Policies
Please note that the latest versions of the draft policies are available in the Strengthening the AQF July 2010 consultation paper.
AQF Implementation Handbook, Third edition, 2002
AQF Implementation Handbook, Second edition, 1998
AQF Implementation Handbook, First edition, 1995
Publications
Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE), May 1991
Strengthening the AQF: A Proposal - Consultation paper May 2009
Strengthening the AQF: A proposal - Analysis of Submissions September 2009
Strengthening the AQF: An Architecture for Australia's Qualifications
AQF Council Newsletters
POLICIES
The purpose of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) policy for the addition or removal of qualifications types is to ensure that the AQF has flexibility and is responsive to Australia’s changing education and training environment. This policy will ensure that changes to the structure of the AQF are able to be made, when required, that do not compromise the stability of the AQF.
The AQF Council has approved this new policy which is a critical component of the AQF policy context as its use will directly affect the structure of the AQF. It will become part of the Strengthened AQF once approved by MCTEE later this year. A letter has been sent to stakeholders outlining further details of the policy.
This policy sets out the AQF policy for issuing AQF qualifications and provides the basis for the protection of the titles of AQF qualifications through consistency in their application across the education and training sectors. Feedback from 36 VET and higher education stakeholders was received in response to the first draft. The general direction of the policy and protocols was supported by most respondents with agreement that the policy added to the protection of Australian qualifications.
Consultation on the second draft has closed. Responses are being collated and a final draft will be available for consultation during June 2010.
AQF National Policy and Guidelines on Credit Arrangements (Final draft) May 2009
The final draft National policy guidelines on credit arrangements was endorsed by the AQF Council at its meeting in May 2009 and is available for use by stakeholders. Further refinement may take place following the outcomes of the Pathways Project. Details about the project are available here.
AQF Implementation Handbook, Fourth edition, 2007
This link to the AQF Implementation Handbook provides an overview of the changes that have been to the Handbook since 1995 including revisions made in January 2009 and links to previous editions.
The entire Handbook can be downloaded by clicking on the link above.
Alternatively, sections of the Handbook may be downloaded individually by clicking on the following links.
AQF Handbook: An Overview of the Australian Qualifications Framework [464KB]
AQF Handbook: Senior Secondary Certificate of Education [95KB]
AQF Handbook: including Certificate 1 to Certificate 4 [424KB]
AQF Handbook: including Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree [330KB]
AQF Handbook: including Bachelor Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate
Diploma, Masters Degree and Doctoral Degree [504KB]
AQF Handbook: Issuing a qualification [226KB]
AQF Handbook: Monitoring the Framework, National Guidelines on Cross-Sector Qualification Linkages, and Recognition of Prior Learning [408KB]
PUBLICATIONS
Strengthening the AQF: A Proposal - Consultation paper May 2009
The consultation paper outlines a proposal for strengthening the AQF. It was circulated to stakeholders for comment during May and June 2009 and will provide the basis for further work to be undertaken during 2009. Details about the project are available here.
Strengthening the AQF: A proposal - Analysis of Submissions September 2009
Analysis of the submissions to the proposal for strengthening the AQF.
Strengthening the AQF: An Architecture for Australia's Qualifications
The paper details the proposed levels-based structure of the AQF with levels attributes and criteria, revised AQF qualification types descriptors and a notional duration of student learning. The levels criteria and qualification types descriptors are defined by learning outcomes and are expressed in terms of knowledge, skills and the application of knowledge and skills. Details about the project are available here.
AQF Council Newsletters
Newsletters are published and distributed by email at least 4 times each year. Click on the links below to view the latest and previous editions. Email the Secretariat if you would like to subscribe tot he newsletter.
Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 5 - 12 July 2010
Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 4 - 23 June 2010
Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 3 - 22 March 2010
Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 2 March 2010
Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 1 February 2010
Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 4 December 2009
Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 3 September 2009
Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 2 August 2009
Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 1 May 2009
Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 3 December 2008
Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 2 November 2008
Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 1 September 2008