The Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a system of seventeen national qualifications that assists students to plan their careers and learning. AQF qualifications allow both domestic and international students to start at the level that suits them best and allows them to progress to higher awards according to their interests and abilities. 

The AQF is important as it:
o  provides a clear structure for the level of each qualification,
o  allows students to build their qualifications from lower to higher levels,
o  allows one education institution to clearly undestand the level of a qualification awarded by 
   another and provide appropriate credit,
o  corresponds  to the student visa subclass that a student receives when they study in Australia,
o  is endorsed by all Australian governments and is therefore recognised around Australia 
   and by other countries.    

Australian qualifications are grouped according to educational sector in which they are most commonly issued: 

School Sector Accreditation

Senior Secondary Certificate of Education

Vocational Education and Training Sector Accreditation

Vocational Graduage Diploma
Vocational Graduate Diploma


Advanced Diploma

Diploma
Certificate  IV
Certiicate III
Certificate  II
Certificate I

Higher Education Sector Accreditation

Doctoral Degree
Masters Degree
Graduate Diploma
Graduate Certificate
Bachelor Degree
Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma
Diploma