What is the Australian Qualifications Framework, and how can it benefit those seeking tertiary study in a university degree or TAFE course? The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) was implemented in 2000 by the Australian government to protect the quality of Australian education facilities, by providing a set of standards to be met.
Therefore, students undertaking studies after school, whether that is a degree, diploma, or certificate, can be assured that their institution is providing quality of education.
What does the Australian Qualifications Framework do?
The AQF is a quality control that provides a set of guidelines that apply nationally to all senior secondary, vocational and higher education courses. The AQF also links together qualifications in a continuum to define what each qualification means.
This ensures that all university and TAFE courses are abiding by a high national standard.
The AQF provides a register of accredited institutions which students can check to ensure their university or TAFE is authorized to give qualifications. This means students can check any university or TAFE they are interested in studying at, or are currently enrolled in, and make sure the institution is recognized in Australia. Few qualifications outside of AQF accreditation will be accepted by future employers or for entry to postgraduate courses.
Not only this, but university and TAFE students can look at the AQF list of policies and guidelines for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning to make sure their institution is accepted.
Quality Control for University and TAFE students
The AQF website is worthwhile checking before enrolling in a course and spending money on a qualification. The AQF exists to give students the ability to confirm that they are receiving quality education, whether they are studying a university degree, TAFE course, diploma or certificate, and should be used as such.