AQF Qualification Levels

The table below summarises the different types of AQF qualifications. This is the Australian framework for qualifications, and is relevant in determining your points score for General Skilled Migration.

This is a guide only - for overseas qualifications, you would normally need to have a formal skills assessment to determine what Australian qualification is equivalent.

You can view more on the AQF system here.

Qualification	Duration	Description	Entry Level	Institution Type	AQF Level
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)	3 years	Research qualification requiring major thesis	Bachelor Degree	University	10
Juris Doctorate	2-3 years	Coursework qualification	Bachelor Degree	University	7
Masters by Research	2 years	Research qualification requiring major thesis	Bachelor Degree	University	9
Masters by Coursework -	18 months to 2 years	Coursework qualification	Bachelor Degree	University	9
Graduate Diploma -	1 year	Coursework qualification	Bachelor Degree	University	8
Graduate Certificate -	0 year	Coursework qualification	Bachelor Degree	University	8
Bachelor (Honours) Degree	1 year	Usually requires an additional year after bachelors	Bachelor Degree	University	8
Bachelor Degree -	3-5 years	First university qualification	Year 12 High School	University	7
Associate Degree -	2 years	Usually studies towards completion of bachelor degree	Year 12 High School	University	6
Advanced Diploma -	2-2.5 years	Usually requires additional semester after diploma	Year 10 High School	College/TAFE	6
Diploma -	2 years	2 year non-university qualification	Year 10 High School	College/TAFE	5
Trade Certificate (AQF Certificate III or higher) -	1 year	generally takes at least 1 year of study	Year 10 High School	College/TAFE	4
Trade Apprenticeship -	4 years	generally includes classroom studies and on-the job training	Year 10 High School	College/TAFE	4
AQF Certificate II or lower	Less than a year		Year 0 High School	College/TAFE	2