Australian Qualifications Framework
If you don't know the difference between an advanced diploma and a degree, there’s no need to stress. The great thing about Australia’s education system is that it has a structured framework of accredited qualifications, which you can use to make sense of each of the qualification levels.
What is the AQF?
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) regulates all Australian qualifications and officially defines the level of education that each qualification title represents. Each qualification generally leads into the next qualification (see below) in the education framework.
Having a nationally standardised system makes it easier for students to pursue their education, as there is a clear pathway to follow. It also makes transferring between different states and territories or universities much easier, as there is no confusion caused by differing qualification titles and education levels.
The AQF is made up of ten levels:
| 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 | Vocational degree Bachelor degree |
| Level 8 | Bachelor honours degree Graduate certificate Graduate diploma |
| Level 9 | Masters degree (research) Masters degree (coursework) Masters degree (extended) |
| Level 10 | Doctoral degree Higher doctoral degree |
AQF aims
The AQF aims to:- provide nationally consistent recognition of outcomes achieved in post-compulsory education
- help with developing flexible pathways that assist people to move more easily between education and training sectors and the labour market by providing a basis for recognition of prior learning, including credit transfer and experience
- promote national and international recognition of qualifications offered in Australia
- standardise credit arrangements for students progressing to higher qualification levels or changing institutions, although credit needs to be negotiated with the individual institution.
Quality assurance
Accredited courses undergo a government-administered process of review, either directly through relevant authorities or indirectly through universities that are appointed 'self-accrediting' entities.
Private colleges must register with the AQF to be eligible to offer higher education qualifications.
A list of all registered courses and providers; further information on AQF qualifications and learning pathways; and direct links to other relevant websites can be found on the AQF website.
You can find a list of all recognised Registered Training Organisations, accredited courses and training packages on the training.gov.au website.