Diploma

The AQF Diploma is a para-professional qualification. Diplomas require 1 or 2 years of full-time study. It is a dual-sector qualification, offered in both the higher education and vocational education and training sectors.

In the higher education sector, Diplomas are based on an academic program with an applied focus, providing general or specialised training for employment at the para-professional level. Diplomas can articulate to Advanced Diploma programs. Diplomas can also provide advanced standing or credit transfer (usually 1 year) into a Bachelor Degree program.

Advanced Diploma

The AQF Advanced Diploma is a professional-level qualification. Most Advanced Diplomas require 2 years of full-time study. It is a dual-sector qualification, offered in both the higher education and vocational education and training sectors.

In the higher education sector, an Advanced Diploma has units from a Bachelor Degree program, providing an early exit point with a stand-alone qualification but with the option of continuing to the Bachelor Degree. Entry is usually based on normal university entry requirements. Advanced Diplomas can provide advanced standing or credit transfer (usually 2 years) into a Bachelor Degree program.

Associate Degree

Associate Degree programs require 2 years of full-time study. Associate Degrees emphasise the introductory research-based knowledge of one or more academic disciplines and the development of generic employment skills. Associate Degrees can provide advanced standing or credit transfer (usually 2 years) into a Bachelor Degree program in the same field.

The Associate Degree and the Advanced Diploma are at the same level on the AQF. The difference is in the focus of the programs. Associate Degrees are more academically oriented, whereas Advanced Diplomas emphasise vocational or professional studies.

Bachelor Degree

Australian Bachelor Degrees are diverse and normally range from 3 to 6 years of study. There are several types of Bachelor Degrees including 3-year degrees, 4-year degrees, professional degrees, combined degrees and honours degrees. All Bachelor Degree programs must lead to the same educational outcomes as indicated on the AQF regardless of length or specific program requirements.

The Bachelor Degree is the first degree in the arts, sciences and most professional fields. Programs are designed to introduce students to a discipline and develop analytical skills. Bachelor Degree programs aim to prepare students to interpret new information and ideas and continue to apply and extend such techniques after graduation.

A Bachelor Degree program includes a significant amount of specialisation, with a major subject or subject area studied in depth. There is little in the way of general education components, which are covered at the secondary level. All Bachelor Degree programs involve a progressive development of knowledge, analytical skills and problem-solving techniques to an advanced level which provides a basis for postgraduate study.