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 AQF is a structure of recognised and endorsed qualifications that promotes lifelong learning and provides pathways through Australia’s education and training system.

The AQF is a key national policy instrument to protect the quality of Australian education and training wherever it is delivered. The Framework was developed and is endorsed by all Australian governments through the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) and therefore an AQF qualification is recognised around Australia and by other countries.

On July 1, 2009 changes were made to the Ministerial Councils.

1 The responsibilities of the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCYEETA) were changed with a new title for the Council as the Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs (MCEECDYA).

2 The Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment was established with responsibility for tertiary education and employment including the AQF. The AQF Council will liaise with MCEECDYA regarding the school sector.

(weblinks and information will be updated as they are made available)

The AQF comprises:

• national guidelines for each of the current national qualifications issued in the senior secondary school,  vocational education and training and higher education sectors
• policies and guidelines for articulation, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning (see pp 83 - 97) 
• register of authorities empowered by governments to accredit qualifications
• register of institutions authorised to issue qualifications
• protocols for issuing qualifications, and
• a governance structure for monitoring the implementation of the AQF and for advising Ministers, including recommendations for change.

View the handbook