These questions and answers are categorised into:
Nomenclature and abbreviations of AQF qualifications
Certificate courses in higher education institutions
International
Study in Australia
Recognition of qualifications
Recognition of trades related to qualifications
Study Australian qualifications outside Australia
Recognition of qualifications delivery by an international institution
Equivalence of qualification framework levels
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Trades
Universities
Pathways from VET to University
Courses and RTOs
Validity of an Institution
General Queries
AQF and AQTF
Qualifications
Register of VET courses
Q: What are the forms of awards and course titles, including abbreviations, that can be used for AQF qualifications?
A: The forms to be used are below with some further examples of abbreviations below the table:
| Qualification type |
Title |
Abbreviation |
| Senior Secondary Certificate of Education |
various according to state or territory |
|
| Certificate |
Certificate in...(field of study) |
Cert...(field abbreviated) |
| Diploma |
Diploma of...(field of study) |
Dip...(field abbreviated) |
| Advanced Diploma |
Advanced Diploma of...(field of study) |
AdvDip...(field abbreviated) |
| Associate Degree |
Associate Degree of...(field of study) |
AssocD...(field abbreviated) |
| Bachelor Degree |
Bachelor of...(field of study) |
B...(field abbreviated) |
| Vocational Graduate Certificate |
Vocational Graduate Certificate in...(field of study) |
VocGradCert...(field abbreviated) |
| Vocational Graduate Diploma |
Vocational Graduate Diploma of...(field of study) |
VocGradDip...(field abbreviated) |
| Graduate Certificate |
Graduate Certificate in...(field of study) |
GradCert...(field abbreviated) |
| Graduate Diploma |
Graduate Diploma of...(field of study) |
GradDip...(field abbreviated) |
| Masters Degree |
Master of...(field of study) |
M...(field abbreviated) |
| Doctoral Degree |
Doctor of Philosophy |
PhD |
Examples:
CertIIBus - Certificate II in Business
CertIVHosp - Certificate IV in Hospitality
AdvDipBldDes - Advanced Diploma of Building Design
AssocDEng - Associate Degree of Engineering
GradCertIT - Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
Q: The AQF Qualification by Sector of Accreditation chart shown on your website lists Certificates I to IV under Vocational Education and Training Sector Accreditation and the Graduate Certificate is the only certificate course shown under Higher Education Sector Accreditation.
One of the faculties at ABC University would like to introduce a Certificate Course in leadership for undergraduate students.
Can you please advise if there is any option for providing the above course within the University as a non-vocational Certificate Course?
A: A self-accrediting university, such as ABC University, can accredit and deliver AQF qualifications identified as Higher Education sector qualifications (as identified in the AQF Implementation Handbook). AQF qualifications identified as VET Sector qualifications may only be delivered by training organisations registered as RTOs by VET sector registering and course accrediting authorities.
If it is an AQF Certificate I – IV qualification that you are seeking to accredit and deliver, you may only do so if you are registered as a VET RTO. If you are not, you should contact the VET registering and course accrediting authority in your state for information on accreditation and registration.
A Certifciate Course is not an AQF qualification. If you are seeking to develop and deliver a non-AQF qualification, you should by guided by the MCEETYA National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes and the Higher Education accreditation authority in your state.
International
Study in Australia
Q: How do I find out about where to study in Australia. Are the universities free?
A: The AQF Council is unable to recommend institutions.The Australian government website, Study in Australia, provides comprehensive information about studying in Australia. In particular, visit the page about Tuition Fees – http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/sia/en/StudyCosts/TuitionFees.htm. The website has an enquiry address.
The other website that may be useful is the Register of Courses for Overseas Students. This is at http://cricos.deewr.gov.au/Course/CourseSearch.aspx
Recognition of qualifications
Q: I have a Diploma/degree etc from an overseas institution. Can you tell me if this Diploma is recognised for the purpose of skilled migration?
A: The AQF Council is unable to assess courses from overseas institutions. The following information may assist with finding the information you require.
The Australian immigration website will provide you with information about eligibility for skilled migration and occupations in demand - http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/index.htm.
The Australian government through its organisation called Australian Education International (AEI) provides a service to individuals who are seeking to have their qualifications assessed for equivalence to Australian qualifications. There may be a fee for this service. For information on this service, please visit their website. You may find other information on this website useful.
Q: I have a Certificate in Engineering Mechanical (Fitting, Turning and Machining) from Queensland. What are the skill sets required to attain this type of qualification from Queensland as I am trying to cross-reference this qualification to one in Canada.
A: You could contact the Queensland State Training Authority or check the National Training Information Service (NTIS) website. The NTIS website lists the competencies under each qualification.
Recognition of trades related to migration
Q: I am a bricklayer. Can I apply for skilled migration and what qualifications and experience do I need to have to work in Australia?
A: The AQF Council is unable to provide information relating to immigration.
To assist you with your enquiry about skilled migration eligibility, please visit the Australian immigration website at http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm
Some occupations have licensing requirements, such as work experience, and this may apply to your trade. These may be different in different States and Territories. To check any qualifications and occupational licensing requirement in the State you wish to work, please visit the Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) web page (or google Australian Skills Recognition Information) and follow the links to the State of your choice. This website has an A-Z list of occupations and the migration requirements for each.
It is usual for Trades Recognition Australia to assess equivalence for trade qualifications. The Trades Recognition Australia website may also provide you with additional information about assessment for trade occupations (or google Trades Recognition Australia).
Study Australian qualifications outside Australia
Q: I have been told that I need to complete a Certificate III at a registered RTO. Can I study this course outside Australia?
A: The Australian government maintains a website of institutions who deliver courses outside of Australia called AusLIST. You can check this site for institutions in your country that may teach Certificate III courses.
Recognition of qualifications delivered by an international institution
Q: We are a private institution registered in several countries to deliver various certificate, diploma and advanced diploma leading to undergraduate degrees with advanced standing. We are interested in being registered under the AQF. Could you let me know how to register under AQF procedures?
A: The AQF itself does not register providers. In Australia, this is devolved to the states and territories. The purpose of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is to provide the requirements for recognition of Australian qualifications. Contact details for the accrediting authorities are available on the Register and Accreditation page.
Equivalence of qualifications framework levels
Q: I am in the process of migrating to Australia from the U.K. I originally did an apprenticeship and the City and Guilds in London have confirmed that this is equivalent to an NVQ Level 2.
I need to show that my qualifications are to the same level as an AQF Level 3 or what I learned at college is the same as an AQF Level 3. Can you help with further information to prove that it is?
A: The AQF Council is unable to assist you with your enquiry about equivalence of qualifications. The following information may assist you with finding the information you require.
The Australian Departmment of Immigration website, the Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) provides information about the assessment agencies for skilled migration. Follow the instructions on the relevant occupation listing on those pages for information about who can help you with this information.
Q: I have migrated to Australia and I need to upgrade my oveseas qualifications. Where can I find someone to help me?
A: Each State and Territory except New South Wales has an Overseas Qualifications Unit that has been established to help migrants and people on certain other visas to get information about upgrading their qualifications, licensing requirements, information about further training, recognition of prior learning etc. Information about these Units is available on the website http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/os-qual-units.htm
Trades
Q: I finished my apprenticeship some time ago and want to know how I can have the study I have completed counts towards a different qualification.
A: If you want to study another vocational education and training (VET) qualification, you should contact a registered training organisation that provides the course you are interested in. If you want to study a higher eductaion course you should contact a University or higher education institution. Information about these institutions are available on the Register and Accreditation pages of this website.
If you are eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL), you will need to provide evidence of your previous study and any relevant work experience.
Universities
Q: Does the AQF have a credit transfer policy?
A: You can find a copy of the May 2009 draft AQF National Policy and Guidelines on Credit Arrangements here.
Pathways from VET to University
Q: I eventually want to go to university and do a bachelor in social work. I want to complete a AQF diploma or Certificate IV first. I was told I can do this at a RTO but cannot seem to find out which RTOs in WA offer this course. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
A: Obtaining a relevant vocational education and training (VET) qualification may provide you with a pathway into a Bachelor in Social Work. The university of your choice may be able to assist you with information about the VET courses that it recognises for entry into its Bachelor qualifications.
Please visit the following website to search for qualifications that are related to social work – http://www.ntis.gov.au Once you have found qualifications that are relevant, search this same website for registered training organisations (RTOs) in Western Australia who deliver the qualification that interests you.
Courses and RTOs/institutions
Q: I want to study a particular vocational course and gain a qualification. Can you help me find a course and place to study?
Q: I want to study in refrigeration and air conditioning in Australia. Can you tell me what qualifications and where I can study?
A: The AQF Council is unable to advise you about which course to study or which institution may be best for you. To find an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that delivers qualifications in the field you are interested in, please visit the following website – http://www.ntis.gov.au. Once you have found a Registered Training Organisation in a location that interests you, please contact the RTO directly for information about studying with it.
Q: How can I find accredited universities, RTOs, Government Accrediting Authorities etc?
A: You will find further information about registered providers by visiting the Register and Accreditation webpages on this website.
Q: Can you confirm if a particular institution (not a University) is registered and is being accredited under the Australian Qualification Framework as a Higher Education Institution and is nationally recognised as institution?
A:To check if a particular iinstitution is registered, you will need to check the individual state or territory registers. Currently there is no central register for Non Self-accredited Higher Education institutions. You will these either by clicking on the map to the right or follow the links on the Register pages.
AQF and AQTF
Q: I’ve heard that the AQF has been replaced by the AQTF.
A: No, it hasn’t. Both frameworks are components of the quality assurance systems for the Australian vocational education and training system but have different functions.
The AQF provides a comprehensive, nationally consistent yet flexible framework for all qualifications in post-compulsory education and training. More information about the AQF is available on this website.
The AQTF is a set of nationally agreed standards to ensure the quality of the Australian vocational education and training system. More information about the AQTF is available on the website http://www.training.com.au/aqtf2007
Qualifications
Q: What qualifications do I need for a particular job?
A: The AQF Council is unable to advise you about the best course or qualification to study.
The Job Guide website is likely to provide you with the information you require. Please visit http://www.jobguide.dest.gov.au/ (or google Job Guide).
The other websites that may be useful are the Australian Job Search website – https://jobsearch.gov.au/ and the MyFuture website - http://www.myfuture.edu.au/
Register of VET courses
Q: I am inquiring as to whether there is a register of AQF certified vocational courses.
A: Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications (or a unit of competence from a qualification) are listed on the National Training Information Service which is a national register of all VET qualifications and units of competence that comprise the qualifications. Please visit the NTIS website at http://www.ntis.gov.au to search for this information.
Should you not find any relevant qualification or unit(s) of competence, please contact the VET Registering and Course Accrediting Authority in your State. The Registering and Course Accrediting Authority may assist you with your search or, if no course exists, assist you with the process for developing and accrediting an appropriate course.