The AQF Council has a policy role rather than an operational function in implementation of the AQF. The extensive quality assurance processes that underpin AQF qualifications are the responsibility of each of the sectors.
Further information about the quality assurance systems can be found in the document The AQF and Quality Assurance Processes in Australian Education and Training.
The following links to the external quality assurance mechanisms in each of the three sectors (Schools, Vocational Education and Training and Higher Education) reflect the tri-sector model on which the AQF is largely based.
Schools
Government statutory bodies in each State and Territory issue senior secondary certificates of education which meet the requirements for this qualification under the AQF. The statutory authorities are responsible for the integrity, credibility and authenticity of the qualification. The national agency (ACACA) has developed national guidelines for assessment quality and equity, and a set of national principles for assessment and certification.
Vocational Education and Training
The Australian Quality Training Framework was introduced in 2002 and revised in 2007 after endorsement by training Ministers across Australia. AQTF 2007 includes national sets of standards to assure nationally consistent, high-quality training and assessment services for the clients of Australia’s vocational education and training system.
Higher education
The Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) is an independent body established by MCEETYA to audit teaching, learning, research and administration in Australian universities on a five yearly cycle. The AUQA also audits the processes of State, Territory and Commonwealth higher education accreditation authorities. These authorities in turn audit the private higher education providers in each State and Territory.
International students
All providers of education and training services to overseas students studying in Australia on student visas must comply with the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000. The Act protects Australia’s reputation for delivering quality education services and the interests of overseas students by setting minimum standards and providing tuition and financial assurance.
Courses approved for international students are listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)