What is a qualification?

A qualification in Australia is a formally recognised credential that certifies a person has completed a specific course of study or training and has met the associated competency standards. Qualifications are regulated through the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), a single national policy that ranks qualifications across schools, vocational education and training, and higher education.

The AQF has ten levels, from Level 1 (Certificate I, introductory skills) up to Level 10 (Doctoral Degree). Year 12 senior secondary certificates sit at AQF Level 1 to 2 in some readings, with vocational Certificate II to IV typically completed at TAFE or registered training organisations between Levels 2 and 4. Diplomas (Level 5) and Advanced Diplomas (Level 6) are usually vocational. Bachelor degrees sit at Level 7, Bachelor Honours and Graduate Certificates at Level 8, Master's degrees at Level 9, and Doctoral degrees (including PhDs) at Level 10.

Qualifications are issued by AQF-authorised institutions: schools accredited by state and territory boards of studies, registered training organisations and TAFE colleges accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority, and universities and higher education providers accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency. Qualifications must include the AQF level, the issuing institution, and the date of issue.

Migrants seeking recognition of overseas qualifications can apply through several pathways. Vocational qualifications can be assessed by Trades Recognition Australia or by industry-specific assessing bodies. University degrees can be assessed by the Department of Education's overseas qualification recognition service or by professional bodies such as the Medical Board of Australia, Engineers Australia, or the Australian Institute of Architects. Recognition can lead to professional registration, employer recognition for pay purposes, or eligibility for a skilled migration visa under the points-based system.