The Australian Government designed the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) to ensure that qualification titles across the country are consistent and represent the same high standards of education.

What is the AQF?

The AQF regulates all Australian qualifications and provides clear rules on the level of education each qualification title represents. Each qualification generally leads into the next qualification down the list (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/territories and universities much easier as there is no confusion caused by differing qualification titles and education levels. In addition to these qualifications, the AQF issues a Statement of Attainment when a student completes only part of a qualification.

AQF qualifications by education sector

In addition to these qualifications, the AQF includes a Statement of Attainment that is issued when only part of a qualification is completed. It is a formal record of completion of part of an AQF qualification.

International students and the AQF

The AQF has advantages for international students. It makes course searches much easier as the qualification titles are the same throughout Australia. This means that you can focus on finding the best course and university for your needs, without also having to spend time looking into what each qualification title means. International students who complete a qualification within the AQF will be able to understand the entrance requirements for higher qualifications, for example if they want to progress from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

The AQF also contributes to the worldwide recognition of Australian qualifications, as it is easy for other countries to understand what level of education each Australian qualification represents. There are a limited number of courses that are not part of the AQF but are also available to international students.

Courses like foundation and bridging courses are designed to help students meet course entry requirements or gain entry to further study resulting in an AQF qualification. See the foundation studies page for more information.

Comparisons between overseas qualifications and AQF qualifications

To find out if your home country qualification satisfies entrance requirements for an Australian course you will need to ask your education provider. There is more information on international qualification recognition here.

Quality assurance

A number of regulations and laws are in place to ensure the quality and consistency of Australia’s international education sector. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 requires institutions that offer courses to international students to meet nationally consistent standards in education quality, facilities and services. The Act ensures that international students receive the same standard of education as Australian students.

In addition, institutions that wish to offer education to international students must register with the Australian Government under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Registration with CRICOS requires institutions to demonstrate that their qualifications meet Australian standards.

Note: international students should carefully check the CRICOS website to make sure that courses they are interested in enrolling in are registered.

Further information

Private colleges must register with the AQF to be eligible to offer higher education qualifications.

The AQF lists all registered courses and providers at www.aqf.edu.au.

You can find a list of all vocational education qualifications recognised by the AQF on the National Training Information Service website.

Further information on AQF qualifications, the AQF Register and learning pathways, together with direct links to other relevant websites, is available on the AQF website.

he information in the above article is based on the AQF website.