Post Secondary Qualification in Australia
Post Secondary Qualification in Australia is the term used to describe the education and training that is undertaken after completing secondary school. It includes qualifications from the higher education and vocational education and training (VET) sectors, as well as some senior secondary certificates of education.
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualification framework.
The AQF has 10 levels, ranging from Certificate I to Doctoral Degree. Each level has a set of learning outcomes, requirements, and policy guidelines. The higher education AQF levels span levels 5-10 and include diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, master degrees, and doctoral degrees. The VET AQF levels span levels 1-6 and include certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas.
The AQF aims to facilitate pathways to, and through, formal qualifications, as well as to complement national regulatory and quality assurance arrangements for education and training.
What is the difference between higher education and vocational education?
The difference between higher education and vocational education is the level of focus, duration, and outcome of the learning process. Higher education is more academic, theoretical, and general, while vocational education is more practical, specific, and job-oriented.
Higher education usually takes longer to complete, ranging from three to six years or more. While vocational education can be completed in six months to two years. Now higher education leads to a degree or a diploma that is recognized by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
While vocational education leads to a certificate or a statement of attainment that the AQF recognizes,. Higher education prepares students for professional careers that require advanced knowledge and skills, such as law, medicine, engineering, or teaching. In contrast, vocational education prepares students for technical or trade careers that require specialized skills and competencies, such as plumbing, carpentry, hairdressing, or nursing.
Must Read Here: Students Guide
Some of the benefits of higher education are:
- It can broaden your perspective and enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- It can increase your earning potential and career opportunities in the long term.
- It can provide you with a solid foundation for further study or research.
- Some of the benefits of vocational education are:
- It can help you gain practical skills and experience that are relevant to the industry and employer needs.
- It can increase your employability and career prospects in the short term.
- It can provide you with flexible and accessible learning options that suit your lifestyle and goals.