Frequently Asked Questions

International

1. Will the qualifications that I have gained overseas be recognised in Australia?
Information regarding school qualifications can be obtained via the State or Territory Schools Authorities, the contact details of which are available via the The AQF Register. For all qualifications other than school qualifications we recommend that you contact the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR), a division of Australian Education International (AEI) within the Australian Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). NOOSR provides official information and advice on the comparability of overseas qualifications with Australian qualifications. NOOSR aims to help overseas-qualified people to work and study in Australia.

This information can be found at the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) website or by contacting NOOSR via email (noosr@dest.gov.au) or telephone 1800 020 086 (toll free hotline)/ +61 2 6211 9334 (International Callers)

2. I am interested in studying in Australia. How do I find out more information about my options?
It's a good idea to first decide what you are interested in studying and in what Australian State or Territory you wish to base yourself while studying. Information about courses and institutions can be found via the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

We would also suggest you visit the International Section of the Australian Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations which provides a useful overview about studying in Australia (http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/Splash.htm).

Information regarding the school sector can be obtained via the State or Territory Schools Authorities, the contact details of which are available via the The AQF Register.

Further information about courses and providers offered in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector can be obtained via National Training Information Service.

The AQF Register provides links to the various universities and other higher education providers' websites.

Converting Qualifications to the AQF

3. How do I know what my pre-existing RATE qualifications are equivalent to under the Australian Qualifications Framework arrangements?
During the transition period from RATE to AQF between 1995-2000 qualifications were broadly compared as follows:

Pre- existing Qualification Title (RATE)

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Title

To update your qualifications you should contact the institution or provider that issued your earlier qualification for the issuance of a Statement of Equivalence, or approach a Registered Training Organisation for assessment through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Levels

4. I am applying for a 'professional' membership of a Business Association and am required to have Level 7-8 qualifications. How do I know at what level my qualifications are according to AQF guidelines?
There were originally twelve (now more) qualification titles in the Australian Qualifications Framework. Sometimes it is assumed that there are fifteen numbered levels, one level for each qualification. This is in fact not the case.

Some employers and professional groups still use a system of measuring qualifications according to levels.

This practice derives from the fact that the VET sector qualifications Certificates I, II, III, IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma are understood as six qualifications levels, corresponding to the former Australian Standards Framework (ASF) which comprised levels numbered 1-8. Hence they have been referred as if they were titled 'AQF Level 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. However the ASF no longer exists. It is sufficient to refer to each level of qualification in terms of its titles, eg. Certificate I, Certificate II, Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma.

We recommend that you locate your qualifications on the AQF Table of Qualifications in order to compare where your qualifications are positioned across the three sectors. In addition you may wish to inform employer or professional associations using ASF Level requirements that this system is no longer in operation.

Approved Courses and Providers

5. How do I know that my qualification is an AQF qualification?
If you are unsure as to whether your qualification or the course you are interested in undertaking is an AQF Qualification you should check that the title of your qualification corresponds with AQF Table of Qualifications. You may also wish to ask your institution or training provider whether your qualification is accredited against the AQF. VET qualifications can be checked via the National Training Information Service and Higher Education qualifications can be verified via the AQF Register.

6. How do I know if the provider of my course is an accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?
You can find out whether your provider is an RTO via the National Training Information Service. If you are still unsure you should contact the Vocational Education Branch of your State Education and Training Department (details of which are available through the AQF Register).

Course Advice

7. I am interested in gaining new qualifications but I'm not sure where the course I am interested in is offered and the entry requirements- where can I go to seek further advice?
We recommend that if you are looking to gain qualifications in the VET sector that you find out further information such as the providers of the course and units of competency via the National Training Information Service.

The AQF Register provides links to the various universities and other higher education providers' websites.

8. Is there anywhere I can find out more information about courses and career pathways?
We would suggest you have a look at OZJAC - The Australian Courses and Careers Database. OZJAC provides you with information about courses, providers and more general advice (such as how course fees work, how to get financial assistance etc).

This Database can also provide you with information about careers you may be contemplating, explaining what the demands of the job are and what training is required to enter the profession. OZJAC is a particularly useful resource if you are unsure in which field you wish to study or your future career pathway.

It should be noted that the use of OZJAC involves purchasing a subscription. However a large number of Secondary Schools and Public Libraries do have access to the use of this database.

The website My Future- Australia's Career Information Service also provides information on education and career pathways.

Miscellaneous AQF Questions

9. Can the AQF approve my course?
Courses are approved through processes outlined in the AQF Register.

10. What is the difference between the AQF and Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)?
The AQF is the framework of qualification titles in all sectors, whereas the AQTF is the quality assurance arrangements operating in the VET sector. Information on the AQTF is available at http://www.training.com.au/aqtf2007/.

11. How do I get a copy of the AQF Implementation Handbook Fourth Edition 2007 sent to me?
You can access all AQF publications electronically via the website or to receive a hard copy of any publications, send your name, postal address, which publication and the number of copies you require to aqfc@saugov.sa.go.au. Please note there is no cost involved in receiving these publications.