AQF
In Australia, you experience a unique kind of education – a learning style that encourages innovative, creative, independent thinking. You build skills to give you an advantage – Academically, Personally, Creatively and Professionally.
The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
The AQF is a national system established by the Australian Government that links courses and qualifications. It covers University, Vocational Education and Training, and School education.
The AQF allows you to move easily from one level of study to the next and from one institution to another as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It gives you flexibility in career planning and encourages you to continue learning to help you through any career and lifestyle changes you make in your life.
The AQF provides guidelines for assessment and accreditation of qualifications such as Diplomas and Degrees. For example, you can seek credit towards a qualification for the knowledge and skills you gained through previous study, training, work and life experience. Once you establish the status of your existing qualifications, you can choose from appropriate level courses anywhere in Australia. Even if you partially complete an AQF qualification you are issued a Statement of Attainment.
The AQF comprises thirteen national qualifications issued in:
- Secondary schools
- Vocational education and training institutions.
- Higher education institutions (mainly universities).
The diagram below groups the AQF qualifications according to the schools, vocational or higher education institutions that commonly issue the qualifications. The diagram also shows typical learning pathways and links to more information – you can reach this by clicking on each qualification.
Some AQF qualifications are offered by more than one type of institution. For example:
- Both universities and vocational education and training institutions offer Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, and Bachelors Degree.
- Vocational education and training institutions, usually in association with universities, may offer degrees, Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas.
- Study for AQF qualifications may help a student in achieving articulation into internationally-recognised certifications or accreditations. These certifications or accreditations are usually industry specific.
Foundation Studies or Bridging courses
Foundation Studies or Bridging courses help students meet entry requirements for further study or may lead to further study that will result in an AQF qualification.
English language training courses
There are also wide ranges of English language training courses, which help students improve their English proficiency, meet the standard for further study.