Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Levels
Choosing Australia as a study destination offers lots of perks, ranging from spectacular views to a multicultural society and a remarkable education system. It also offers a broad range of courses that are recognised all around the world.
For international students, it can be hard to understand the country’s qualification system, so here is a brief overview of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF Lelvels).
1. What is the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)?
The educational qualification standards in Australia are defined by the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) and is nationally managed by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry. The AQF aims to ensure that the qualification titles are consistent across the country and represent high education standard.
This standardised system makes it easier for students to continue their education in Australia as it provides a clear path to follow. Also, similar education levels and qualification titles throughout the country allows students to easily transfer from one university to the another.
2. The ten AQF levels are:
| AQF level | Qualification type |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Certificate I |
| Level 2 | Certificate II |
| Level 3 | Certificate III |
| Level 4 | Certificate IV |
| Level 5 | Diploma |
| Level 6 |
Advanced diploma Associate degree |
| Level 7 | Bachelor degree |
| Level 8 |
Bachelor Honours Degree Vocational Graduate Certificate Vocational Graduate Diploma Graduate Certificate Graduate Diploma |
| Level 9 |
Masters degree (research) Masters degree (coursework) Masters degree (extended) |
| Level 10 |
Doctoral degree Higher doctoral degree |
3. AQF by Education Sector
The AQF categorises the qualifications according to the three main educational sectors in Australia that are responsible for their accreditation.
| Schools Sector | VET Sector | Higher Education Sector |
|---|---|---|
|
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education |
Certificate I Certificate II Certificate III Certificate IV Diploma Advanced Graduate certificate Vocational graduate diploma |
Diploma Advanced diploma Associate degree Bachelor degree Bachelor honours degree Graduate certificate Graduate diploma Masters degree Doctoral degree |
Note:
-
VET is mostly offered in the school sector.
-
The higher education sector consists of two qualifications - the undergraduate and the postgraduate.
-
Undergraduate qualifications include bachelor degrees and deliver education for entering into a professional career.
-
Postgraduate qualifications include the graduate diplomas/certificate, masters degree and doctoral degrees.
-
Both qualifications (undergraduate and postgraduate) offer a highly professional study level, allowing students to enhance their knowledge in a specific field.
4. The AQF Objectives
-
Accommodates the diversity of training for both now and in the future.
-
Supports nationally consistent and relevant qualification outcomes and contributes to national economic performance.
-
Develops, maintains and supports various pathways that provide access to qualifications and help students to easily move from one education and training sector to the other.
-
Provides the foundation for students to advance through education and receive recognition for their previous learning experiences.
-
Offers national regulatory and quality assurance arrangements for training and education purposes in Australia.
-
Assists with the national and international mobility of workers and graduates by increased recognition of Australian qualifications .
-
Aligns with the international education frameworks and standards.
AQF helps international students to easily find appropriate courses. There are the same qualification titles in every state and territory of Australia, which means you can devote more time on finding the right institution depending on your needs and interest.
The AQF in Australia represents world-renowned education in the technologically advanced and modern society. This allows students to build their career in a chosen field in Australia or elsewhere in the world.
Useful Topics to Explore: