On 4 December, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, Minister for Tourism and International Education, has issued a media release on the Enhancing Mobility – Referencing of the Australian and New Zealand Qualifications Frameworks.

The report is the outcome of a joint project between the Australian Government Department of Education and Training and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to compare the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

The report details a comparison of the AQF and NZQF based on in-depth technical analysis against mutually-agreed principles. The outcomes of the project will enhance Australia’s international leadership in qualifications frameworks, qualifications recognition policy and complement existing mobility arrangements between Australia and New Zealand, which supports student and worker mobility for Australian graduates.

The department consulted with a wide range of Australian education and training stakeholders who supported the project including the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, the Australian Skills Quality Authority and education and training peak bodies throughout the course of the project. NZQA also consulted with its stakeholders. The heightened level of trust that was established throughout the project provides opportunities for future education and research exchange and collaboration.

The report is intended to be used by policy-makers to enhance student and worker mobility through improved transparency and understanding of our respective qualifications frameworks, learning outcomes and quality assurance arrangements.