The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) differentiates Australia from other developed and developing nations. The AQF is national initiative of Government of Australia and covers, school, vocational and technical and university education. The AQF comprises 13 national qualifications issued in

1. Secondary schools;
2. Vocational education and training institutions; and
3. Higher education institutions (mainly universities).

The diagram shown below will help you understanding education system in Australia better.



The AQF qualification offers you flexibility; you can move from one institute to other and one level of study to next, given you satisfy the eligibility criteria.

Some AQF qualifications are offered by more than one type of institution. For example:

• Both vocation education and training institutions and schools may offer vocational education and training for the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and Certificate I-IV qualifications;
• Older students can study for their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education at a vocational education and training institution;
• Both universities and vocational education and training institutions offer Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas;
• Universities and other higher education institutions may issue Certificate I-IV qualifications; and
• Vocational education and training institutions, usually in association with universities, may offer degrees, Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas.

For more detail on AQF qualifications, please visit the official website of AQF at http://www.aqf.edu.au/

The Department of Education, Science and training advice government on issues related to education. The department serves the purpose to achieve Commonwealth’s objective for education and works closely with states and territories, non-government authorities, education and training providers and industry.

The Department of Education, Science and training has following purposes-

1. Learners should acquire high quality skills from schools and other institutions.
2. Learners should acquire relevant skills from post school education that could be used in life to earn a living.
3. Australia has a strong science, research and innovation capacity and is engaged internationally on science, education and training to advance social development and economic growth.

Know more about education system in Australia; please visit the education portal of Government of Australia at http://www.education.gov.au