Comparative analysis of the Australian Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning : joint technical report

This report presents the findings of the joint Australia - Europe working group on a comparative analysis of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This activity occurred in the context of the longstanding education and training policy dialogue between the European Union (EU) and Australia, where an enhanced relationship between the AQF and the EQF has been an important theme. The Group carried out its activities in 2014 and 2015, further to an agreement from early 2014 to compare the characteristics of the EQF as a regional framework for European countries and the AQF as a national framework. The purpose of this joint activity is to analyse and document the technical and conceptual characteristics of the respective frameworks in their operational contexts, and systematically identify key elements of their comparability, similarities and differences, in a mutually beneficial way. The comparison of the AQF and EQF will create a 'zone of mutual trust', leading to a better functional understanding and appreciation of AQF qualifications and respective learning outcomes in Europe, and a better understanding of the EQF in Australia, and the respective European national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) that are referenced to it. By broadening and deepening the functional knowledge and understanding of respective frameworks, transparency in the frameworks can be further elevated which, in turn, can enhance opportunities for future cooperation between Australia and Europe.