications. The AQF Register lists all courses and providers that are currently registered at www.aqf.edu.au/register.htm .
A listing of all vocational education qualifications that are recognised by the AQF can be found on the National Training Information Service website at www.ntis.gov.au .
Further information on AQF qualifications, the AQF Register and learning pathways, together with direct links to other relevant websites, is available on the AQF website at www.aqf.edu.au .
The information in the above article is based on the AQF website.