What qualifications can I get?
Qualifications issued by schools, RTOs, TAFE institutes, universities and higher education providers are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) if they meet the Framework requirements. The following table shows the 15 AQF qualifications.
Australian Qualifications Framework
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In addition to these qualifications, units or subjects contributing towards a full qualification may be recognised under the AQF in the form of a ‘Statement of Attainment’. The Statement will list the details of the units or subjects successfully completed and can be used to gain credit towards further education, training and employment.
To protect the quality of training, all vocational education and training providers and assessors wishing to issue AQF qualifications need to be registered with state and territory government authorities. Students should check the registration status of their chosen course provider by contacting the Training Authority in their state or territory. Contact details are provided in the Useful addresses section.
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE)
The SSCE is a national title for senior secondary school qualifications issued by state and territory governments under various titles, such as:
- ACT Year 12 Certificate
- NSW Higher Education Certificate (HSC)
- Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE)
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
- South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
- Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
- Tertiary Entrance Examination (TEE) or Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
The SSCE commonly requires two years of study, and can include recognised vocational education and training units leading to a relevant Certificate I–IV qualification.
For information on the other AQF qualifications, see the table below.
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Qualification |
Duration & Availability |
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Certificates I-IV: Designed to provide training in basic skills and routine tasks, teaching you how to analyse and evaluate information, and how to apply the knowledge and skills learnt in the workplace. Those who complete an Australian Apprenticeship will receive one of these qualifications. Others who undertake these qualifications may seek work upon completion or go on to further study. Higher certificate levels can contribute to university entrance. |
Duration: 6 months ‑ 4 years full time Offered by: Schools, TAFE institutes, private providers, universities |
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Diploma and Advanced Diploma: Designed to give you theoretical knowledge and/or technical and creative skills, as well as the ability to apply principles and techniques in a wide range of contexts. Diplomas and advanced diplomas prepare students for work in supervisory and management roles, or in roles assisting professionals. Many of these courses have links to, and may articulate into, bachelor degrees. |
Duration: 18 months ‑ 2 years full time Offered by: TAFE institutes, private providers, universities |
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Associate Degree: Similar to an advanced diploma but focuses more on academic, rather than industry-specific workplace knowledge. Commonly articulates with full credit into a bachelor degree program in the same field, or closely related fields. |
Duration: 2 years full time Offered by: Universities mostly, but also by some private higher education providers and TAFE institutes |
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Bachelor Degree: The main undergraduate award offered in higher education which prepares students for work in many of the professions and also provides initial preparation for postgraduate study. |
Duration: 3 ‑ 5 years full time Offered by: Universities mostly, but TAFE institutes and private higher education providers can also offer degrees |
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Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma: Designed to enhance professional practice and, either extend skills and knowledge gained in a bachelor degree or advanced diploma, or develop professional competence in new areas. |
Duration: 6 months ‑ 1 year full time Offered by: Universities mostly, but also by a number of private higher education providers |
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Vocational Graduate Certificate and Vocational Graduate Diploma: Similar to graduate certificates and diplomas but focus more on competency in a workplace environment and provide a high level of employment-related skills and knowledge. |
Duration: 6 months ‑ 1 year full time Offered by: TAFE institutes mostly, but may also be offered by private Registered Training Organisations |
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Masters and Doctoral Degrees: Masters are designed to provide an in-depth understanding in a specific area of knowledge through course work, research or a combination of both activities. Doctorates recognise the highest levels of academic achievement and require an original contribution of knowledge to a particular field of study, usually through a substantial thesis. |
Duration: 2 - 3 years full time Offered by: Universities mostly, but also by a number of private higher education providers |