Australian education

Australian Qualifications Framework

Australia has a single national and comprehensive system of national qualifications which are the basis of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is a national system established by the Australian Government that links courses and qualifications. It covers university, vocational education and training, and school education.

AQF qualifications are endorsed by Australian governments, so an AQF qualification is recognised all around Australia and by other countries.

The AQF allows students to move easily from one level of study to the next and from one institution to another as long as students satisfy student visa requirements. It gives students flexibility in career planning and encourages students to continue learning to help them through any career and lifestyle changes they make in their life.

The AQF provides guidelines for assessment and accreditation of qualifications such as Diplomas and Degrees. For example, students can seek credit toward a qualification for the knowledge and skills they gained through previous study, training, work and life experience. Once students establish the status of their existing qualifications, they can choose from appropriate level courses anywhere in Australia. Even if students partially complete an AQF qualification they are issued with a Statement of Attainment.

Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is provided by training organisations which register with the government to teach accredited courses and include government and private providers. Government registered training organisations include Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes.

Australia has become one of the world leaders in Vocational Education and Training. A primary reason for this is the flexible and student outcome orientated approach. This allows Australian Institutes of TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations to meet the high standards that multinational corporations, major Australian and international companies and industry and commerce in general set for graduates coming into their industry.

The Australian Vocational and Education Training system has the capacity to change and modify programs in order to keep abreast of technology developments.
Wodonga TAFE provides a strong vocational focus including practical training over a wide range of occupations.

ESOS Framework

The Australian Government wants overseas students in Australia to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place to study. Australia's laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are known as the ESOS framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice 2007.

Your rights

The ESOS framework protects your rights, including:

  • your right to receive, before enrolling, current and accurate information about the courses, fees, mode of study and other information from your provider and your provider's agent
  • your right to sign a written agreement with your provider before or as you pay fees, setting out the services to be provided, fees payable and information about refunds of course money
  • your right to get the education you paid for
  • your right to know:
  • how to use your provider's student support services
  • who the contact officer/s are for overseas students
  • if you can apply for course credit
  • when your enrolment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled
  • what your provider's requirements are for satisfactory progress in the courses you study
  • if attendance will be monitored for those courses
  • what will happen if you change providers, and
  • how to use your provider's complaints and appeals process.

 Your responsibilities

As an overseas student on a student visa, you have responsibilities to:

  • satisfy your student visa conditions
  • maintain your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your stay
  • meet the terms of the written agreement with your provider
  • inform your provider within 7 days if you change your address
  • maintain satisfactory course progress
  • if attendance is recorded for your course, follow your provider's attendance policy, and
  • if you are under 18, maintain your approved accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements.

For more information regarding ESOS go to the Australian Education International website.

National Code

The National Code of Practice 2007 (the National Code) is a set of nationally consistent standards that governs the protection of overseas students and delivery of courses to those students by providers registered on CRICOS - the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Only CRICOS courses can be offered to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.

The National Code complements existing national quality assurance frameworks in education and training including the Australian Quality Training Framework (for registered vocational education and training providers offering these courses) and the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes (for institutions offering higher education qualifications).

For more information about the National Code go to the Australian Education International website.