Our Education System

Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one system. The AQF makes it easy for overseas governments to recognise qualifications gained in Australia and is the cornerstone of a highly connected education system.

Foundation Studies

• Foundation courses help students meet entry requirements for further study in an AQF qualification.

English Language Courses

• There is a wide range of English language training courses to improve English proficiency requirements for further study.

Schools Qualifications

• School studies cover a range of academic disciplines and vocational courses that prepare you for further studies or entry into the workforce

Vocational Education

• The qualifications offered at vocational education and training institutions are Certificates I-IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma. They meet national industry standards and will prepare you for employment in a host of occupations or for further studies.

University Qualifications

• An Associate degree is a two-year qualification following Year 12 or equivalent, or Certificate III or IV. It is a shorter, higher-education qualification offering an exit point at the sub-degree level, or a fully articulated pathway into the Bachelor degree.
• The Bachelor degree is the fundamental university qualification and is the basic qualification for entry to the professions. Some professions may require additional vocational qualifications as a condition of entry. A Bachelor degree with honours may also be achieved.
• The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma typically involve broadening skills already gained in an undergraduate program, or developing vocational skills in a new professional area.
• The Masters degree involves enhancing specific professional or vocational skills, and is typically gained by research or coursework or a combination.
• The Doctoral degree is the highest award offered by Australian universities. Although it is a research degree, some programs may have a course work component.

For more information, visit the Australian Qualifications Framework website.

Higher Education

Brisbane offers international students some of Australia’s finest higher-education institutions with a broad portfolio of areas from Law and Medicine, through to Business, Tourism, IT, Creative Industries and Biotechnology.

Vocational Training

Brisbane’s vocational and training (VET) system enables students to achieve career-focused, practical skills that are valued and sought by employers.

Primary & Secondary Schools

Brisbane schools are internationally recognised for providing high-quality education to all students and provide a wide range of both government and private schools.

English Language

Brisbane's English language institutions offer a range of general and specialised courses to learn English in an English-speaking environment.

Pathways and Foundations

Foundation studies or pathway studies provide international students with an opportunity to study a pre-university year within a fully-accredited specialist program as the first step to completing tertiary studies.