The Australian Qualifications Framework

Abstract

The major objective of the Australian Qualifications Framework is to provide a coherent national framework to embrace the diverse range of vocational and academic qualifications across the three sectors concerned with post-compulsory education: schools, vocational and training, and higher education. The Framework was established in 1995 and is meant to serve a number of purposes: facilitating flexible pathways in education and training between the sectors; encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration; and, promoting recognition of the Australian higher education courses in the globalised market. The Framework has only a broad and indirect impact on the setting and maintenance of academic standards in higher education. Its impact on standards comes from its inclusion as an element of the Australian Higher Education Quality Assurance Framework developed in 2000 aimed primarily at protecting Australia's international reputation for quality in higher education. The Qualifications Framework provides a reference point for the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes, and for the auditing of the standards of awards by the Australian Universities Quality Agency.