Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Qualification Comparison
Match your overseas qualification to the equivalent Australian standard.
This is a mandatory step for a successful skills assessment.
Assessing authorities use this comparison to validate your credentials.
A proper comparison is necessary to your professional visa application.
Get a good result under our professional supervision.
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What Is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)?
The Australian Qualifications Framework is the national policy which governs qualifications in the education and training sector in Australia. It includes all the stages of formal education starting with senior secondary school certificates up to doctoral degrees.
- It classifies all education into 10 levels starting with certificates to doctoral degrees.
- It guarantees a uniform quality and standards throughout the nation.
- To achieve skilled migration, you have your overseas qualification evaluated to ascertain its equivalent AQF level.
The AQF provides a guideline of what is expected of you at each level in terms of knowledge, skills, and application (KSA).
What Are the Levels of the AQF?
The AQF organises qualifications into 10 levels. All levels are a progressively higher level of knowledge, skill, and professional autonomy. Understanding where your qualification sits within this structure is the foundation of any overseas qualification comparison.
AQF Levels : Complete Overview
AQF Level | Qualification Type | Typical Duration | Sector |
Level 1 | Certificate I | 6 months | VET |
Level 2 | Certificate II | 6 – 12 months | VET |
Level 3 | Certificate III | 1 – 2 years | VET |
Level 4 | Certificate IV | 1 – 2 years | VET |
Level 5 | Diploma | 1 – 2 years | VET / Higher Ed |
Level 6 | Advanced Diploma / Associate Degree | 2 years | VET / Higher Ed |
Level 7 | Bachelor Degree | 3 – 4 years | Higher Ed |
Level 8 | Bachelor Honours / Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma | 1 year | Higher Ed |
Level 9 | Master Degree | 1 – 2 years | Higher Ed |
Level 10 | Doctoral Degree | 3 – 4 years | Higher Ed |
What Each Level Means in Practice
Here is a summary of what each Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level means.
- Levels 1–4: Certificates
Consider practical, trade level skills to do certain tasks within a given industry.
- Level 5-6: Diploma / Advanced Diploma.
Combines technical education and practical skills, to be able to work independently or under supervision.
- Level 7: Bachelor Degree
The qualification of the majority of professional jobs, which is a combination of theoretical and practical learning.
- Level 8: Honours / Graduate Certificate.
Shows expertise and greater experience in a particular area.
- Level 9: Master Degree
High level of learning needed in senior professional and management positions.
- Level 10: PhD (Doctorate) Degree.
The most sophisticated form of qualification whereby original research is undertaken.
What Are the Objectives of the AQF?
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) has the following objectives:
General Objectives:
- Ensure National Consistency: Ensures that qualifications are at the same standard throughout Australia.
- Support Quality Assurance: Ensures that all the qualifications are in accordance with the specific national standards.
- Give Clarity to Employers: Assists employers in knowing the skills and knowledge of a holder of a qualification.
- Establish Pathways: Relates school, vocational training (VET) and university education.
For Skilled Migrants:
- Fair Comparison: Gives a fair standard on which to compare foreign qualifications.
- Find out Visa Eligibility: AQF equivalence is the key to skilled visa applications.
- Enable Professional Registration: This is adopted by the licensing authorities in order to provide them with registration.
- Protect Your Credentials: Gives you an assurance that no employer can underestimate your credentials.
What Are the Benefits of AQF Qualification Recognition of the Skilled Migrants?
The following are the advantages of having your qualification recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
To your Visa Application:
- Mandatory Requirement: It is a requirement for most points-tested skilled visas.
- Points are calculated: The points that are given to you will directly be based on the level of the qualification that you have been awarded.
- Prevents Delays: This will ensure that your application is not held at this point because you have an unsuitable qualification.
For Your Career & Professional Registration:
- Professional Licensing: It is necessary to become registered and legally practice in regulated professions, such as teaching and engineering.
- Increased Salary: Helps you to be located in the right bracket of the salary.
- Career Progression: Assists in quicker career development and an opportunity to further study.
- Job Eligibility: Makes you qualified in jobs where a qualification at a particular AQF level is required.
Qualification (Skilled Migration): Points Awarded:
- Doctorate (AQF Level 10): 20 points.
- Bachelor / Master Degree (AQF Level 79): 15 points.
- Diploma / Trade Qualification (AQF Level 56): 10 points.
Why Choose CDR for Australia for Your AQF Qualification Comparison?
- Specialist knowledge : we understand exactly how every major assessing authority applies AQF equivalency standards
- Occupation-specific guidance : we identify the correct AQF level for your specific occupation and assessing body
- Document preparation support : we help you gather and format everything assessing authorities require
- Points score optimisation : we help you present your qualifications in the way that maximises your visa points score
- End-to-end support : from initial AQF comparison through to skills assessment lodgement and beyond
- Proven track record : we’ve helped skilled professionals from over 30 countries achieve positive assessment outcomes in Australia
Ready to Compare Your Qualification Against the AQF?
Your whole skilled migration process will be based on the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Qualification Comparison process. It is better to have it right in the beginning to save time, money and a lot of stress later in the road.
Whatever you need to know about which level of the AQF your overseas degree will be placed in, which level of the AQF is the assessing authority dealing with your occupation, or how your qualification is going to impact on your visa points score, our team is ready to assist you at every stage.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
So what is the AQF and how does this affect migration?
The Australian Qualifications Framework is a national standard of the Australian education qualifications. To experienced migrants, it gives the standards based on which foreign qualifications are evaluated directly influencing your visa eligibility and points score.
Does my overseas qualification automatically get recognised under the AQF?
No. Your overseas qualification must be formally assessed by the relevant skills assessing authority for your occupation. Recognition is not automatic; it requires a complete application with supporting documentation.
What AQF level is a standard bachelor's degree from overseas?
Most standard four-year bachelor degrees from recognised overseas institutions map to AQF Level 7. However, some three-year degrees may only map to AQF Level 6 depending on the country and program structure.
Can I get extra visa points if my overseas master's degree is recognised?
Yes. A master’s degree recognised at AQF Level 9 earns 15 points toward your skilled visa points score the same as an Australian bachelor’s degree. A doctorate earns 20 points.
What if my overseas qualification doesn't meet the required AQF level?
You may need to complete bridging study in Australia to reach the required level. Alternatively, some assessing authorities accept substantial relevant experience to compensate for a qualification shortfall.