AQF Overview
Australian Qualifications Framework
AQF — Australia's Most Authoritative Qualification Framework
The AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) is Australia's national policy for regulated qualifications, covering the entire education system from schools to university.
Established in 1995, the AQF is a national policy that links courses and qualifications into a unified system, setting the standards for each qualification level under government supervision.
10 AQF Levels Overview
The 10 Levels of AQF
The AQF is the cornerstone of Australian education quality. It consists of 10 levels, with difficulty and depth progressively increasing from 1 to 10, clearly structured and interconnected.
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
Certificate I
Certificate I
Certificate II
Certificate II
Certificate III
Certificate III
Certificate IV
Certificate IV
Diploma
Diploma
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Honours / Graduate Cert / Graduate Dip
Honours Bachelor / Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma
Masters Degree
Master's Degree
Coursework / Research / Extended
Doctoral Degree
Doctoral Degree
Level Details & Duration
Detailed Breakdown of AQF Levels
International students can flexibly transition between AQF stages. Once their qualifications are recognized, they can freely choose suitable courses and pathways. Below is a breakdown of the core focus and study duration by level.
AQF Level 1-4
Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions (like TAFE) offer Certificate I-IV courses to help students gradually master theoretical and practical skills, applicable for entry-level jobs, specific fields, or further studies.
AQF Level 5
The Diploma focuses on application in specific fields, developing the ability to apply professional theories, take independent responsibility, and perform complex technical operations in various contexts.
AQF Level 6
The Advanced Diploma trains students to perform complex analysis, planning, and design in professional fields, equipping them with broad technical or managerial skills.
The Associate Degree is for students who have completed high school or equivalent, developing professional knowledge and skills with an emphasis on planning, problem-solving, and collaborative responsibility.
AQF Level 7
The Bachelor Degree consists of major and elective courses, developing analytical and problem-solving skills, and serves as the foundational qualification for entering specialized professional fields.
AQF Level 8
The Bachelor Honours Degree is based on practice or a thesis, combining research content to prepare for further studies, and usually requires an additional year.
The Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma expands on skills acquired at the undergraduate level or provides vocational skills in a new field, serving as a pathway to postgraduate studies.
AQF Level 9
The Masters Degree (Coursework) is primarily taught, with students earning credits through courses, seminars, and exams, and obtaining the degree after completing a dissertation or final examination.
The Masters Degree (Research) focuses on academic research, combining teaching with supervisor guidance, to make a research contribution to a specific field.
The Masters Degree (Extended) places a greater emphasis on professional practical skills, commonly found in fields such as law, medicine, engineering, and social work.
AQF Level 10
The Doctoral Degree is the highest level in the AQF, typically taking 3-4 years. Applicants must hold a Bachelor Honours degree or a qualifying Master's degree.
Consultation & Help
Want to know more about the AQF?
If you plan to study, work, or immigrate to Australia, the AQF is a key reference. Feel free to contact us for more information.