Australian Qualifications Framework
Ten levels.One road, many on-ramps.
A clear guide to Australia's school, VET and higher education pathways. The AQF organises nationally recognised qualifications into 10 levels — from foundation skills at Level 1 to the highest level of research and expertise at Level 10.
Why the AQF matters
It helps you understand the level of a qualification, compare study options and see how one qualification leads to the next. You don't need to complete every stage — entry depends on previous study, English level and course requirements.
- School
- ELICOS & Foundation
- VET
- Higher education
AQF levels at a glance
From Certificate I to Doctoral Degree
Level 1 covers foundation-level skills; Level 10 represents the highest level of research and expertise.
- AQF1
Certificate I
Foundation skills for work and further learning
- AQF2
Certificate II
Basic workplace and technical skills
- AQF3
Certificate III
Skilled work, trade or technical training
- AQF4
Certificate IV
Specialised technical or supervisory skills
- AQF5VET + HE
Diploma
Advanced technical or paraprofessional skills
- AQF6VET + HE
Advanced Diploma / Associate Degree
Advanced technical or paraprofessional knowledge
- AQF7
Bachelor / Vocational Degree
Professional or advanced applied knowledge
- AQF8
Honours / Grad Cert / Grad Dip
Advanced professional or specialised study
- AQF9
Master's Degree
Specialist professional or research knowledge
- AQF10
Doctoral Degree / PhD
Highest level of research and expertise
- AQF1Certificate IFoundation skills for work and further learning
- AQF2Certificate IIBasic workplace and technical skills
- AQF3Certificate IIISkilled work, trade or technical training
- AQF4Certificate IVSpecialised technical or supervisory skills
- AQF5DiplomaAdvanced technical or paraprofessional skills
- AQF6Advanced Diploma / Associate DegreeAdvanced technical or paraprofessional knowledge
- AQF7Bachelor / Vocational DegreeProfessional or advanced applied knowledge
- AQF8Honours / Grad Cert / Grad DipAdvanced professional or specialised study
- AQF9Master's DegreeSpecialist professional or research knowledge
- AQF10Doctoral Degree / PhDHighest level of research and expertise
Students don't need to complete every stage. Entry depends on previous study, English level and course requirements.
How the system fits together
School, pathways, VET and higher education
School education
Generally runs from Foundation/Preparatory to Year 12. Years 11 and 12 are senior secondary education, completed with a state or territory Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
The Senior Secondary Certificate is recognised within the AQF, but it is not assigned a numbered AQF level.
ELICOS & Foundation pathways
For international students who don't yet meet direct English or academic entry requirements.
- ELICOS
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students — builds English for further study and may be packaged with a VET or higher education course.
- Foundation Studies
- Academic preparation for undergraduate entry. A common route: Year 12 → Foundation → Bachelor.
Both are pathways into AQF qualifications, not separate numbered levels.
Vocational Education and Training
Australia's practical, career-focused sector, developing industry-relevant skills for specific occupations — commonly delivered by TAFE institutes and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
Typical progression
- Certificate I
- Certificate II
- Certificate III
- Certificate IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
A relevant Diploma or Advanced Diploma can sometimes give credit toward a degree. Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas can be VET (TAFE or RTO) or higher education (issued by a university or its college).
Higher education, AQF 5 – 10
- AQF 5Diploma (Higher Education)Taught by a university or its pathway college; commonly guaranteed entry, often with credit, into second year of a related Bachelor. Distinct from a VET Diploma, though both are AQF 5.
- AQF 6Associate DegreeShort-cycle higher education and a pathway to further degree study.
- AQF 7Bachelor DegreeCore undergraduate professional and academic qualification.
- AQF 8Bachelor HonoursAdvanced study, often including substantial research.
- AQF 8Graduate CertificateShort postgraduate specialisation or professional upskilling.
- AQF 8Graduate DiplomaBroader postgraduate specialisation.
- AQF 9Master's DegreeAdvanced specialist, professional or research study.
- AQF 10Doctoral Degree / PhDHighest level of research and original contribution to knowledge.
Flexible study pathways
Different routes, the same destination
One of the strengths of Australia's system is that students can reach the same goal through different pathways.
Credit, advanced standing & RPL — previous study or relevant experience may sometimes reduce the study required. Credit is always subject to the receiving institution's rules and assessment.
- Route 1Year 12BachelorMaster'sPhD
- Route 2Year 12FoundationBachelorMaster's
- Route 3Year 12DiplomaBachelorMaster's
- Route 4Certificate IIICertificate IVDiplomaBachelor
- Route 5ELICOSVET or Higher Education
Two qualifications worth knowing
The ones that don't fit the pattern
Undergraduate Certificate
A recognised higher education qualification representing a short period of undergraduate study. Unlike most AQF qualifications it has no single fixed level — its learning can sit across Levels 5, 6 or 7.
Vocational Degree
An AQF Level 7 qualification designed for degree-level vocational learning, with a stronger emphasis on advanced technical and applied skills.
Before you apply
What international students should check
CRICOS registration
On a Student visa, choose a provider and course registered on CRICOS.
Entry requirements
Academic, English-language and subject prerequisites vary by course and provider.
Pathway credit
A Diploma or other prior study may lead to credit, but it is not automatic.
Professional accreditation
For regulated professions, also check the relevant professional or registration body's requirements.
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