What national qualifications can I get?
Qualifications issued by schools, private RTOs, TAFE institutes, universities and other registered higher education providers are listed in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The following chart shows the 15 AQF qualifications.
All of the AQF qualifications listed above are recognised throughout Australia. A Statement of Attainment can be issued for units that contribute towards the achievement of an AQF qualification.
The Statement lists the details of the units successfully completed and can be used to gain credit for further training.
To protect the quality of training, all VET providers who issue AQF qualifications must 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.
The table below gives you more information on other AQF qualifications.
| Qualification | Duration and Availability |
| Certificates I-IV: Covers training that ranges from basic skills to trade and post-trade qualifications. For example, 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. | Duration: 0.5–4 years full time Offered by: Schools, TAFE institutes, RTOs, other registered higher education providers and universities |
| 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 professional contexts.
Many of these courses are linked to, and may articulate directly into, bachelor | Duration: 1 ‑ 2 years full time Offered by: TAFE institutes, RTOs, other registered higher education providers and universities |
| Associate Degree:
Similar to an advanced diploma but with greater emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than on industry-specific workplace competencies and learning 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 other registered higher education providers, TAFE institutes and RTOs |
| 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 also by some other registered higher education providers, TAFE institutes and RTOs |
| 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: 0.5–2 years full time Offered by: Universities mostly, but also by some other registered higher education providers |
| Vocational Graduate Certificate and Vocational Graduate Diploma: Similar to graduate certificates and graduate diplomas but focus more on competency in a workplace environment and provide a high level of employment related skills and knowledge. | Duration: 0.5–2 years full time Offered by: TAFE institutes, RTOs and private providers |
| Masters and Doctoral Degrees: Masters degrees are designed to provide an in-depth understanding in a specific area of knowledge through course work, research or a combination of both activities. Doctoral degrees 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: 1 - 4 years full time Offered by: Universities mostly, but also by some private higher education providers |