How Australian and NZ qualifications compare

Find out how New Zealand and Australia recognise each other's qualifications.

How the comparison works

A joint project between New Zealand and Australia to compare the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) and the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) found the two frameworks are broadly comparable.

The project sits in the context of, and complements, the Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA).

Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (external link) – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (external link) – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

The comparison is intended to make it easier for education providers and employers to understand the qualification and how it compares to similar qualifications in their country. Our arrangement with Australia does not guarantee that a qualification completed in the other country will be automatically recognised as equivalent.

Comparison of framework levels

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)
Level 1 Level 1
Level 2 Level 2
Level 3 Level 3
Level 4 Level 4
Level 5 Level 5
Level 6 Level 6
Level 7 Level 7
Level 8 Level 8
Level 9 Level 9
Level 10 Level 10
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In Australia, Senior Secondary Certificate of Education qualifications are not included as a level in the AQF. In New Zealand, the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) qualifications are on the NZQF. For information about using NCEA in Australia, see:

Applying to study in Australia

Read the full report

Get the full report here - Enhancing mobility - Referencing of the Australian and New Zealand Qualifications Frameworks
Download the report [PDF, 923KB] (opens in a new window)

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