Australian Qualifications Framework levels

The Framework is structured around levels of descriptive criteria, with formal qualifications aligned to the appropriate levels.

AQF Level Description summaries Qualifications Time Level 10 Level 9 Level 8 Level 7 Level 6 Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1
Graduates at this level will have systematic and critical understanding of a complex field of learning and specialised research skills for the advancement of learning and/or for professional practice.
  • Doctoral degree
  • 3 to 4 years
Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning.
  • Masters degree (extended)
  • Masters degree (coursework)
  • Masters degree (research)
  • 3 to 4 years
  • 1 to 2 years
  • 1 to 2 years
Graduates at this level will have advanced knowledge and skills for professional/highly skilled work and/or further learning.
  • Graduate diploma
  • Graduate certificate
  • Bachelor honours degree
  • 1 to 2 years
  • 6 months to 1 year
  • 1 year
Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning.
  • Bachelor degree
  • 3 to 4 years
Graduates at this level will have broad knowledge and skills for paraprofessional/highly skilled work and/or further learning.
  • Associate degree
  • Advanced diploma
  • 1.5 to 2 years
  • 1.5 to 2 years
Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for skilled/paraprofessional work and/or further learning.
  • Diploma
  • 1 to 2 years
Graduates at this level will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for specialised and/or skilled work and/or further learning.
  • Certificate IV
  • 1 year
Graduates at this level will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for work and/or further learning.
  • Certificate III
  • 6 months
Graduates at this level will have knowledge and skills for work in a defined context and/or further learning.
  • Certificate II
  • Non Ter
Graduates at this level will have knowledge and skills for initial work, community involvement and/or further learning.
  • Certificate I
  • Non Ter