Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)
The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) sets out the standards of education and qualifications across Australia. It incorporates all qualifications across every education sector into one policy framework. The AQF aims to provide a flexible, nationally consistent and high-quality framework that benefits all students in tertiary study in Australia.
The Australian Qualification Framework spans all areas of education and training in Australia, such as :
- Schools
- VET Providers
- TAFEs
- Universities
The Framework is structured around levels of descriptive criteria, with formal qualifications aligned to the appropriate levels.
| AQF Level | Description summaries | Qualifications | Time |
| Level 1 | Graduates at this level will have knowledge and skills for initial work, community involvement, and/or further learning. | Certificate I | 0.5 to 1 year |
| Level 2 | Graduates at this level will have knowledge and skills for work in a defined context and/or further learning. | Certificate II | 0.5 to 1 year |
| Level 3 | Graduates at this level will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for work and/or further learning. | Certificate III | 1 to 2 years |
| Level 4 | Graduates at this level will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for specialized and/or skilled work and/or further learning. | Certificate IV | 0.5 to 2 years |
| Level 5 | Graduates at this level will have specialized knowledge and skills for skilled/paraprofessional work and/or further learning. | Diploma | 1 to 2 years |
| Level 6 | Graduates at this level will have broad knowledge and skills for paraprofessional/highly skilled work and/or further learning. | Associate degree
Advanced diploma |
2 years
1.5 to 2 years |
| Level 7 | Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning. | Bachelor degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Level 8 | Graduates at this level will have advanced knowledge and skills for professional/highly skilled work and/or further learning. | Graduate Diploma
Graduate certificate Bachelor honors degree |
0.5 to 1 year
0.5 to 1 year 1 year |
| Level 9 | Graduates at this level will have specialized knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice, and/or further learning. | Masters degree (extended)
Masters degree (coursework) Masters degree (research) |
3 to 4 years
1 to 2 years 1 to 2 years |
| Level 10 | Graduates at this level will have a systematic and critical understanding of a complex field of learning and specialized research skills for the advancement of learning and/or for professional practice. | Doctoral degree | 3 to 4 years |
We help you to browse different level of courses including:
- Short courses
- TAFE courses
- University courses
- Certificate II, Certificate III, Diploma, and Certificate IV courses
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