Australian Qualification Framework
The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) is a system of seventeen national qualifications in 3 sectors:
|
Schools Sector |
Vocational and Technical Education sector (TAFE and Private providers) |
Higher Education Sector (Mainly Universities) |
|---|---|---|
|
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education * |
Vocational Graduate Diploma |
Doctoral Degree |
|
|
Vocational Graduate Certificate |
Masters Degree |
|
|
Advanced Diploma |
Graduate Diploma |
|
|
Diploma |
Graduate Certificate |
|
|
Certificate IV |
Bachelor Degree |
|
|
Certificate III |
Associate Degree |
|
|
Certificate II |
Advanced Diploma |
|
|
Certificate I |
Diploma |
(*)Certificate name varies in each State of Australia
A qualification normally offered in one sector may be provided by an institution in a different sector.
Some courses are not recorded on the AQF, even though they offer excellent education and outcomes. For example:
- Many English language courses (ELICOS);
- Some foundation courses;
- Non-award programs.
The AQF is important since it:
- Provides students with a clear structure for the level of each qualification;
- Allows students to build their qualifications from lower to higher levels;
- Allows one education institution to clearly understand the level of a qualification awarded by another and provide appropriate credit;
- Determines the student visa subclass that a student receives when they study in Australia.