The Australian Qualifications Framework
The Australian Qualifications Network (AQF) is a national system of learning pathways covering 12 different qualifications which links schools, Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutes and universities.
The AQF allows students to move between levels of study and institutions so long as they satisfy student visa requirements. Students can also receive credit toward a qualification for knowledge and skills gained through previous study, training, work and life experiences.
The majority of courses and training undertaken by international students studying in Australia on a student visa are covered by the AQF.
These include:
The remaining courses are registered with the Australian government and do not form part of the AQF.
These include:
These courses assist students to meet the entry requirements for further study or may lead to further study resulting in an AQF qualification.
SCHOOL COURSES
There are two categories of schools in Australia - public (government funded) and private schools. Schooling in Australia begins with a preparatory year followed by 12 years of primary and secondary school.
| Qualification: |
Secondary School Certificate of Education (SSCE). |
| Length of study: |
2 years full time, after year 10 of secondary school (age: 16 -18 years old). |
SSCE is essentially a stepping-stone for candidates aspiring to enter universities and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutes, as well as a pathway for direct entry into jobs which do not require any further education.
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VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET) COURSES
Vocational institutions (technical colleges) are closely linked with industry which means the courses are very practical and skill based. This training is provided at Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes, which are government owned, or at privately operated institutions.
| Qualification: |
Certificates I, II, III, IV |
| Length of study: |
6 months - 1 year, full time. |
Academic entrance
requirements: |
- Secondary School - minimum completion of year 10;
- or relevant work experience.
|
Average cost of
study per year: |
US$3,500 - US$5,000 |
Certificates I and II are qualifications which recognise the students' basic vocational skills and knowledge while Certificates III and IV are the equivalent of trade certificates in various vocations. These prepare students for both employment and further education and training in their chosen field.
| Qualification: |
Diploma/Advanced Diploma |
| Length of study: |
1 - 3 years, full time. |
Academic entrance
requirements: |
- Secondary School Certificate of Education or equivalent from your own country;
- and/or relevant employment experience.
|
Average cost of
study per year: |
US$3,500 - US$5,000 |
These Diplomas prepare students for applying their skills and knowledge based on fundamental principles and complex techniques. These qualifications recognise capacity for initiative and judgment across a broad range of technical and management functions. The Advanced Diploma is a more specialised qualification that signifies skill and knowledge of a greater complexity and a higher level of personal accountability.
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HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES (University)
There are 38 public (government funded) universities and 2 private universities in Australia.
| Qualification: |
Bachelor Degree |
| Length of study: |
3 - 4 years, full time. |
Academic entrance
requirements: |
- Secondary School Certificate of Education or equivalent from your own country;
- or Bridging/Foundation courses;
- or Diploma/Advanced Diploma.
|
Average cost of
study per year: |
US$6,000 - US$9,000. |
The Bachelor Degree prepares students for professional careers and postgraduate study. There are many other options within the degree program which could require more or fewer years of study, depending on the student's academic and professional goals. Here are some examples:
| Qualification: |
Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma |
| Length of study: |
6 months/1 year, full time. |
Academic entrance
requirements: |
- Bachelor Degree;
- or Advanced Diploma
- and/or relevant employment experience.
|
Average cost of
study per year: |
US$6,000 - US$10,000 |
Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are generally designed for specific vocational purposes, either for broadening of skills and knowledge already gained in an undergraduate program, or for vocational skills and knowledge in a new professional area.
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MASTERS/DOCTORAL COURSES (University)
| Qualification: |
Master Degree |
| Length of study: |
1 - 2 years, full time. |
Academic entrance
requirements: |
- 3 year Bachelor Degree;
- or Combined Bachelor Degree;
- or Bachelor Degree with Honours;
- or Graduate Diploma;
- and/or relevant employment experience.
|
Average cost of
study per year: |
US$6,000 - US$10,000 |
The Master Degree involves enhancing specific provides a mastery of a relevant field of study or area of professional practice.
Various options for a Master Degree include:
- the course work Master Degree program, which comprises of course work, project work and research in varying combinations, with entry from Bachelor or Bachelor Honours Degree or a Graduate Diploma.
- the research based Master Degree program, which comprises of at least two-thirds research with a substantial, often externally assessed thesis outcome. Minimum admission requirement is a Bachelor Honours Degree or Masters preliminary year, a research-based Graduate Diploma or equivalent research experience.
- the professional Master Degree program involves a work-based project, with entry from a relevant qualification and professional experience, or extensive relevant professional experience.
| Qualification: |
Doctoral Degree |
| Length of study: |
3 - 4 years, full time. |
Academic entrance
requirements: |
- Master Degree;
- and/or relevant employment experience in field of study.
|
Average cost of
study per year: |
US$7,000 - US$12,000 |
The PhD, or Doctoral Degree is the highest award offered by Australian universities. It recognises a substantial original contribution to knowledge in the form of new knowledge or significant and original adaptation, application and interpretation of existing knowledge.
There is a choice of either a Research Doctorate, which is primarily achieved through supervised research, with entry from a research or part-research Masters Degree, or a Bachelor Honours Degree (First or Second Class, upper division), or a Professional Doctorate, which may be undertaken through varying combinations of course work and research. The latter requires significant professional practice, either prior to, or during the program.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS COURSES
| Length of study: |
Varies, depending on English competency level. |
Academic entrance
requirements: |
No entrance requirements. |
International students who need to improve their English language skills - speaking, writing, and reading in order to meet the English language proficiency requirements of their desired course of study, may undertake an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS). These short courses are offered at a range of universities, Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutes and private English language centres throughout Australia.
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NON-AWARD FOUNDATION COURSES
| Length of study: |
Up to one year. |
Academic entrance
requirements: |
- Completed/near completed Secondary School Certificate of Education from your own country;
- and appropriate standard of written and spoken English.
|
The Non-Award Foundation course prepares international students whose academic background does not meet the minimum academic requirements for entry into a university undergraduate course.
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