Australia. One country. One qualifications system (http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/SIA/en/WhyAustralia/AQF.htm)
The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF links 15 school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system.

The AQF allows you to move easily from one level of study to the next, and from one institution to another as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help you prepare for both further study and life in the workforce.

If you’re studying an AQF qualification, you can be sure that your institution is Government-authorised and nationally accredited, and that your Degree or other AQF qualification will be genuine.

The AQF makes it easy for overseas governments to recognise your qualification. When international employers see it, they’ll know what it stands for: a world-class education in a modern, democratic, and technologically advanced society.

Vocational education and training qualifications
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.

Certificate I
4 to 6 months
Certificate 1 prepares you to perform a defined range of routine and predictable activities. Certificate 1 applications are a variety of employment related skills including preparatory access and participation skills, broad-based induction skills, and may include specific workplace skills possibly in a team environment.


Certificate II
6 to 8 months
Certificate II provides you with the knowledge and skills to perform a range of varied activities or knowledge application in a defined range of contexts each with a clear and limited range of options. You will take some accountability for the quality of task outcomes. Applications may include some complex or non-routine activities involving individual responsibility, possibly in collaboration with others as part of a team.


Certificate III
12 months
With a Certificate III the student acquires a breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and competencies that cover selecting, adapting and transferring knowledge and skills to new environments. You will also be capable of providing technical advice and some leadership in resolving problems in a range of environments with some complexity in the extent and choice of options available.

You will be able to perform a range of skilled operations usually as part of a range of broader related activities involving known routines, methods and procedures. You will exercise some discretion and judgement in selection of equipment, services or contingency measures within time constraints. Applications may involve some responsibility for others. Participation in teams including group or team coordination may be involved.


Certificate IV
12 to 18 months
You will acquire a breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and competencies that cover a broad range of varied activities, in a variety of contexts that are usually complex and non-routine. You are expected to be able to demonstrate leadership and guidance of yourself and others, as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.

You will have to demonstrate performance in a broad range of skilled applications including evaluating and analysing current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices. In addition to showing leadership and guiding others, you are expected to accept responsibility for others and demonstrate limited organisational skills.


Diploma
18 to 24 months
Some Diplomas are also offered by universities.

Diploma study involves breadth, depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and co-ordination. Diploma holders will be capable of self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques. A diploma student will participate in the development of strategic initiatives and take personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others. Participation in teams both in routine work and undertaking planning and evaluation tasks is expected. Group or team coordination may be involved.


Advanced Diploma
2 to 3 years
Some Advanced Diplomas are also offered by universities.

This study involves breadth, depth and complexity involving analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation across a broad range of technical and/or management functions. Skills include developing new criteria or application or knowledge or procedures. You will learn to apply a significant range of fundamental principles and complex techniques across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts in relation to either varied or highly specific functions. Also involved is contributing to the development of a broad plan, budget or strategy. You will learn to be accountable and take responsibility for yourself and others in achieving outcomes.