Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national policy that regulates qualifications in the Australian education and training system. It ensures that qualifications across different education sectors, such as schools, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education, are consistent and of high quality.
The AQF aims to ensure the quality, consistency, and portability of qualifications both within Australia and internationally.
The AQF aims to:
- Standardize qualifications across all education sectors (school, vocational, and higher education).
- Promote national and international recognition of Australian qualifications.
- Facilitate pathways for lifelong learning, enabling progression between qualification levels and institutions.
- Ensure qualifications meet the needs of individuals, industries, and the economy.
This enables easy comparison of different qualifications at different levels across different institutions and allows students to move easily between levels of study and institutions if needed, receiving credit for previous study.
The AQF ensures that qualifications are standardized across Australia, making it easier for students to move between different education sectors and for employers to understand the qualifications.
Types of Qualifications in the AQF
The AQF encompasses qualifications from multiple education sectors:
- Vocational Education and Training (VET): Includes certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas.
- Higher Education: Includes undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees).
- Senior Secondary Schooling: Includes the completion of Year 12 or equivalent schooling, which is not strictly part of the AQF, but is a pathway to higher levels.
AQF Levels
The AQF outlines 10 levels of qualifications, from basic certificates to doctoral degrees. Each level has specific requirements regarding knowledge, skills, and application. Generally certificates I to IV (AQF Levels 1 to 4) are classified as vocational, while associate degrees through doctoral degrees (AQF levels 6 to 10) are classified as higher education. AQF level 5 diplomas and level 6 advanced diplomas can be considered as either vocational or higher education, though in practice most are taught in the vocational education sector.
Each qualification level is associated with specific learning outcomes, which describe what students will know, understand, and be able to do after completing the qualification. The AQF uses these outcomes to measure a graduate’s capabilities and ensure consistency in the educational process.
| AQF Level | Qualification | Examples | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certificate I | Basic vocational skills training | 3–6 months |
| 2 | Certificate II | Entry-level job skills | 6–12 months |
| 3 | Certificate III | Trade skills or entry-level technical | 1 year |
| 4 | Certificate IV | Advanced trade or technical skills | 6–18 months |
| 5 | Diploma | Paraprofessional qualifications | 1–2 years |
| 6 | Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree | Advanced technical or theoretical skills | 1.5–2 years |
| 7 | Bachelor’s Degree | Undergraduate education | 3–4 years |
| 8 | Bachelor’s Honours/Graduate Diploma | Specialized or research training | 1 year (additional) |
| 9 | Master’s Degree | Advanced theoretical/research skills | 1–2 years |
| 10 | Doctoral Degree | Independent research and contribution | 3–4 years |
AQF qualifications are recognized by educational institutions, employers, and governments both within Australia and internationally. This recognition allows for the transfer of qualifications and credits, facilitating student mobility, career progression, and further education.
AQF Pathways
The AQF also promotes pathways for students to move between different levels of study and qualifications. For example, a student may complete a Certificate IV in a vocational area and then transition into a bachelor’s degree in the same field. Similarly, a graduate from a bachelor’s degree can pursue further education with a graduate certificate or diploma.
How It Works in Practice
- If you’re an international student looking to study in Australia, the AQF ensures that the qualification you earn will be recognized both within Australia and internationally. Each educational program and qualification is clearly mapped to a level in the AQF, so you know what to expect in terms of learning outcomes and recognition.
- If you’re an employer or a recruiter, you can use the AQF to better understand the qualifications of potential candidates, knowing that qualifications from recognized Australian institutions will align with the national framework.