The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a quality assured national framework of qualifications in the school, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education sectors in Australia.

The Framework links together all these qualifications and is a highly visible, quality-assured national system of educational recognition which promotes lifelong learning and a seamless and diverse education and training system.

Purpose Objectives AQF Qualifications Pathways

Review of the AQF Issuance Policy

The AQF Council has identified that the existing issuance policy - Issuing a Qualification - detailed in the AQF Implementation Handbook, needs to be reviewed to improve the clarity of information provided about AQF qualifications. More information can be found on the Projects pages. Stakeholder views are sought on the draft policy - Qualification Issuance Policy and Protocols. The consultation period has formally closed and feedback is being integrated into the draft policy. Any further comments can be emailed to the Secretariat.

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AQF National Register

AQF Handbook

The AQF Handbook provides a detailed guide for the implementation of the Australian Qualifications Framework. It should be read in conjunction with documents issued by accrediting bodies.

Learn More View the Handbook

What's New

Strengthening the AQF project

In May 2009 the AQF Council released the consultation paper Strengthening the AQF: A Proposal for comment. The next phase of the project, Strengthening the AQF: An Architecture for Australia's Qualifications consultation paper was released in October 2009. The two papers should be read together to obtain a complete understanding of the rationale and evidence base for the project.

The AQF Council has released a report that analyses the stakeholder feedback on the initial Proposal.

Work is now underway to revise the levels criteria and qualifications descriptors during November and December 2009, followed by a testing process during the early part of 2010. Please contact the Secretariat if you would like to be involved in the testing process.

Further information about the project is available on the Projects page.

AQF Council Newsletter

Click here for the latest edition. Previous editions are available here.