Introduction to Frameworks

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

What is the AQF?

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the policy for regulated qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF was first introduced in 1995 to underpin the national system of qualifications in Australia, encompassing higher education, vocational education and training (VET), and schools. The AQF is the agreed policy of Commonwealth, State and Territory ministers.

The AQF provides an integrated policy that comprises:

• the learning outcomes for each AQF level and qualification type
• the specifications for the application of the AQF in the accreditation and development of qualifications
• the policy requirements for issuing AQF qualifications
• the policy requirements for qualification linkages and student pathways
• AQF qualifications and qualification pathways
• the policy requirements for the addition or removal of qualification types in the AQF, and the definitions of the terminology used in the policy.

Objectives of the AQF

One of the key objectives of the Australian Qualifications Framework is to facilitate pathways to, and through, formal qualifications.

Other objectives of the AQF are to provide a contemporary and flexible framework that:

• accommodates the diversity of purposes of Australian education and training now and into the future
• contributes to national economic performance by supporting contemporary, relevant and nationally consistent qualification outcomes which build confidence in qualifications
• supports the development and maintenance of pathways which provide access to qualifications and assist people to move easily and readily between different education and training sectors, and between those sectors and the labour market
• supports individuals’ lifelong learning goals by providing the basis for individuals to progress through education and training and gain recognition for their prior learning and experiences
• complements national regulatory and quality assurance arrangements for education and training
• enables the alignment of the AQF with international qualifications frameworks.

What the AQF is not

The AQF:

• Other objectives of the AQF are to provide a contemporary and flexible framework that:
• is not a provider of education or an educational institution
• does not provide assessments or recognition of overseas qualifications
• does not hold individual student records
• is not an education sector regulator with enforcement powers
• does not have expert knowledge of specific occupations or industries
• does not handle licensing, registration or accreditation for trades/professions
• does not handle licensing, registration or accreditation for trades/professions
• can not provide advice about employment awards/agreements, pay or conditions
• is not an authority for immigration or visa matters
• can not provide career or specific course advice

_{(Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, 2020)}

New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)

What is the NZQF?

The New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) was introduced in 1991 and has continued to evolve. On 1 July 2010, it was brought in as a single unified framework and will continue to change to provide an effective and usable qualifications framework. The NZQF is fundamental to an integrated tertiary education system. New Zealand qualifications on the NZQF, are quality assured and based on need, outcomes, flexibility and collaboration.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) administers the NZQF, which is the definitive source for accurate information about all quality assured qualifications, covering

• senior secondary school
• tertiary education qualifications, and
• including all qualifications open to international students.

The NZQF provides information about what knowledge and experience holders of qualifications can be expected to have, and about what further education and/or employment opportunities the qualification leads to.

Objectives of the NZQF

The NZQF is designed to optimise the recognition of educational achievement and its contribution to New Zealand’s economic, social and cultural success.

Specifically, the NZQF:

• conveys the skills, knowledge and attributes a graduate has gained through completing a qualification
• requires the development of integrated and coherent qualifications that meet the needs of individuals, groups, industry and the community
• enables and supports the provision of high-quality education pathways
• enhances confidence in the quality and international comparability of New Zealand qualifications
• contributes to Māori success in education by recognising and advancing mātauranga Māori
• represents value for money, is sustainable and robust

_{(New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), 2016)}

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

What is TEQSA?

TEQSA is Australia’s independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education.

All organisations that offer higher education qualifications in or from Australia, must be registered by TEQSA. Higher education providers that have not been granted self-accrediting authority (almost all of the non-university providers) must also have their courses of study accredited by TEQSA.

The Australian higher education sector includes public and private universities, Australian branches of overseas universities and other higher education providers.

Higher education providers offer qualifications ranging from:

• undergraduate awards
  • bachelor degrees
  • associate degrees
  • advanced diplomas
• postgraduate awards
  • graduate certificates
  • diplomas
  • masters and doctoral degrees

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) which established TEQSA as an agency, calls for them to:

• register regulated entities as higher education providers and accredit their courses of study
• conduct compliance and quality assessments
• conduct re-accreditation assessments of courses developed by providers without self-accrediting authority
• provide advice and make recommendations to the Commonwealth Minister responsible for education on matters relating to the quality and regulation of higher education providers
• co-operate with similar agencies in other countries
• collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate information relating to quality assurance practice and quality improvement in higher education.

Purpose

TEQSA was established by the Government as Australia’s higher education regulation and quality assurance agency in the 2010-11 Budget, with a focus on ensuring that higher education providers meet minimum standards, promote best practice and improve the quality of the Australian higher education sector.

Objectives of TEQSA

TEQSA have four strategic objectives in delivering their purpose.

They will:

1. quality assure and regulate the sector in a timely, transparent and risk reflective manner
2. support providers to deliver high quality higher education, protect student interests and enhance the reputation and competitiveness of Australia’s higher education sector
3. provide advice and information to inform decisions about the appropriateness and quality of higher education
4. take prompt and effective action to address substantial risks to students or the sector’s reputation.