What is the Qualification Comparison Service?
The Qualification Comparison Service (QCS) assesses your overseas qualification to determine its comparability to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It provides an outcome on the educational level of an overseas qualification within the AQF.
This service offers a reliable comparison of international qualifications, helping individuals and organisations understand how an overseas qualification compares to the Australian education system. It supports informed decisions related to employment, further study, or personal development.
Who is the QCS For?
If you intend to use your overseas qualification in Australia, you may need to demonstrate how it compares to the AQF.
We use guidelines published by the Australian Government Department of Education to assess the comparability of overseas qualifications.
QCS Benefits
A QCS outcome can be used by:
- Job seekers who want to show potential employers how their overseas qualifications compare to Australian standards
- Students planning to apply for further study in Australia
- Professionals seeking a general understanding of their qualification level
- Employers and HR teams assessing candidates with international qualifications
- Recruiters assessing overseas candidates
- Education providers and professional associations
- Individuals who want to include AQF comparisons in their CV or résumé
Am I Eligible for QCS?
The QCS is intended for qualifications that are formally recognised by authorised educational bodies in the country where they were awarded.
Please note:
- Qualifications that are not officially recognised by the relevant educational authorities in the country of origin cannot be assessed against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Employment experience cannot be used in place of a formal, recognised qualification.
The Qualification Comparison Service (QCS) does not assess:
- Whether your qualification meets Australian industry or licensing requirements
- Your eligibility for professional membership or employment
- The specific content or competency of your qualification in a particular field
Before applying, we recommend contacting the relevant licensing, professional, or industry bodies to ensure this assessment meets your specific needs.
This is not a skills assessment for migration purposes. If you require a skills assessment for migration to Australia, please refer to Skills Assessment for Migration.
What is the Assessment Process?
The Qualification Comparison compares the educational level of your qualification(s) to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) educational levels.
Comparison of the level of your qualification(s) to the AQF is dependent on many factors, including, but not limited to, the recognition and/or accreditation status of the awarding institution, underpinning studies, structure of the program, length and mode of study, level of academic achievement, and the course entry requirements.
QCS Fees
| Assessment Type | Applying from within Australia (including GST*) | Applying from outside Australia (excluding GST*) |
| Qualifications comparison to the AQF | $305.80 | $278.00 |
*Refer to the Australian Taxation Office website for more information.
PROCESSING TIMES:
View current approximate QCS processing times here.
How to Apply for the Qualification Comparison Service
Find out what you need to prepare before applying for the QCS, and how to apply.
Required Documents
Here, you will find a list of documents required to submit your application.
All identification and qualification documents must be high quality colour scans of original documents. If your documents are not in English, you must submit copies of the original documents as well as English translations conducted by a registered translation service.
Required documents
One recent passport-sized colour photograph is required. The photograph must be no more than six months old and of good quality (self-taken photographs are not acceptable). The photograph needs to be certified, signed and dated by the applicant.
As proof of your identity, we require your passport biopage showing your name, photo and date of birth. If you do not have a passport, you will need to provide your full Birth Certificate.
If applicable, evidence of name change must be provided to address any naming inconsistencies in the documents submitted. This is to support your identity.
If your documents are not in English, you must submit copies of the original documents as well as the English translations made by a registered translation service.
The qualification award certificate is the official document confirming the completion of an awarded course of study. If you have not yet received your qualification award certificate, a provisional award certificate issued by the awarding body or an official statement of completion issued by the Registrar's department of the awarding institution will be accepted.
Please read notes about additional requirements for qualifications obtained from specific regions of the world below, to determine if they apply to your circumstances.
Provide us with your complete academic transcript. Transcripts are the official records from the institution outlining the courses / units of study as well as the final grades achieved as part of your academic qualification. If you attended a college affiliated to the awarding institution, the academic transcripts must be issued by the awarding institution authorised to award the qualification.
If you have any forms of professional registration, please provide evidence for the assessment. The evidence must show the country of registration, name of registration board, type of registration, registration number and expiry date.
Additional Documents
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
Applicants with European qualifications should supply Diploma Supplements if available. Generally, these are only issued by educational institutions from countries participating in the Bologna Process.
Please supply evidence of passing the Professional Regulation Commission's Licensure Examinations if applicable.
Most qualifications awarded by University Colleges and Institutes in Lebanon require evidence of approval by the Equivalence Committee of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Please supply this evidence confirming equivalency to a qualification awarded by a Lebanese university.
Qualifications that have been awarded by educational institutions in China must be verified by the Qualification Verification service at VETASSESS. You can read more about the Chinese Qualifications Verification process at here.
Important Note:
If any required documentation is missing, the application may be delayed.
We will contact you for additional documentation, if necessary.
Forged, altered or falsified documents will not be assessed and no refund will be provided.