Oveseas Voc and Higher Ed Quals - Second Edition 2009 PDF

A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff
RECOGNITION OF OVERSEAS VOCATIONAL

AND HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
IN TAFE NSW
Second Edition
April 2009
About this guide
The increased focus of Australian immigration The AQF equivalents of overseas qualifications
policy on skill migration has resulted in a significant provided in this guide form part of the evidence
increase in the number of permanent and temporary required by TAFE NSW assessors to make an
skilled entrants to Australia seeking recognition of assessment decision for:
overseas skills and qualifications. More recently the
Commonwealth of Australian Governments (COAG) • the provision of advanced standing, or
announced that a new offshore skills assessment • determining whether applicants meet course
service providing a single assessment for both visa entry requirements for admission to TAFE NSW
and licensing purposes for skilled migrants would courses, or
commence from 1 July 2007 for key trades in major
source countries. • trade recognition
TAFE NSW has supported this policy focus by

implementing a number of initiatives designed to
streamline the recognition of overseas skills and
qualifications including the development of the
guide Recognition of Overseas Vocational and
Higher Education Qualifications in TAFE NSW.
This guide supports staff in conducting
assessments of overseas skills and qualifications Enquiries regarding this publication should be
by providing: directed to:
• Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) TAFE NSW

equivalents of overseas vocational and higher Level 16, 1 Oxford Street
education qualifications, including trade
qualifications DARLINGHURST NSW 2010
• Pre-requisites to each qualification Ph: 02 9244 5308
• Information to support the identification of

fraudulent documents © 2009 TAFE NSW,
• Background information on the education and NSW Department of Education and Training
training system of the countries included in the In consultation with UK NARIC (National
guide. Recognition Information Centre), a member of the
European Union NARIC Network.
ISBN 978-0-646-47366-6
First Published 2007
Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff
TAFE NSW
For all countries
1. Identifying genuine and – years of study, mode of study (P/T, F/T, by • Department of Immigration and Citizenship
fraudulent documents distance) subjects/modules studied and (DIAC) www.immi.gov.au/amep/client/pubs/
results where_amep/english.pdf
Each country includes useful information about the
identification of genuine and fraudulent documents. – related work experience DIAC translations are free of charge for certain
Documents that do not conform to the features Australian residents and include an extract or
Details provided in statutory declarations should
specified in each country can be checked by the summary translation of no more than 100 words.
to be confirmed by referring to available resources
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit, telephone The CRC translation service is fee payable and
or by contacting the TAFE NSW Multicultural
02 92445308. provides complete translations of overseas
Education Unit, telephone: 02 92445308.
qualification documents.
2. Statutory declarations 3. Challenge tests
5. Assistance
TAFE NSW accepts statutory declarations in the Where the student has applied for advanced
absence of documentation when for a valid reason Assistance with recognition of overseas
standing a challenge test may be administered by
the student/applicant is not able to produce qualifications and skills is available through the
the course head teacher/nominated assessor or
evidence of their qualifications. Institute Multicultural Education Co-ordinator or
verifier to establish if the student has the necessary
other Institute designated officer. In dealing with
knowledge and skills that match the competencies
TAFE NSW staff need to: more complicated matters staff may contact –
required to complete a module or unit. Assessors
• Determine the reasons for absence of Social Inclusion and Vocational Access Unit of TAFE
administering challenge tests should refer to
documentation NSW, phone: 02 9217 4996.
Student Assessment Policy – TAFE NSW to ensure
• Ensure the student/applicant provides in the that assessments conducted are valid, reliable, The guide Recognition of Overseas Vocational and
statutory declaration detailed information to consistent and fair. Higher Education Qualifications for Admission to
support their claim, including: and for Advanced Standing in TAFE NSW Courses
4. Translations (2nd edition) must be read in conjunction with
– family name, first given name, other given the Recognition of Overseas Secondary School
names, date of birth, year of arrival in Translation of documents in NSW can be requested Qualifications for Admission to TAFE NSW Courses
Australia, from: (7th edition. This guide provides the AQF equivalent
– student number, TAFE course name and • Community Relations Commission for a to secondary school qualifications obtained in
number where applicable multicultural NSW (CRC) overseas countries.Both guides are for TAFE NSW
use only.
– title of the overseas qualification (s), Telephone 131 651 500, www.crc.nsw.gov.au/
the name of the educational institution, interpreting/index, or
country of issue and the highest level of
• National Accreditation Authority for Translators
qualifications achieved
(NAATI) Directory www.naati.com.au or
– qualification entry requirements telephone 1300 557 470, or
– year the qualification was awarded
TAFE NSW
Countries
AFGHANISTAN LEBANON
BANGLADESH MALAYSIA
CANADA NETHERLANDS
CHILE NEW ZEALAND
CHINA (Mainland) PAKISTAN
EGYPT PHILIPPINES
FIJI RUSSIAN FEDERATON
GERMANY SINGAPORE
Hong Kong (Special Administrative SOUTH AFRICA
Region of the People’s Republic of China)
SRI LANKA
INDIA
THAILAND
INDONESIA
UNITED KINGDOM
IRAN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
IRAQ
VIETNAM
IRELAND
ZIMBABWE
JAPAN
KOREA (Replublic of)
TAFE NSW
Afghanistan
Language of Pre-Requisites Education Level Completed Years of Study Qualification awarded AQF Equivalent (in broad
instruction terms) for TAFE NSW study
Pashto Technical and Vocational Education
Dari Secondary level
English Middle School ........ Vocational Secondary High School (Doreyeh Aali) ........... 3 years........................ Vocational/Technical ........... AQF Certificate II
(Grade 7-9) Baccalauria
(Maktabeh
Motevaseteh)
Trades
Completion of ........ Trade Training courses ............................................. 3 years........................ Craft Certificate .................. Below AQF Certificate I
Grade 7 (eg Plumbing, Mechanics)
Teacher Education
Teachers (Primary)
Baccalauria ........... Teacher Training Institutions ...................................... 2 years........................ Teachers College Certificate AQF Certificate II
Teachers (Secondary Middle School)

Baccalauria ........... Higher Teacher Training College ................................. 2 years........................ Higher Teachers College ....... AQF Certificate III
Certificate
Teachers (High School)
Baccalauria ........... Universities ............................................................. 4 years........................ Bachelor of Education........... Australian Bachelor Degree
Higher Education
Baccalauria and ...... Kabul Polytechnic .................................................... 5 years........................ Bachelor of Science ............. Australian Bachelor Degree
an entrance exam (Engineering)
(Concours)
Baccalauria and ..... Universities (6) ........................................................ 4 years........................ Bachelor Degree .................. Australian Bachelor Degree
an entrance exam (or Licence)
(Concours)
5 years........................ Engineering & Veterinary ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
Medicine Degrees
7 years........................ Medicine Degree ................. Australian Bachelor Degree
AFGHANISTAN
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit
Afghanistan
Pashto Higher Education
Dari Bachelor and an ..... Universities ............................................................ 2 years........................ Master’s Degree............... Australian Bachelor Degree
English entrance exam
Master’s Degree ..... ............................................................................. 3 years....................... Doctorate (Doctori)........... Assessed individually
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan
Languages
Documents are issued in Pashto, Dari and English. • Documents always include a photograph of the crest of the Ministry of Higher Education, and
student which is stamped in the top left hand below this is the title ‘Diploma’ (in Pashto). On
Accreditation Information corner by the Ministry of Education the back cover are details of the dates of study
and 2 stamped signatures from the University
• The certificate is split into 2 sections – in the
• At primary and secondary levels education is and the Faculty of study
top half is the ‘certificate’ with the student’s
overseen by the Ministry of Education
personal details, dates of study and name • Both the English and the Pashto on University
• Tertiary education is now overseen by the of school; in the bottom half is a transcript of Kabul documents are written in a decorative
Ministry of Higher Education. This was formerly detailing the student’s marks in 10th, 11th and style. Other universities use printed forms of
known as the Ministry of Higher and Vocational 12th grades both languages
Education
• Documents include 3 signatures (the President • Documents from the 1980s and early 1990s
of Secondary Education, the Director General variously refer to the country name as ‘The
Notes on degree format and of Secondary Education and the Principal of Republic of Afghanistan’ and ‘The Democratic
requesting verification the school). Each signature is stamped by the Republic of Afghanistan’
Ministry of Education (circular stamp for the
• Documents from the post-1995 era are first two, triangular stamp for the Principal’s Fraud Risk Assessment and
extremely rare due to the social and political signature)
disruption during this period. Many Afghanis advice
Tertiary level awards follow a general format,
who gained qualifications during this period did The turbulent recent history of Afghanistan has
although there are differences between different
so in Pakistan or Iran rather than in Afghanistan had a detrimental effect on its education system.
institutions:
• Awards received generally date from 1970s The warfare of the 1980s and 1990s destroyed the
and 1980s. The vast majority of degree level • Tertiary level awards are issued in Pashto and majority of schools and led many teachers and
documents received are issued by Kabul English, with English on the left and Pashto on professors to leave the country. Awards from 1995
University the right (recent documents may be written in to 2001 are therefore rare, and non-existent in the
Dari and English, as this is the main language case of female students. Awards presented from
used on the new Afghan government websites) this period should be examined with care.
• A photograph of the student is always included. Due to its extreme poverty and instability,
University of Kabul places this in the bottom Afghanistan has not witnessed the same growth
right hand corner of the Pashto section. Other in fraudulent private/online universities as other
universities follow the format of the Secondary countries in the region. However, the lawless
Baccalaureate and place the photograph in the situation prevalent in Afghanistan over the past 3
Secondary level awards follow a standard format:
top left hand corner of the document decades has presented opportunities for the faking
• Documents are issued in English of national qualifications. As documents generally
• University of Kabul documents are in landscape follow a standard format, deviations from this
• They are headed by the symbol of the Ministry format and fold over like a booklet. On the format should therefore be viewed with suspicion.
of Education (see below) front cover of the booklet is the title (in Pashto)
‘Ministry of Higher Education’. Below this is the
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit AFGHANISTAN
Bangladesh
Language of Pre-Requisites Education Level Completed Years of Study Qualification AQF Equivalent (in broad
instruction awarded terms) for TAFE NSW study
Bangla Technical and Vocational Education
English Responsibility of the Bangladesh Technical Education
Board (BTEB)
Secondary level
Junior secondary .... Secondary schools, Vocational Training Institutes, ........ 2 years ........................ Secondary School ........... Below NSW Year 10 Certificate
(Grades VI-VIII) Technical Training Centres Certificate -SSC (Voc)
Secondary School... Vocational Training Institutes ..................................... 2 years ........................ Higher Secondary ........... NSW Higher School Certificate
Certificate (SSC Voc) Certificate - HSC (Voc)
– same stream of or NSS 1
study
Post Secondary level
Secondary School ... Vocational courses ................................................... 4 years ........................ Diploma (eg. Architectural AQF Certificate IV
Certificate (SSC) Polytechnic Institutes Technology, Electronics)
As above ............... Health programmes ................................................. 3 years ........................ Diploma (eg Health ......... AQF Diploma
Paramedical Institutes Technology, Radiography)
As above ............... Nursing & midwifery ................................................ 4 years (3 years nursing Diploma in Nursing ......... AQF Diploma
School of Nursing & 1 year midwifery) .......
As above ............... Homeopathic Medical Colleges .................................. 4 years ........................ Diploma in Homeopathic.. AQF Diploma
Medicine and Surgery
Trades
Junior Secondary ... Vocational education integrates general education and 2 years. Complete 18 ..... National Skills Standards.. AQF Certificate I
vocational skill content as in Secondary level above. credit practicals at the (NSS) 3 – Basic Skill level
required level which are
based on competency.
1 credit is 50 minutes
duration. (8 weeks on the
job training in one year)
As above ............... ............................................................................. As above ..................... National Skills Standards.. AQF Certificate I
(NSS) 2
Secondary School ... ............................................................................. As above ................... National Skills Standards.. AQF Certificate II
Certificate (SSC Voc) (NSS) 1 – equivalent to
completion of Grade XI & XII
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit BANGLADESH
Bangladesh
Bangla Teacher Education
English Teachers (Primary)
Secondary School ... Primary Training Institutions (PTIs) .................................. 1 year .......................... Certificate in Education ... AQF Certificate II
Certificate (SSC)
1 year .......................... Higher Certificate of ...... AQF Certificate IV
Education
Teachers (Secondary)
Higher Secondary ... Teacher Training Colleges (TTC), Institute of Education,....... 4 years ........................ Bachelor of Education ..... AQF Certificate IV
Certificate (HSC) University, Open University
Bachelor 2 years .... .................................................................................. 1 year .......................... Bachelor of Education ..... Australian Associate Degree
Honours or Bachelor .................................................................................. 1 year .......................... .................................... Australian Bachelor Degree

3 - 4 years
Bachelor of ........... .................................................................................. 1 year .......................... Master of Education......... Australian Masters Degree
Education
Teachers (Physical Education)
Higher Secondary ... Two Physical Education Colleges in Dhaka and Rajshashi 1 year .......................... Junior Diploma in ........... AQF Certificate II
Certificate (HSC) Physical Education
Honours or Bachelor 1 year .......................... Bachelor of Physical ...... Australian Bachelor Degree
3 - 4 years Education
Teachers (Technical)
Higher Secondary .. Technical Teachers Training College in Dhaka ................... 1 year .......................... Diploma ........................ AQF Certificate III
Certificate (HSC) in Technical Education
Honours or Bachelor ................................................................................. 2 years ........................ Bachelor Education ......... Australian Bachelor Degree
3 - 4 years (Technology)
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh
Bangla Higher Education
English Higher Secondary Private University rated Good ..................................... 3-4 years ..................... Bachelor Degree ............ Australian Bachelor Degree
Certificate + in
some cases an
entrance exam
As above ............... Public and Private Universities ................................... 2 years ........................ Bachelor of Arts, Science AQF Diploma
and Commerce (Pass)
(prior 2002)
As above ............... ............................................................................ 3 years ........................ Bachelor of Arts, Science Australian Associate Degree
and Commerce (Pass)
(post 2002)
As above ............... ............................................................................ 3 years ........................ Bachelor of Arts, Science Australian Associate Degree
and Commerce (Honours)
(prior 2002)
As above ............... ............................................................................ 4 years ........................ Bachelor of Arts, Science Australian Bachelor Degree
.and Commerce (Honours)
(post 2002)
Higher Secondary.... Dhaka, Rajshashi and Chittagong Universities .............. 2 or 4 years .................. Bachelor of Law (LLB) ..... Australian Bachelor Degree
Certificate + and 32 affiliated law colleges (see entry requirements) (Honours)
entrance exam
– for 4 year course
/A first degree
(honours) for the 2
year course
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh
Bangla Higher Education
English Higher Secondary.... Public and Private Universities .................................. 2 or 4 years see entry Bachelor of Science ........ Australian Associate Degree
Certificate + entrance requirements (in professional subjects)
exam – for 4 year
course / A first
degree (honours) for Bachelor of Science ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
the 2 year course in Architecture or
Engineering
Bachelor of Science ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
in Architecture of
Engineering (from BUET)
Bachelor Degree ..... ............................................................................ 2 years/1 year .............. Master of Arts, Science ... Australian Bachelor Degree
(Pass/Honours) or Commerce
Master/Master of ............................................................................ 2 years/1 year .............. Master of Engineering ..... Australian Postgraduate
Philosophy and Master of Science Diploma
(Engineering)
Master of Law (LLM) ....... Australian Postgraduate

Diploma
Master/Master of ..... ............................................................................ 3 years ....................... PhD ............................. Australian Masters Degree
Philosophy
Islamic education
Higher Secondary ..... Universities ............................................................ 2 years ....................... Fazil (equiv. Bachelor ...... AQF Diploma
Certificate Pass Degree)
(plan for future, not yet
implemented).
Fazil ...................... ............................................................................ 2 years ........................ Kamil ........................... Australian Bachelor Degree
(equiv. Masters’ Degree)
(plan for future, not yet
implemented).
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh
Languages
Documents are written in English. • To advise the Government on the establishment • The main part of the document is a table
of new Universities or of proposals for the containing the student’s personal details, details
Accreditation Information expansion of existing Universities of his/her school and details of the overall result
• To advise the Government on proposals to grant obtained. The details in the table are generally
Secondary education is overseen by one of nine filled in by hand and written in a decorative
boards of intermediate and secondary education: the right to confer special degree awarding
status on colleges which may be considered script
• 7 Boards of Intermediate and Secondary suitable for such status • Below the table, the signature of the controller
Education (Dhaka, Comilla, Rajshahi, Jessore, • To exercise such other powers and perform of examinations is included, and the date is
Chittagong, Barisal and Sylhet) such other functions as may be conferred on it repeated.
• 1 Madrasah Education Board by any law or by the Government. Tertiary level documents do not follow a standard
• 1 Technical Education Board format. Many still include handwritten sections,
Notes on degree format and though increasingly documentation is being printed.
These boards are responsible for the accreditation requesting verification Few universities have adopted modern security
of non-government secondary education institutes, features, however.
quality assurance and public examinations. Secondary and higher secondary level documents
generally follow a standard format:
Tertiary education is overseen by the University Fraud Risk Assessment and
Grants Commission (UGC). The responsibilities of • The documents are in landscape format and are advice
the UGC are as follows: issued in English
Bangladesh is one of the poorest and most
• To assess the needs in the field of University • The name of the Board of Education is across densely populated countries in the world. As
education and formulate plans for the the top, with the Board’s symbol printed such, competition for places at higher education
development of such education underneath. In many cases this logo includes institutions is fierce, and many students resort to
Bengali, which is the only Bengali included on illegal means in order to appear well qualified. In
• To determine the financial needs of Universities the certificate a recent operation, police in western Bangladesh
• To receive, allocate and disburse funds from • In the top-left below the Board of Education is recovered a large number of fake certificate making
the Government to Universities for their a serial number for the certificate, and in the materials including four photo printers and fake
maintenance and development top right there is a unique student registration documents.
• To evaluate the programme for the development number. The date is also included alongside the Unlike India and Pakistan, the University Grants
of University’s, teaching departments, institutes registration number Commission of Bangladesh does not maintain
and other constituent institutions • Below this is the name of the qualification a list of fraudulent or failing institutions, and
• To examine all University development plans (Secondary Certificate or Higher Secondary as such some of these institutions have been
Certificate). The date is also repeated at this able to operate within Bangladesh. The most
• To collect statistical and other information on point notable instance of this kind of activity was the
university matters establishment of a fake university in Dhaka.
Hundreds of degrees were issued before the fraud
was detected.
Bangladesh
Example of Secondary School Certificate
Bangladesh
Example of Higher Secondary Certificate
Bangladesh
Example of Provisional Degree Certificate
Canada
English Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Secondary .............. Schools (Vocational/industrial, 2–3 years.................. High School Graduation
School Diplomas commercial courses) prepare students for employment Diploma/Certificate............... NSW High School Certificate
(completion of or further training.
Grades 9 or 10) Attestation de Formation
Professionelle ..................... AQF Certificate I
Diplome D’Etudes
Professionelles (DEP)............ AQF Certificate III
Attestation d’Etudes
Collegiates .......................... AQF Certificate IV
Attestation de Specialisation
Professionelle ..................... AQF Certificate IV
Post-Secondary Level
Grade 12 ................ Colleges, Community Colleges, CEGEPS (Quebec), 1–3 years .................... Certificate (1 year)................ AQF Certificate III
qualifications Technical Centres, Vocational Colleges, Police Colleges,
However there is Military Colleges Technicians Certificate ......... AQF Certificate IV
flexibility, more
specifically when 3 years ....................... Diploma ............................. AQF Diploma
the applicant is of
mature age and can Diploma of Technology ......... AQF Advanced Diploma
demonstrate relevant
skills
Diplome D’Etudes Collegiales... AQF Certificate IV
(technical subjects)
CANADA
TAFE NSW
Canada
English Trades
Grade 10 or 11 ........ Technical Colleges, Community Colleges, Vocational 1 year .......................... Journeyman Certificate ......... AQF Certificate IV
Colleges/Centres, trade schools prepare students for National Red Seal
employment in the trades.
Apprenticeships offer a combination of on-the-job Journeyman Certificate .......... AQF Certificate IV

training with classroom attendance. /Apprenticeship Regional
Teacher Education
Grade 12 ................ Faculties of Education .................................................. 3 years ........................ Bachelor Degree .................... Australian Bachelor Degree
graduation Diplome Bachelor of Arts or Baccalaure
d’Etudes Collegiales Science +one year Bachelier
– DEC (Quebec) professional program in
teacher training, or
Bachelor of Education .... .............................................. Australian Bachelor Degree
– 4 years
Higher Education
Grade 12 .................. Universities, institutes or schools affiliated to universities, 3–4 years ..................... Bachelor (Pass or general) ...... Australian Bachelor Degree
graduation community colleges, Colleges of Applied Science and
Diplome d’Etudes Technology (CASTs) 4–5 years ..................... Bachelor (Honours) ................. Australian Bachelor Degree
Collegiales – DEC
(Quebec)
2 years completion.............................................................................................. 3 or more years ............ Professional Degree ............... Australian Bachelor Degree
of a Bachelor Degree in a professional area
(e.g engineering)
Bachelor Degree ......... ....................................................................................... 1 year .......................... Postgraduate Diploma ............ Postgraduate Diploma
....................................................................................... 2 years .......................... Masters, Maitrise, Maitre ........ Masters
Masters Degree .......... ....................................................................................... 3 years .......................... Doctor of Philosophy .............. Doctorate
TAFE NSW CANADA
Canada
Languages Notes on degree format and
Documents are issued in English, French and Latin. There are several agencies that assist with quality requesting verification
The Territory of Nunavut awards certificates and assurance in Canadian tertiary institutions:
There is no standardisation in Canadian degree
diplomas in Inuktitut (degrees are not offered in the
The Association of Universities and Colleges of formats. Formal requests for validation should
territory). Diplomas and Certificates are bilingual
Canada (AUCC) does not have an accreditation be made to the universities directly. As with the
(English and Inuktitut), however the name of the
role but funds several quality-assurance-related United States, many institutions will send sealed
individual and the title of the programme appearing
activities. A university or degree-granting college transcripts in tamper proof envelopes directly to
on the certificate or diploma are in English only.
can only be admitted to AUCC if it is a degree- organisations requesting verification.
There are also two institutions in the Province of
granting institution through legislative authority; its
Nova Scotia that issue certificates to Mi’kmaq
primary mission must be the provision of university
students in their language (Mi’kmaq).
degree programs and must satisfy AUCC, after
Fraud Risk Assessment and
receiving a report by an AUCC-appointed visiting advice
Accreditation Information committee, that it is providing education of a The fake degree market exists in Canada as in the
Accreditation of tertiary education is the university standard. United States. Reports do, however, suggest that
responsibility of provincial and territorial The Association of Canadian Community Colleges it is less of an issue at present. There are a number
governments. Each province and territory has laws, (ACCC) is a national organisation which supports of degree mills in Canada, although there are fewer
policies, and procedures that govern the operation the maintenance of high-quality programming in opportunities for fake institutions to operate legally
of tertiary institutions. Each province or territory has colleges. The ACCC requires that members deliver than over the border in the US.
their own quality assurance system in place. post-secondary programs that meet the academic
The use of titles such as university or university standards for diploma and certificate qualifications
college by educational institutions may be restricted set out by the appropriate jurisdictional authorities,
in different provinces, although this is not the case operate as an integral part of a provincial or
in every jurisdiction. The power to establish tertiary territorial government’s educational activities and
institutions is mostly the responsibility of state that are funded primarily through that government.
legislators. Recognised institutions in Canada do, The Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada
however have the ability to set up agreements with (AAAC) is a national organisation of professional
non-recognised providers for the purposes of credit associations involved in promoting good practice
transfer or programme accreditation. by its members in accreditation of educational
programs.
TAFE NSW CANADA
Chile
Spanish Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Educacion Basica .... Technical Vocational Schools..................................... 4-5 years ................... Licencia de Educacion ....... AQF Certificate II
(Primary School) Media and Technico Medio
(Certificate of Secondary
Education)
Licencia de ............. Technical Training Centres ........................................ 2-3 years ................... Technico Superior ............. AQF Diploma
Educacion Media/ (Higher Technician) and
Technico Medio Certificado de Egreso
(Certificate of Completion)
as a licensed technician
(if graduate completes a
period of practical training
prescribed by INACAP)
As above ............... Professional Institutes, Universities ............................ 4-5 years ................... Ingeniero de Ejecucion ...... AQF Advanced Diploma
(Practical Engineer)
4-5 years ................... Diploma (if course in):

Administration, Motor
Mechanics, Environmental
and ecological engineering,
Teacher Training (primary
education) & social
communication)
As above ............... Universities ............................................................ 3 years (FT) ................ Technico Universitario ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
(University - Level
Technician)
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit CHILE
Chile
Spanish Trades
Minimum 3 years of Awarded by the Instituto Nacional de Capitacion 1 year (PT) .................. No formal examination ...... To be given a challenge test
primary education Profesional (INCAP) 1200 hours duration. just a record of achievement
Regional Centres Students are in
employment
Teacher Education
Teachers (Pre-School, Early Childhood)
Licencia de ............. Professional Institute ............................................... 3-4 years .................... Profesor de Educacion ....... Australian Associate Degree
Educacion Media and Parvularia or Educador de
university entrance Parvulos.
exam (Prueba de
Aptitud Academica)
Teachers (Primary)
As above ............... Escuelas Normales Superiores ................................... 4 years ....................... Bachillerato Pedagogico ..... Australian Associate Degree
Professional Institutes (Bachelor of Education)
And the professional title:
Profesor de Educación
General Básica (Teacher of
General Basic Education)
Teachers (Pre-School, Primary, Secondary)
As above ............... Universities ............................................................ 5 years ....................... Licenciado en Educacion .... Australian Bachelor Degree
Professor (Teacher of…)
Higher Education
Licencia de ............ Universities ............................................................ 3-4 years .................... Bachiller/Bacherillerato ...... Australian Associate Degree
Educacion Media (lower academic level or
and university equal to degree)
entrance exam
(Prueba de Aptitud
Academica-PAA)
As above .............. ............................................................................. 3-5 years .................... Licenciado/Licenciatura .... Australian Bachelor Degree
(depending (Degree) or professional title
on subjects studied) (eg Engineer)
CHILE
Chile
Spanish Higher Education

Licenciado or ......... Universities ............................................................ 1-2 years ................... Postitulo ......................... Australian Graduate Diploma
professional title (Postgraduate Diploma)
Licenciado ............ ............................................................................ 2-4 years ................... Magister .......................... Australian Master’s Degree
(depending (Postgraduate Degree)
on field of study)
Magister/ .............. ............................................................................ 3 years/5 years ........... Doctorado/ Doctor ............. Assessed individually
Licenciado (depending on level of (Doctorate)
entry)
CHILE
Chile
Information to be supplied
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit CHILE
China (Mainland)
Mandarin Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Senior Middle Specialised Schools
Vocational
Completion of Junior Training is largely institution based with a small .......... 3 -4 years................... Certificate of Graduation..... AQF Certificate II
Secondary School period of work experience. (or 2 years after Senior (Diploma)
(3-4 years) General Education is also included. Secondary School)
Technical
Training is largely institution based with some work ..... Up to 4 years................ ...................................... AQF Certificate II
experience. General Education is also included. (depending on level
of entry)
Completion of ........ Vocational Technical Colleges ................................. 2 years ...................... Graduation Diploma .......... AQF Certificate IV
Senior Secondary
School
Vocational Universities ........................................... 3 years....................... Graduation Diploma .......... AQF Advanced Diploma
Regular higher education institutions
Trades
Trades are taught in the Secondary schools ................. 3 -4 years................... Certificate of Graduation .... AQF Certificate II
(See above). Work experience may take place during or (or 2 years after Senior (Diploma)
after the training program Secondary School)
(Students are restricted to undertaking those trades
that are needed within their local area)
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit CHINA
China (Mainland)
Mandarin Teacher Education
Teacher Training Schools (Primary)
Completion of Junior Senior Specialised School .......................................... 3-4 years................... Certificate of Graduation..... AQF Certificate II
Secondary School
Teacher (Junior)
Completion of Senior Teachers College/Institute .......................................... 2-3 years................... Diploma in Education ........ AQF Advanced Diploma
Secondary School Diploma in Junior
Secondary Teaching
Chinese National ..... Normal University ..................................................... 4 years...................... Degree in teaching............. Australian Bachelor Degree
University Entrance Exam
Higher Education
4 years ..................... Bachelor Degree................ Australian Bachelor Degree
Chinese National ..... Comprehensive universities .......................................
University Entrance Academies
Exam Normal Universities (teacher education)
Specialised universities
Institutes
Bachelor Degree ..... Master’s ................................................................. 2-3 years .................. Master’s Degree............... Australian Master’s Degree
and Master’s
Entrance Exam
Master’s Degree ..... Doctorate ............................................................... 3 years .................... Doctorate........................ Assessed individually
and Doctorate
Degree Exam
Adult Higher Education
National Adult Exam Radio and TV University or College .............................. 2-3 years F/T ............. Graduation Diploma
based on the Higher Further Education College (including Night College) or up to 5 years P/T 2 years ............................ AQF Diploma
School Certificate 3 years ............................ AQF Advanced Diploma
Staff University or College .......................................... 2-3 years (F/T)............ Graduation Diploma

Administrators College, Spare Time Universities 2 years ............................ AQF Diploma
3 years............................ AQF Advanced Diploma
CHINA
China
Languages
All original documents are issued in Chinese. programme accreditation before recruiting students and who met the degree requirements and
However, in ethnic minority regions, documents to a particular course. standards
may be issued in both Chinese and their own
• In a green cover from 1998 and including a
languages (eg. Mongolian in Inner Mongolia,
Tibetan in Tibet, Uighur in Xijiang, Korean in some Notes on degree format and picture of the student
parts of the Northeastern region). requesting verification Master’s degrees
The quality of the English documents issued by Upon completion, students are normally issued a
Chinese institutions is extremely variable. It is still • In a blue cover 1982-98, in a navy cover after
Certificate of Graduation. Those who have also met
very common, especially at secondary level, that 1998
the Degree Regulation are also issued a Degree
the translation is done by the individual and then Certificate. • Starting from 1998 includes a picture of the
checked and stamped by the institutions. student
Below is the certificate formats in different periods
after the Cultural Revolution.
Accreditation information Doctoral Degree
Accreditation at secondary level is the responsibility Certificate of Graduation • From 1982–98 in a navy blue cover
of the provincial and territorial governments.
Points of recognition and information: • From 1998 in a burgundy cover.
At tertiary level, Ministry of Education is the sole
• Starting in 1998 includes a picture of the
accreditator. Recognised institutions are classified • The only qualification awarded in 1981
student.
into two groups: normal ( ) institutions • A separate document 1982 – 84
and adult education ( )institutions. Certificate of Graduation between early 1990s to
Normal institutions are further recognised as • Combined with the Bachelor’s degree 1985 – 91 2000/2001 states “Printed by Ministry of Education”
degree awarding institutions, non-degree awarding • A separate document 1992 to the present on the bottom of lefthand side. After 2001, all
colleges (zhuanke) and non-degree awarding certificates are “printed under the supervision of
vocational colleges (gaozhi). Adult education • In a red cover Ministry of Education” and the background shows
institutions do not have degree awarding power. • Always includes a picture of the student “XLZS” (short for Xue Li Zheng Shu – qualification
They can only offer adult education programmes. certificates) under magnification. All degree
Graduates from these institutions, who meet the • All self-taught awards after 2003 are in national certificates after 1992 bear a Chinese national
Degree Regulation of the People’s Republic of unified format. emblem on the lefthand side. The new style
China requirements are awarded an Adult Education Bachelor Degree Certificates also shows “ ”
degree by an appointed normal degree-awarding Bachelor’s Degrees (Bachelor Degree) on the background. Until late
institution. • 1982– 84 a separate document 1990s, hand-written certificates were still very
The accreditation of academic programmes is the common.
• 1985 – 91 combined with the certificate of
responsibility of the Academic Degree Committee graduation (in a red cover) A central database of Chinese higher education
of the State Council of China (also known as the qualification certificates has been developed by the
China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education • 1992 a separate document
MoE. After 2001, all national awards have a 17 or
Development Centre, a department of MoE China). • It was awarded in 1982 to some students who 18 digital number on the Certificate of Graduation
Recognised institutions are required to obtained received a Certificate of Graduation in 1981 ( ).
China
Advice
Fraud is very common in China. Very high quality
fake documents, ranging from junior secondary
certificate to Ph.D can be purchased. Little
stickers advertising fraudulent documents are
often seen in nearly every town and city. The
Chinese government has put considerable amount
of effort to attack these fraudulent documents
mills, including establishing the national central
database and making improvements to security
devices on national certificates, However, fake
qualifications are still widely available and very
often a full set of documents including transcripts,
degree certificates etc are purchased.
The most common form of fraud in transcripts is
the omission of subjects. All Chinese students
are required to study Maozedong Thoughts,
Dengxiaoping Theory and other political
subjects with “Chinese characteristics”. Physical
Education, Military Theories, English (up to
secondary year), Advanced Mathematics (upto
secondary year for science students) are also
compulsory subjects in national curriculum.
Therefore, all genuine transcripts for tertiary award
should include these subjects. Grades distortion is
another popular fraud and it is much more difficult
to prove.
China
Upper Secondary Graduation Certificate (Results) Upper Secondary Graduation Certificate (Confirmation of Graduation)
China
Fake Self Taught Graduation Certificate Fake Self Taught Graduation Certificate
China
Genuine Graduation Certificate (Bachelor Degree) Genuine Self-taught Examination Certificate
Egypt
Arabic Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Technical
Certificate of Basic (Industrial/ Agricultural/ Commercial Streams) ............. 3 years....................... Secondary School Technical .. AQF Certificate II
Education /Al- Diploma in (Industry/
Azhar Preparatory Agriculture/ Commerce)
Certificate
As above ............... ............................................................................. 5 years........................ Diploma of Advanced ......... AQF Certificate III
Technical Studies in
(Industry/ Agriculture/
Commerce)
Vocational
Certificate of Basic Vocational Secondary Schools ................................... 2 years........................ Vocational Certificate......... AQF Certificate II
Education /Al- (or students who fail
Azhar Preparatory final third year exam)
Certificate
As above ............... ............................................................................. 3 years........................ Secondary School Diploma .. AQF Certificate III
in Vocational Preparation
(Certificate contain words:
“Qualified as a Craftsman”)
Post Secondary
General Secondary Intermediate Vocational/Technical Institutes ................ 2 years....................... Technical Institute Diploma AQF Certificate IV
School Certificate (Maahaad Motawasid)
(57-64%) or, Commercial/ Health/ Industrial Streams
Secondary School
Technical Diploma
General Secondary Higher Technical Institutes (Maahaad Aalia) ................. 2 years....................... Diploma........................... AQF Diploma
School Certificate (Av. Agricultural/ Commercial/ Industrial (advanced level)
70%) or, Secondary 4-5 years.................... Bachelor Degree............... Australian Bachelor Degree
School Technical
Diploma (75%)
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit EGYPT
Egypt
Arabic Trades
Certificate of Basic ... Industrial schools ..................................................... 3 years..................... Secondary School Technical AQF Certificate II
Education/Al- Diploma in Industry
Azhar Preparatory (Automotive Electricity,
Certificate General Mechanics,
Masonry, Weaving and
Spinning)
5 years..................... Diploma of Advanced ........ AQF Certificate III

Technical Studies in Industry
2-4 years................... Apprenticeship................... AQF Certificate III
Teacher Education
Teacher (Primary/Secondary)
General Secondary .. Universities .............................................................. 4 years..................... Bachelor of Education......... Australian Associate Degree
School Certificate/
Al-Azhar General
Secondary School
certificate
4 years..................... Bachelor of Education ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
(from a prestigious institution)
4 years..................... Bachelor of Primary ........... Australian Associate Degree

Education
Bachelor of Primary ........... Australian Bachelor Degree

Education (from a
prestigious institution)
Bachelor ................ ............................................................................... 1 year....................... General Diploma in ............ Australian Graduate Diploma
Education
General Secondary .. Al Azhar Teacher Training Institute .............................. 3 years...................... Al Azhar Teacher Training ... AQF Advanced Diploma
School Certificate/ Diploma
Al-Azhar General
Secondary School
certificate
Egypt
Arabic Teacher Education
Teacher (Technical & Vocational Secondary)
Secondary School .... Vocational Teacher Training Institutes ......................... 5 years...................... Bachelor of Science in ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
Technical Diploma Education (Industrial
Specialisation)
Higher Education
General Secondary .. Universities .............................................................. 4-6 years ................. Bachelor Degree ............... Australian Associate Degree
School Certificate (depending on area of
(70-75%) study) Bachelor Degree .............. Australian Bachelor Degree
(from a Higher Institution)
Bachelor ................ ............................................................................... 1 year (FT).................. Diploma in Higher Studies Australian Graduate Diploma
(also known as Diploma of
Graduate Studies, or simply
Diploma /Diplom Derassat
Uliaa)
Bachelor ................ ............................................................................... 2 years (FT)................. Master’s (Majister)............. Australian Master’s Degree
(‘Good’ grade)
Master’s ................ ............................................................................... 3-4 years................... Doctor of Philosophy.......... Assessed individually

(‘Good’ grade)
EGYPT
Egypt
Languages
Documents are issued in Arabic. Some institutions/ number and the name of the school where the father’s name, date and place birth are also
faculties which teach in English issue documents examination was taken included
in English while others use English for part of the • At the foot of the documents, the signatures • Dates are generally from the western calendar,
documentation such as the transcript. of the Director of Student Affairs, the head of though some universities (notably Al-Azhar) use
the examinations department, the head of the the Islamic Hijra calendar. Reference is always
Accreditation Information assessment unit, the examiner and the scientific made to the western date as well, however.
advisor are included
• Secondary level education is overseen by
the Ministry of Education and the regional • A stamp from the Ministry of Education is also Fraud Risk Assessment and
Governorate where the student has taken the included (generally over one of the signatures advice
examination at the bottom). The stamp features the Eagle of
Egyptian education is controlled by the Ministry
Saladin which is the national symbol of Egypt
• Tertiary level education is overseen by the of Higher Education. Even private universities
and has ‘Ministry of Education’ written around it
Ministry of Higher Education are under the control of the government (via the
in Arabic.
Supreme Council of Universities) and opportunities
• Secondary and tertiary religious education for fraud within the Egyptian system are therefore
is administered by Al-Azhar University and is Tertiary documents do not follow a standard
format as all universities follow their own patterns. more limited than in some countries in the region.
overseen by the Ministry of Awqaf (religious
endowments). However, there are certain common features to all A recent trend within higher education in Egypt
university degree documents and transcripts: has been the establishment of private universities
Notes on degree format and • Documents are written in Arabic, English, or
in partnership with foreign providers. Currently
only four of these institutions are recognised by
requesting verification a combination of the two. Generally speaking
the Ministry of Education: the German University
those courses which are carried out in English
Secondary documents follow a general format: in Egypt, the French University in Egypt, Al Ahram
will issue English language documents.
[Pyramids] Canadian University and the British
• Documents are written in Arabic, with all the • When written in Arabic the script is usually University in Egypt. Other foreign institutions
general information printed and the student’s highly decorative and fully vowelled. In some claiming accreditation in Egypt will not be operating
details filled in by hand cases parts of the certificate/transcript may also lawfully.
be handwritten
• The main document students receive is a In terms of documentation, the lack of modern
combined certificate and transcript. The printed • A number of different signatures are included security features on Egyptian documents and the
transcript lists all the possible subjects that are at the foot of Egyptian degree documents. propensity to still issue hand written documents
available to for study and the student’s marks Most universities will include the signature means that Egyptian awards may be more subject
are filled in by hand against the appropriate of the Dean of the faculty and the Principal/ to forgery than those from systems with more highly
subjects President of the university. Others may include developed security features. Documents which
the signature of the registrar, the head of the do not conform to the features outlined above or
• Dates used on the documents are from the examinations section and in the case of Al- otherwise appear suspicious should be checked
western calendar Azhar University the signature of the student with the TAFE MEU. Sealed transcripts can also be
• Personal information on the documents includes • General information such as the student’s name, requested directly from the awarding institution.
the student’s name, his/her examination seat
Egypt
Example of Master’s degree
Fiji
language of instruction Secondary level
Junior Secondary .... Technical Secondary ................................................ 2 years........................ Fiji Vocational (Training) ..... AQF Certificate II
(Form 4) Public Vocational School Certificate
Post Secondary
Fiji School Leaving... Fiji Institute of Technology, University of the ................ 1 year......................... Certificate (eg Business, ..... AQF Certificate III
Certificate (FSLC) South Pacific Business (Accounting) etc)
Fiji Seventh Form .... 2 years....................... Diploma (eg Engineering, .... AQF Diploma
Certificate Maritime Studies, Graphic
Design etc)
Trades
Fiji School Leaving .. Apprenticeship Programs .......................................... 1-3 years ................... Trade Certificate ................. AQF Certificate II
Certificate (FSLC) Fiji Institute of Technology (plus 12 to 18 months (eg in marine engineering,
industrial experience, carpentry, electronics,
depending on program) plumbing etc)
Teacher Education
Teachers (Primary)
Fiji Seventh Form ..... Teacher Training College ........................................... 2 years........................ Teachers Certificate............ AQF Certificate IV
Certificate
Teachers (Junior Secondary)
Fiji Seventh Form ..... Fiji College of Advanced Education (FCAE) .................... 2 years........................ Diploma in Education.......... AQF Diploma
Certificate
Bachelor Fiji College of Advanced Education (FCAE) .................... 2 years (10 weeks)....... Secondary Teacher ............ Australian Bachelor Degree
Training Certificate
Fiji Seventh Form ..... University of the South Pacific .................................... 3 years........................ Bachelor of Education......... Australian Bachelor Degree
Certificate
Bachelor ................ ............................................................................... 1 year......................... Postgraduate Certificate ..... Australian Graduate Diploma
in Education
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit FIJI
Fiji
English Higher Education
Fiji Seventh Form .... University of the South Pacific ................................... 3 years...................... Bachelor.......................... Australian Bachelor Degree
Certificate
Bachelor ................ ............................................................................. 1-2 years.................... Master’s........................... Australian Master’s Degree
Master’s ................ ............................................................................. 2 years....................... Doctorate.......................... Assessed individually
FIJI
Fiji
Information to be supplied
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit FIJI
Germany
German Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary Level (Dual system)
(combine classroom and practical training)
Grades 9 or 10 .......... Berufsschule ................................................................. 1–2 days in a classroom ... Berufsschulaschluss......... AQF Certificate II
(vocational schools) 3 days in practical Abschlusszeugnis
training ( e.g in a bank) (Students will also be
over 2, 3 or 3 and a half registered in the board
years. of trade (Industrie-und
Handelskammer - IHK).
Grade 10 .................. Berufsfachschule ........................................................... 2–3 years ..................... Gesellenbrief/ ................... AQF Certificate III
Intermediate technical schools (full-time vocation- Kaufmannsgehilfeenbrief/
specific programs) Facharbeiterbrief
Berufsoberschule .......................................................... 2 years .......................... Fachhochschulreife ......... AQF Certificate IV
Tertiary non-university institutions
(e.g specialised technical academies)
Berufsschule ........... Fachschulen .................................................................. 1–3 years full-time Meisterabrief (2 years) ..... AQF Diploma
Berufsfachschule Fachschulabschluss .......... AQF Diploma
Berufsoberschule (3 years)
Trades
See Secondary Level-Dual System above plus
professional licence to work and use the occupational
title.
Grades 9 or 10 .......... ..................................................................................... 1–2 days in a classroom ... Urkunde ............................. Licenses the individual to
and 3 days in practical work in a specific occupation
training 3 years, AND – the level is determined by
state examination AND the qualification – see above
professional licence
TAFE NSW GERMANY
Germany
German Teacher Education
Pre-school teacher
Zeugnis der Universities, teacher training college, university of 3 years +1 year ............... Fachochschuldiplom ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
Allgemeine applied science practice or 4 year
Hochschulereife
or Abitur, or
Fachgebundene Primary and secondary teacher
Hochschulreife Technical and vocational teacher
Universities, technical training colleges and institutes, Includes two stages: ...... Zweites Staatexamen ...... Australian Master’s Degree
technical universities, colleges of pedagogy. Teacher Stage I
training includes two stages. 3–4 years + Erste
Staatsprunfunf
examination
Stage II (practical)
(Vorbereitungsdienst)
1–2 years + Zweite
Staatsprufung
examination
New system will reflect

the Bologna process to
include:
3 Years Bachelor + 1–2
Master
TAFE NSW GERMANY
Germany
Higher Education
Zeugnis der ............. Universities, Polythecnic universities, Fachhochschule, 3–6 years ........................ Bachelor, Bakkalaureus, ..... Australian Bachelor Degree
Allgemeine Berufsakademie, art and music colleges Fachochschuldiplom,
Hochschulereife or Diplom, Magister
Abitur , Artium, Staatsexamen/
Staasprufung, Diplom, ,
Fachgebundene Fachhochschulen Diplom,
Hochschulreife Berufsakademien Diplom,
Lizentiatsprufung
Fachhochschule
Bachelor .................... ............................................................................................. 1–2 years ........................ Magister ........................... Australian Master’s Degree
Magister .................... .............................................................................................. 3 years ............................ Doctoral degree, ............... Australian Doctorate
Doktor, Habilitation,
Promotion
TAFE NSW GERMANY
Germany
Languages Notes on degree format and Fraud Risk Assessment and
Documents are mainly issued in German. Latin requesting verification Advice
sometimes occurs in the grades of university
There is no standard degree format in Germany. Germany is not very prone to education fraud.
degrees and in official seals of old universities. In
Degree certificates are usually in portrait style, with The titles of “Hochschule”, “Universität” and
some cases, whole documents can be in English,
the institutions name at the top and an official seal “Fachhochschule” are legally protected in Germany,
especially those issued in recent years and for
of the institution where the qualification was gained. which makes it more difficult for degree mills
study programmes that have been taught in English.
Signatures of authority (eg Präsident, Rektor and to operate. It is also a criminal offense to issue
Dekan) are on the bottom of the page. The title an academic degree without permission of the
Accreditation information of the degree and the name of the candidate are respective Bundesland.
Each state- Bundesland- holds extensive printed in a larger and sometimes bold font in the
centre of the certificate. However, there are education institutions operating
control over its own affairs, while the Federal under the title corporate university which are not
government coordinates them through the Transcripts are issued by the institutions and are actual universities. Corporate universities are
Kultusministerkonferenz (Standing Conference of broken down into semesters. They normally include further education institutions that are operated by
the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of information such as studied subjects, obtained companies for their staff. Fraudulent documents are
the Länder). The Federal government in Germany marks and achieved grades. They may also include also quite rare.
has only limited legislative responsibility for the information such as the number of credits awarded,
education system. The only aspects of education the student’s date of birth and the duration of the
that lie in the responsibility of the Federal course.
government is the in-company part of vocational
training (the practical part of the dual vocational After completion of occupational training, up
education system), the framework of general to three different documents may be received:
principles in higher education and the advancement The Abschlusszeugniss from the school (stating
of scientific research. the courses that have been completed), the
Staatsprüfung (state examination) and the
Since the Bologna reform, some individual professional licence to work and use the
study courses have been accredited by the occupational title.
Akkreditierungsrat. At the moment this happens
at a voluntary basis, but as of 2010 it will be
mandatory for all higher education institutions that
offer Bologna degrees to have their study programs
accredited.
TAFE NSW GERMANY
Germany
Example of a genuine German Diploma
Name
TAFE NSW GERMANY
Germany
Example of a German Degree
Name
TAFE NSW GERMANY
Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China)
Chinese Technical and Vocational Education
English (Only at post secondary and tertiary level)
Post Secondary
Secondary – ......... Hong Institute of Vocation Education (IVE).................... 1 year......................... Basic Craft Certificate....... AQF Certificate I
Form 3 Key disciplines:
Secondary – .......... Applied Science, Business Administration, Child Care ........... 1 year........................ Technician Foundation ...... AQF Certificate I
Form 5 Computing and Mathematics, Construction, Design, Course
Printing, Textiles and Clothing, Hotel, Service and Tourism
5 HKCEE Passes ..... Studies, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical, .... 2 years....................... Certificate ....................... AQF Certificate IV
Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
Secondary – Form 3 ............................................................................. 1-3 years.................... Craft Certificate ............... AQF Certificate II
Craft Certificate ...... ............................................................................. 1-2 years.................... Advanced Craft Certificate AQF Certificate III
5 HKCEE Passes (E) ............................................................................. 2 years....................... Higher Certificate............. AQF Diploma
Secondary – Form 3 ............................................................................. 2 years (FT) ................ Certificate in Vocational ... AQF Certificate II
2-5 years (PT) Studies
Secondary – Form 5 ............................................................................. 1 year (FT) ................. Foundation Diploma .......... AQF Certificate I
2 years (PT). Foundation Diploma/
Certificate
Hong Kong ............. ............................................................................. 2 years (FT). ............... Diploma.......................... AQF Certificate IV
Certificate of 2-5 years (PT)
Education Exam
(HKCEE) - 5 passes
Secondary – Form 7 ............................................................................. 2 years (FT).................. Higher Diploma................. Australian Associate Degree
Certificate or .......... ............................................................................. 1 year (FT) .................. Higher Diploma ................ AQF Advanced Diploma
Diploma 2-5 years (PT) (Senior Technician)
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit HONG KONG
Chinese Trades
English Accountant Technician Traineeship Scheme
Hong Kong ............ Employers and Institute of Vocational Education ........... 3 years ...................... Certificate of Completion ... AQF Certificate IV
Certificate of (on the job training and of Traineeship
Education Exam study)
(HKCEE) - 5 passes
Apprenticeship Scheme (45 Trades)
Age 14-18 employed Employers and Training Institutes .............................. 3-4 years (on the ........ Technician Qualification .... AQF Certificate IV
in designated trade (eg Institute of Vocational Education) job training and study) (eg in Automobile,
Electrical, Electronics etc)
Teacher Education
Teachers (Primary/ Junior Secondary)
HKCEE/HKALE ........ Hong Kong Institute of Education................................ 2-3 years ................... Certificate of Primary ....... AQF Diploma
(depending on level of Education
entry)
Teachers (Secondary School)
HKALE ................... Universities ............................................................ 4 years...................... Bachelor of Education (BEd) Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor ................ 1 year........................ Postgraduate Diploma ....... Australian Graduate Diploma

in Education
Higher Education
Hong Kong ............. Universities ............................................................ 3 years ...................... Associate Degree/............. AQF Diploma
Advanced Level Polytechnics Higher Diploma
Certificate results Institutions of Professional Education
(HKALE)
As above ............... ........................................................................... 3-6 years .................. Bachelor Degree............... Australian Bachelor Degree
(depending on subject
areas)
Bachelor ............... ........................................................................... 1 year (FT) .................. Master’s Degree............... Australian Master’s Degree
(with second class 2 years (PT)
honours)
Master’s ................ ........................................................................... 3 years (FT) ................ PhD................................ Assessed individually

or equivalent PT
HONG KONG
Chinese Adult Higher Education
English Secondary school ... Technical Colleges/Technical Institutes ...................... 1 year (FT) ................. Certificate comparable ...... NSW School Certificate/
(form 1–form 5) or 2 years (PT) to Hong Kong Certificate of Year 11
Adult learners age Education (HKCEE)
21+
HONG KONG
Most Graduation Certificates and Degree Certificates Council. The first seven institutions have substantial requesting verification
are issued in both English and traditional Chinese. freedom in the control of curricula and academic
standards, the selection of staff and students Graduation Certificates for degree level
Transcripts are usually issued in English. programmes from UGC-funded HEIs are generally in
and the internal allocation of resources. However,
they are subject to UGC’s periodic Teaching and A3-size landscape, while sub-degree programmes
Accreditation information Learning Quality Process Reviews. The Open are generally in A4-sized landscape. Transcripts
University of Hong Kong and the HK Institute of from UGC-funded HEIs are normally in portrait
At secondary level, the Education and Manpower format. Documents from non-UGC-funded HEIs
Bureau (EMB www.emb.gov.uk) is both the policy Education are subject to the quality assurance
mechanisms of the HKCAA. HK Institute of vary in terms of presentation.
maker and the accreditor. All schools have to
meet the stipulated requirement of the Education Education’s self-accrediting status is only for The Graduation Certificates usually bear seal of
Ordinance to obtain accreditation from the EMB. teacher education courses. For courses outside the institution and signatures of the appropriate
The EMB also overseas the quality of the Career this area, they have to be validated by HKCAA authority, eg. Institution's President, Vice
Oriented Curriculum scheme and Yi Jin Scheme except under the jurisdiction of the Joint Quality Chancellor of the institution, Chairman of the
courses (lifelong education scheme designed Review Committee (JQRC). Council, Registrar, and sometimes Chief Executive
for secondary school leavers and adults ages 21 Officer of HKSAR. A running/serial number is pre-
The JQRC was established in 2005 by the UGC-
and over). The Hong Kong Council for Academic printed on each of the blank certificates. Some
funded institutes to carry out the following: institutions also have different security devices, eg.
Accreditation advises the EMB on the quality
assurance of the respective courses. Water-marks.
• Review the quality assurance processes for self-
At tertiary level, nine HEIs have self-accrediting financing sub-degree programmes offered by Academic transcripts in most cases have the stamp
status: both the Continuing Education Units and other of the institution and signature of Registrar.
departments/colleges of the UGC-funded, self-
• The University of Hong Kong
accrediting institutions on an institutional basis Fraud Risk Assessment and
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Conduct programme assessment for these Advice
• City University of Hong Kong institutions with the purpose of classifying
their programmes into the Qualifications Fraud is not a serious issue in Hong Kong as
• Hong Kong University of Science and verification can be easily obtained from HEIs, EMB
Technology Framework HKCAA is the accreditor for
education providers/courses not under the or HKCAA
• Hong Kong Baptist University above remit.
• Hong Kong Polytechnic University In February 2004, the Executive Council announced
the launch of the seven-level, cross-sectoral
• Lingnan University
Qualification Framework of Hong Kong (QF).
• Hong Kong Institute of Education (only HKCAA’s new role, is to oversee the quality
applicable to teacher education courses) of awards registered in QF and to act as the
Qualifications Register Authority.
• Open University.
HKCAA is the advisor to EMB with respect to all the
The first eight universities are government-funded registered courses under the Ordinance regarding
on the advice of the University Grants Committee. non-locally provided courses.
Each of the tertiary institutions is an autonomous
body with its own Ordinance and Governing
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit HONG KONG
India
Hindi Technical and Vocational Education
English Secondary level
or regional Secondary School ... Technical ............................................................... 2 years ........................ Certificate of Vocational .... AQF Certificate IV
language Qualifications Higher Schools Education – 12 (CVE-12)
Standard X Technical Schools
Vocational training is practically oriented through

apprenticeship (on-the-job). Although some general
education is completed within an institution.
Post Secondary level (Technical Education)

As above ............... Polytechnics/Colleges of Technology .......................... 1 year ......................... Diploma .......................... AQF Certificate II
2 years ........................ Diploma .......................... AQF Certificate IV
3-4 years .................... Diploma .......................... AQF Diploma
Diploma ................ Polytechnics ........................................................... 1-11⁄2 years .................. Higher National Diploma/.... AQF Post Graduate Diploma
Bachelor Degree Universities Post Diplomas/Advance
Diploma
Trades
Craftsman Training Scheme
Secondary school ... Practical Training Institutes ....................................... 1-2 year ...................... National Trade Certificate... AQF Certificate II
qualifications Practical training is carried out on-the-job with the NTC)
(Standard IX to more theoretical aspects being classroom based.
Standard X)
Apprenticeship Training Scheme
National Trade ....... Required to pass the All India Trade Test ..................... Average 3 years ............ National Apprenticeship .... AQF Certificate III
Certificate/ National Practical training is carried out on-the-job with the Training Certificate
Apprenticeship more theoretical aspects being classroom based.
Certificate
National Vocational Training Institutes (NVTI)/ .............. 1-2 years ..................... Diploma of Advanced ........ AQF Certificate IV
Regional Vocational Training Institutes (RVTI) Vocational Training
Training is institutionally based with a work placement
at the end of training.
INDIA
India
Hindi Teacher Education
English Teacher (Lower Primary)
or regional Standard X ............ Teacher Training Institutes ...................................... 2 years ...................... Teacher Certificate ........... AQF Certificate IV
language Teacher (Upper Primary)
Standard XII .......... Teacher Training Institutes ...................................... 2 years ...................... Teacher Diploma .............. AQF Certificate IV
Standard XII .......... Universities (Primary) .............................................. 4-6 years .................. Bachelor of Elementary ..... Australian Bachelor Degree
Education (BElEd)
Teacher (Secondary)
Bachelor Degree .... Universities (Lower Secondary) ................................. 1 year Bachelor .......... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
of Education
Master’s Degree .... Universities (Upper Secondary) .................................. 1 year Bachelor .......... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
of Education
Higher Education
Indian School ......... Universities ............................................................ 3 years ....................... Bachelor Degree .............. Australian Bachelor Degree
Certificate (SXII) National Institutes
Open Universities
Colleges
All Indian Senior .... ........................................................................... 4-5 year ...................... Professional Bachelor ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
School Certificate Degree (e.g Dentistry)
Standard XII
3 Year Bachelor ...... ........................................................................... 1 year ......................... Post Graduate .................. Australian Bachelor Degree
Degree
4 Year Bachelor ...... ........................................................................... 2-3 years ..................... Master’s Degree ............... Australian Master’s Degree
Degree
Master’s Degree ..... ........................................................................... 18 months- 2 years ...... Professional Master’s ....... Australian Master’s Degree
Degree
Master of Philosophy ........................................................................... 18 months ................... Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Australian Master’s Degree
2 years ........................ Doctorate (PhD) ............... Assessed individually
INDIA
India
Language
English and Hindi are the main lingua-francas the country. Their remit of the Council covers Fraud Risk Assessment
of higher education. All documents from all programmes of technical education including
universities can be issued in English. Documents training and research in Engineering, Technology, and Advice
may however be issued in any of the nationally Architecture, Town Planning, Management, The UGC provides up-to-date lists of illegally
recognised languages these are: Assamese, Pharmacy, Applied Arts and Crafts, Hotel operating institutions in India. If an institution is not
Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Management and Catering Technology at different accredited, the UGC website should be checked.
Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam Manipuri or Meithei, levels. There is a relatively high risk of receiving fraudulent
Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, documents from India. High profile cases in the
Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Notes on degree format and last few years have highlighted the degree of the
problem.
requesting verification
Accreditation Information Anecdotal evidence suggest that the sale of blank
Degree certificates come in a variety of formats degree certificates is common. We make would
Universities must be recognised by the UGC (the depending on the awarding body.
University Grants Commission). thus make the following recommendations:
Many degree certificates are proforma documents • Always request full transcripts and degree
Universities without UGC recognition are not able with holder’s name, date of award and qualification
to provide nationally recognised awards. It is certificates
added in. Sometimes the affiliated college where
sometimes the case that private providers will act the holder studied is also added in. In order to have • Double check any new degree certificates that
as affiliated bodies to recognised HEIs so that their as fuller picture of possible of student achievement come with handwriting on them
awards may receive national recognition. and also of the quality of the documentation, • Double check that the course studied is
Secondary awards come from Boards of Education transcripts and final degree certificates from available at any given institution
which may be regional or central. the university should be requested. Provisional
documents from affiliated colleges are not sufficient • For degrees in medical and paramedical fields
In some provinces students will receive a pre- request proof of completion of compulsory
proof of completion. It should also be noted that
university certificate rather than higher secondary internships
the time taken to issue final degree certificates
certificate.
is also variable and depends of the degree of • Do not except degree certificates / transcripts,
Technical awards are generally awarded by regional automation in the administration processes of the especially newer ones with any corrections
technical boards of education. university in question. Secondary and technical
documentation is also equally variable. The quality • For tertiary qualifications check that the holder
The AICTE (All India Council for Technical has passed standard XII level examinations.
of the documentation depends on the issuing body
Education) has statutory authority for planning,
and the date of award. The paper quality of older
formulation and maintenance of norms and
awards is often poor with a relatively porous paper
standards, quality assurance through accreditation,
used that tends to fade and break over time. Newer
funding in priority areas, monitoring and evaluation,
awards are often printed on better quality paper.
maintaining parity of certification and awards and
Some states are introducing security devices onto
ensuring coordinated and integrated development
their certificates in the form of hologramatic images
and management of technical education in
(e.g. Maharashtra State).
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit INDIA
India
Secondary Education certificate from Maharashtra State Board
India
Higher Secondary Education certificate from Maharashtra State Board
India
Technical Diploma from a Polytechnic / Board of Technical Examinations (Maharashtra State)
photo
India
Technical Diploma from a Polytechnic / Board of Technical Examinations (Gujarat State)
Indonesia
Country and Pre-Requisites Education Level Completed Years of Study Qualification AQF Equivalent (in broad
Language awarded terms) for TAFE NSW study
Bahasa Technical and Vocational Education
Indonesia Secondary
Junior Secondary ... Vocational Senior Secondary School .......................... 3 -4 years ................... Vocational Secondary ....... AQF Certificate II
(Grade 9) (depending on program School Certificate of
of study) Completion (Surat Tanda
Tamat Belajar Sekolah
– Sekolah Menengah
Kerajinam STTB – SMK)
Standard Kompetensi ....... AQF Certificate III

Nasional – SKN .
Post Secondary
Senior Secondary ... Polytechnics (Sekolah Tinggi), Academies (Akademis) 1 year........................ Diploma I (or Ahli Pratama) AQF Certificate III
School Certificate of
Completion (Surat 2 years........................ Diploma II (or Ahli Muda).... AQF Certificate IV
Tanda Tamat Belajar
Sekolah Menengah 3 years........................ Diploma III (Ahli Madya)..... AQF Diploma
Umum Tingkat Atas
-STTB SMA) 4 years........................ Diploma IV ...................... AQF Advanced Diploma
(Sarjana Sains Terapan)
Trades
There has been little success in setting up formal
apprenticeship schemes or similar on the job training
courses.
INDONESIA
Indonesia
Bahasa Teacher Education
Indonesia Teachers (Primary/Junior Secondary)
Senior Secondary .... Teacher Training Institutes ........................................ 2 years ...................... Diploma II in Education ...... AQF Certificate IV
School Certificate of (Diploma II in Kependidikan)
Completion & & Teaching Certificate
entrance exam (Akta II)
(Ujian Masuk
Perguruan Tinggi
Negeri – UMPTN)
Teachers (Senior Secondary)
As above ................ Universities ............................................................ 41⁄2 years ................... Sarjana (S1) in Education.... Australian Bachelor Degree
(Pendidikan) & Teaching
Certificate (Akta IV)
Higher Education
Senior Secondary .... Universities ............................................................ 4-7 years ................... Sarjana S1 (Strata 1) ......... Australian Bachelor Degree
School Certificate Technical Institutes (depending on area of Degree
of Completion & Islamic Institutes study)
entrance exam to
State Universities
(Ujian Masuk
Perguruan Tinggi
Negeri – UMPTN)
S1 Degree ............. ........................................................................... 2 years....................... Magister S2 (Strata 2) ........ Australian Master’s Degree
(with Grade Point
Average (GPA)
between 2.5 & 2.75)
S2 Degree .............. ........................................................................... 3 -5 years................... Doktor S3 (Strata 3) .......... Assessed individually

(with GPA at least
3.25)
INDONESIA
Indonesia
Languages Fraud Risk Assessment and
Documents are issued in Indonesian and sometimes Advice
English. There have been a number of reports of the
production of fraudulent documents in the region.
Accreditation Information This appeared to be particularly prevalent post
tsunami with students claiming to have lost
The ministry of national education is responsible
their documents at educational institutions in
for all education in Indonesia. Within the ministry
the affected regions. The use of qualifications
the Directorate General of Basic and Secondary
purchased from degree mills has also been noted to
education is responsible for the awarding of
be on the increase.
secondary diplomas and the Directorate General
for Higher Education ahs ultimate responsibility for
Higher education. Example of a degree certificate from Indonesia
The Ministry of Religious Affairs is responsible for
Madrassah education.
Notes on Degree Format and

Requesting Verification
The format of degree certificates varies from
institution to institution. Generally they are
landscape in format. And will generally contain a
photograph of the student. They should also be
stamped by the institution in question, as should
supporting transcripts.
Secondary awards for the STTB / SMA appear in
national format with a national crest at the top. The
documents are portrait in format.
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit INDONESIA
Iran
Persian (Farsi) Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Certificate of General Secondary Schools (Upper Secondary)
Education Technical Branch (Fani Herfei) ................................... 3 years........................ Technician Certificate........ AQF Certificate II
Vocational Branch (Kar Danesh) ................................. 1 year......................... Second Degree ................. AQF Certificate I
Technician’s Certificate
3 years........................ First Degree Technician’s ... AQF Certificate II
Certificate
Trades
No evidence of courses specific to trade or in the style of
an apprenticeship the Kar Danesh would be the closest.
Teacher Education
Teachers (Primary/Middle School)
Pre-University ........ Teacher Training Centres and Institutions .................... 2 years ...................... Associate Degree ............. AQF Diploma
Certificate and a
National Entrance
Exam (Kunkur)
As above................ Universities ............................................................ 4 years ...................... Bachelor of Education........ Australian Bachelor Degree
Higher Education
Pre-University ........ Universities ............................................................ 2 years ....................... Associate Degree.............. AQF Diploma
Certificate and a Higher Education Centres
National Entrance 4 years ...................... Bachelor Degree............... Australian Bachelor Degree
Exam (Kunkur) (Kar-Shenasi/Licence)
Bachelor .............. ........................................................................... 2 years ....................... Master’s Degree............... Australian Master’s Degree
(Karshenasi-Arshad/
Fogh-Licence)
Master’s ............... ........................................................................... 4-5 years .................... PhD/ Doctorate................. Assessed individually
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit IRAN
Iran
Documents are issued in Farsi.
• Degree certificates may be landscape or portrait otherwise much the same. They are headed with
Accreditation Information depending on the University the ancient Persian lion and sun motif combined
with the Pahlavi crown, with the full name of the
• Certificates are generally headed with   ‘Imperial State of Iran’ ( )
• At primary and secondary levels education is
which translates as ‘In the name of God’ below
• Some also include the statement • The High School Diploma does not follow a
• Technical and vocational education is overseen
by the Technical and Vocational Training standard format. However, it always includes
which means ‘God raises up in rank those who a photograph of the student which is signed
Organisation (TVTO) believe and have knowledge’. This is in Arabic on the reverse and the signatures of the Head
• Institutions of Higher Education are accredited rather than Farsi as it is a quotation from the of Education Centre and the Head of the Local
Qur’an (Sura 58, Ayat 11) Education Department. These signatures are
by a number of different Ministries, depending
upon the type of courses offered. For example, • The emblem of the Islamic Republic (four endorsed with stamps from the Ministry of
a large number of Universities are accredited crescents and a sword, forming the shape of a Education
by the Ministry of Science, Research and tulip) may also be at the head of the certificate, • The Pre-University Certificate generally follows
Technology or the Ministry of Culture and with the full name of the ‘Islamic Republic of a standard format. It is issued on white card
Higher Education, while Universities specialising Iran’ ( ) below with a green decorative border. It includes a
in Medical Sciences are accredited by the • The name of the University and sometimes the photograph of the student (signed on the back
Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Faculty comes below these. The name of the and affixed to the top left hand corner) and the
Education Ministry that accredits the institution is also signatures of the Head of the Education Centre,
included on many certificates the Director of the Local Education Department
• At all levels the Supreme Council of the Cultural and General Director of the Education
Revolution determines educational policy. • The certificate often includes a photograph of the Department. These signatures are endorsed
This includes approving the establishment of student, though this is not always the case. Where with stamps from the Ministry of Education.
institutions of higher education, appointing present, the photograph is signed on the reverse
• Technical and Vocational awards include
professors and lecturers, determining • Certificates always include a date of issue and a a ‘Standard Number’ which relates to a list
curriculum content and the content of textbooks reference number held by the Technical and Vocational Training
and educational materials. The Council consists Organisation.
of 33 members, including the President of Iran • The certificate always states the student’s
name, date and place of birth, identity card • Translation of documents into English is usually
and noted religious and non-religious scholars.
number and father’s name before naming the carried out by the Iranian Ministry of Justice and
degree title, subject, grade and date of issue is of a high quality
• Dates used on documents are from the Persian • Queries regarding the authenticity of documents
Calendar. Dates in the Persian Calendar can be addressed to the education section of
differ from those of the western and Islamic the Iranian Embassy. Verification of the status
calendars. 2005 corresponds to the year 1384 of institutions can also be requested from the
• Documents from before the revolution feature Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.
different national symbols and slogans but are
Iran
Example of High School Diploma
advice
Iranian education is controlled by the Supreme
Council for the Cultural Revolution. Even private
and fee-paying Universities (such as Payam-e Noor
and Islamic Azad Universities) have their curricula
determined and reviewed by this government
organisation. Opportunities for fraud within the
Iranian system are therefore limited.
However, in recent years the rise of online and
distance education overseen by unaccredited
‘international’ universities has raised the risk of
fraudulent degrees coming out of Iran. Foreign
universities operating on Iranian soil have also
presented a risk, the Iran branch of a foreign
university was fined and closed down in 2004.
Iran
Example of High School Diploma translation Example of degree certificates and transcripts
Iran
Example of degree certificates and transcripts
Iraq
Secondary level
Certificate of .......... Upper Secondary Schools ......................................... 3 years....................... Certificate of Vocational ..... AQF Certificate II
Intermediate (eg. in Agricultural Science, Commercial Studies, Home Preparatory Education/
Education/ Third Science, Industrial Science & Veterinary Science) Vocational Baccalaureat
Form Baccalaureat
Preparatory ............ Technical Institutes, Technical Colleges ...................... 2 years ...................... Diploma of Technician ....... AQF Certificate IV
Baccalaureate (or (plus 6 weeks practical in (specialised field) eg
equivalent) training each summer) Diploma of Technician in
Computer Technology
Trades
Vocational training is carried out solely in secondary
education, there is no provision of formal training in the
trades sector
Teacher Education
Teachers (Primary/Intermediate)
Certificate of .......... Teacher Training Centres Institutes, Fine Arts Institutes 5 years ...................... Primary/Intermediate ........ AQF Diploma
Intermediate School Teaching Certificate
Education/ Third
Form Baccalaureat
Teachers (Primary/Intermediate)
As above ............... Central Training Institutes ......................................... 2 years ...................... Diploma in Primary ........... AQF Diploma
Education
Certificate of .......... University Teaching Colleges ..................................... 4 years ...................... Bachelor of Education........ Australian Associate Degree
Preparatory
Education/ Sixth
Form Baccalaureat
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit IRAQ
Iraq
Arabic Higher Education
Certificate of ......... Technical Colleges ................................................. 4 years ...................... Bachelor of Technology ... Australian Associate Degree
Preparatory
Education/ Sixth
Form Baccalaureat
Bachelor of ............ ........................................................................... 2 years ...................... Higher Diploma in ........... Australian Bachelor Degree
Technology Technology
As above ........................................................................... 2-3 years ................... Master of Technology....... Australian Post-graduate
Diploma
Certificate of .......... Universities .......................................................... 4 years ....................... Bachelor Degree ............. Australian Associate Degree
Preparatory
Education/ Sixth
Form Baccalaureat
Bachelor (65%) ...... ........................................................................... 2-3 years ................... Master’s Degree ............. Australian Bachelor Degree
Master’s ............... ........................................................................... 3 years ....................... Doctor of Philosophy ....... Assessed individually
Iraq
Languages
Documents are issued in Arabic. Documents from • Certificates include a reference number, a date
institutions in Kurdistan are issued in Kurdish. of issue and a photograph of the student
• English translations are generally very poor
Accreditation Information quality, with spelling and typing errors, mistakes
with names and dates, and poor formatting
• At primary and secondary levels, education is
• At tertiary level education is overseen by the advice
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific
Research • Students often have a lot of trouble getting hold
• Post Secondary Technical Education is of documents from Universities, and some have
overseen by the Foundation of Technical been known to create fake documentation for
Education. A separate Foundation for Technical completed courses (as well as for courses that
Education exists to oversee those institutions in have not been taken). Difficulties such as this
Kurdistan. are particularly associated with institutions in
Kurdistan which have suffered severe disruption
over the past several decades
Notes on degree format and
• Since the fall of Iraq’s regime in 2003, the
requesting verification tight government control exercised over the
• Degree certificates are generally portrait format Iraqi education system has loosened. This has
resulted in the setting up of a number of private
• Certificates are generally headed with colleges and universities, some of which (eg
(in the name of God the Ahl al-Bayt University, Tigris University College,
all merciful the all compassionate) and the full Sheikh Muhammad Kasnazan University
name of the Republic of Iraq College, Sheikh Muhammad Kasnazan
• At the top of the certificate is the name of the University College, University College of
University and the accrediting body (Ministry Humanities, Knowledge City University College)
of Higher Education and Scientific Research or are fully accredited by the Ministry of Higher
Foundation of Technical Education) Education, and some of which (eg The Iraqi
University) have not yet gained accreditation
• Students are often only issued with certificates
and are not recognised to award degrees.
when they have requested one for a specific
purpose. As a result, ‘certificates’ often take the
form of a letter from the University/Departmental
registry to one of the government ministries. For
example, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the
student is emigrating or to the Ministry of Higher
Education and Scientific Research
IRAQ
Iraq
Degree certificate and transcript
Ireland
Secondary Level
Standard 6 ............. Schools, Vocational Education Committee colleges, 3 years ........................ Leaving Certificate Applied
Certificate institutes of technology /Leaving Certificate
Vocational Programme ....... AQF Certificate I
(Ordinary level)
Junior Certificate...... ................................................................................ 1– 4 years ................... FETAC Level 1................... Below AQF Certificate I
/Leaving Certificate FETAC Level 2 .................. AQF Certificate I
Applied FETAC Level 3 .................. AQF Certificate II
(Ordinary Level)
2 years ........................ Leaving Certificate Applied
/Leaving Certificate
Vocational Programme ...... AQF Certificate IV
(Higher level)
National Foundation.. ................................................................................ 2 years ........................ NCU Level 1 ..................... AQF Certificate II
Certificate
Junior Certificate/..... Institutes of Technology and Regional Technical Colleges 1–4 years ................... FETAC Level 4 .................. AQF Certificate III
Leaving Certificate FETAC Level 5 .................. AQF Certificate IV
Applied (Ordinary FETAC Level 6.................. AQF Diploma
Level)/FETAC Level 3/
Leaving Certificate
NCV Level 1 ............ ............................................................................. 1–4 years.................... NCV Level 2 .................... AQF Certificate III
NCV Level 2 ............ ............................................................................. NCV Level 3 .................... AQF Certificate IV
NCV Level 3 ............. ............................................................................. NCV Level 4 .................... AQF Diploma
Trades
Group Certificate ...... Regional Training Colleges and VEC Colleges 2–4 years ................... National Craft Certificates ... AQF Diploma
Apprenticeships
IRELAND
TAFE NSW
Ireland
English Teacher Education

Primary School Teacher
Leaving Certificate .... Teacher training colleges affiliated with universities 3 – 4 years .................. Bachelor of Education ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
Secondary School Teacher

Universities .............................................................. 4 years + .................... Higher Diploma ................. Postgraduate Diploma
1 year post-graduate in Education
Higher Education
Higher education institutions (universities, Higher
Education and Training Awards Council – HETAC, Dublin
Institute of Technology
Leaving Certificate .... ............................................................................. 3– 6 years ................... General Bachelor Degree ... Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Honours Degree
Bachelor Degree ....... .............................................................................
1–2 years .................... Master’s Degree ................ Master’s Degree
Bachelor Degree
or Master’s Degree.. .. .............................................................................
2–5 years .................. Doctoral Degree ................ Doctorate
IRELAND
TAFE NSW
Ireland
Languages Notes on degree format and Fraud risk assessment and
Most documents are issued in English and Irish, requesting verification advice
although there are also documents issued in English
There is no standard degree format in Ireland. Several known degree mills are associated with
only and some in Latin.
Degree certificates may be in portrait or landscape Ireland, although they may not necessarily be
format, with the name of the institution and normally located there. However, educational fraud is not a
Accreditation information its logo at the top. The seal and the stamp of the major issue in Ireland.
The Department for Education and Science has institution, along with signatures of authority (such
overall responsibility for the education system as the registrar or chancellor) are at the bottom of
in Ireland, at primary, secondary and tertiary the certificate.
levels, including the university sector. The Higher Transcripts are issued by the institutions and are
Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) broken down into semesters. They normally include
is in charge of accreditation of non-university information such as the title of the qualification
institutions and programmes. HETAC also awards awarded, the date of graduation, the marks
qualifications and delegates awarding powers to achieved in individual modules and the overall
recognised institutions. In the vocational sector the grade awarded. They may also include information
Further Education and Training Awards Council such as the number of credits awarded, the
(FETAC) makes awards and accredits programmes. student’s date of birth, the duration of the course
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is responsible and the student’s registration number.
for the development and funding of higher
education institutions. Since 1999, the National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) has been
responsible for establishing and maintaining the
National Framework of Qualifications.
Listings of accredited institutions can be found on
the website of the Department for Education and
Science.
TAFE NSW IRELAND
Ireland
Example of genuine certificates from Ireland
TAFE NSW IRELAND
Ireland
Example of genuine certificates from Ireland
TAFE NSW IRELAND
Japan
Japanese Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Lower Secondary .... Vocational & Combination Upper Secondary Schools ..... 3 years........................ Upper Secondary School ... AQF Certificate III
School Leaving (eg. courses in engineering, agricultural & commercial Leaving Certificate
Certificate taken alongside general education) (Kotogakko Sotsugyo
(Chugakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho)
Shomeisho)
Lower Secondary .... Vocational Colleges .................................................. 3 years........................ Vocational School upper ... AQF Certificate III
School Leaving (eg. courses in health & hygiene, home economics & secondary course Diploma
Certificate medical care) (Senshu Gakko koto-ka
Sotsugyo Menjo)

Upper Secondary .... Vocational Colleges ................................................. 1-2 years .................... Vocational Advanced ........ AQF Certificate IV
School Leaving (eg. courses in agriculture, health & hygiene, home course Certificate of
Certificate economics, practical commerce etc) Completion (Senshu Gakko
(Kotogakko senmon-ka Shuryo Shosho)
Shomeisho)
Trades
Vocational Education
Upper Secondary .... Training takes place at a Junior College ...................... 1 year ........................ Junior College Special ...... AQF Certificate III
Education (Tanki Daigaku) Programme Certificate
It is focussed on acquiring specific skills in one of the (Tanki Daigaku Bekka
following occupational areas: Shuryo Shosho)
Biology, Culinary Arts, Dental Technology, Design, Home
Economics, Information Technology, Office Management
JAPAN
Japan
Japanese Trades
Junior College ........ Training takes place at a Junior College (Tanki Daigaku). 1 year ........................ Junior College Special ...... AQF Diploma
Graduates It is focussed on developing specific skills in one of the Course (Tanki Daigaku
following occupational areas: Senko-ka Shuryo Shosho)
Art, Dietician, Industrial Technology, Librarian, Literature,
Medical Laboratory Technology, Music, Nursing, Occupational
Theory, Orthoptics, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Technology,
Teacher Education
Teacher Education
Teachers (Primary/Secondary)
Upper Secondary .... Universities ............................................................ 4 years ...................... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
School Leaving (and First Class Teachers
Certificate and 2 Certificate – on passing
stage entrance examination upon
exams graduating)
Teachers Primary and Lower Secondary

As above ............... Junior College ......................................................... 2 years ...................... Associate Degree/ ............ AQF Diploma
Diploma in Education
(Jun-Gakushi) (and
Second Class Teachers
Certificate. However upon
successful completion of
five years experience and
45 educational credits this
may be upgraded to a First
Class Teachers Certificate)
Teachers Secondary
Upper Secondary .... Universities ............................................................ 2 years ...................... Masters Degree in ............ Australian Master’s Degree
School Leaving Education (Shushi)
Certificate and 2 (and Advanced Class
stage entrance
Teachers Certificate)
exams
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit JAPAN
Japan
Japanese Higher Education
Lower Secondary .... Technology Colleges (koto-senmon gakko) .................. 5 years (FT) ................. Associate Degree ............ AQF Advanced Diploma
School Leaving (eg. courses in range of engineering & technology field) (Jun-Gakushi)
Certificate & an
entrance exam
Upper Secondary .... Junior Colleges (tanki-daigaku), Special Training .......... 2 years (FT) ................. Associate Degree............... AQF Advanced Diploma
School Leaving School/College (senshu gakko)
Certificate
Upper Secondary .... Universities (daigaku) ............................................... 4 years ........................ Bachelor Degree ............... Australian Bachelor Degree
School Leaving (Gakushi-shogo)
Certificate and 2
stage entrance
exams
Bachelor ................ ........................................................................... 2 years ....................... Master’s Degree ............... Australian Master’s Degree
(Shushi-go)
Master’s ................ ........................................................................... 3 years ........................ Doctorate/ PhD ................. Assessed individually
(Hakushi-go)
Adult Education
Adults (anyone) ...... Vocational Colleges ................................................. 1week – 1 year ........... General Course ................. AQF Certificate II
(eg. courses in home economics & culture) Certificate of Completion (after one year)
(Shenshu Gakko ippan kosu
Shuryo Shosho)
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit JAPAN
Japan
Language
All original documents are issued in Japanese and All certificates should include the following
can be also issued in English as requested. information: signature of the principle, seal of the
institution, course completed, degree granted,
Accreditation information certificate number, date of birth, date of issue.
Dates shown in Japanese are written in Japanese
All levels of education are managed by the Emperor Date, which consists of eras based on the
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science reigning emperors. The two latest emperors are
and Technology (MEXT). The administration of Akihito and Hirohito and their eras are Heisei
primary and secondary is shared by MEXT (mainly ( from 1989) and Showa ( from 1926).
Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau),
the prefectural government and the municipal Transcripts are issued in various styles. But they
government. The Higher Education Bureau within always have a signature of the authority, seal,
the MEXT is responsible for the establishment and credits completed.
approval of both private and public universities and
the conferring of degrees. Fraud Risk Assessment and
Advice
Notes on degree format and Fraudulent documents are rare.
Degree certificates ( ) and Graduation
Certificate ( or )
are issued directly from the institutions and do not
have a national standard format. They can be in
both portrait or landscape style on A3 or A4 size
paper. Two styles are most often seen:
• Traditional Japanese style, which uses

Japanese calligraphy written vertically from
right to left in landscape style. This style is
more often used in original certificates, which
are issued when courses are successfully
completed. Occasionally they are in portrait
style, written horizontally from left to right.
• Print style is issued both in Japanese and
English on A4 size paper in portrait. It is more
often seen when the original degree certificates
are no longer available or for associate degrees.
JAPAN
Korea (Republic of)
Korean Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Lower Secondary .... Vocational High Schools (eg in areas Agriculture, ......... 3 years .................... Vocational High School ...... AQF Certificate II
Technical/ Industrial, Commercial etc) Diploma

High School Diploma Junior Vocational Colleges (or Junior Colleges) ............ 2-3 years ................... Associate Degree/ ............ AQF Diploma
and entrance exam (Chonmun Taehak) Junior College Diploma
(CSAT) (eg in areas technical, agricultural, nursing,
commercial, business etc)
As above ............... Technical Colleges ................................................... 2 years .................... Diploma ......................... AQF Diploma
(also known as national polytechnic universities) (eg in Technology,
Commerce) .
4 years .................... Bachelor ......................... Australian Bachelor Degree

(predominantly in technical
areas)
Trades
Elementary ........... Trade schools were phased out in the early 90s due to 1-3 years................... Unknown......................... AQF Certificate I
Education lack of demand. But until that time it provided students (only if 3 years)
at middle secondary level skills for the workplace
Teacher Education
Teachers (Kindergarten/ Primary)
High School Diploma Junior Colleges, Universities of Education .................. 4 years ..................... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
and entrance exam and classified to teach at
(CSAT) elementary level
4 years ..................... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree

from a prestigious
institution
2 years ..................... Junior College Diploma ..... AQF Diploma

in Education (until 1994)
KOREA
Korea (Republic of)
Korean Teacher Education
As above ............... Universities ............................................................ 4 years ...................... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
and classified to teach at
secondary level
Bachelor Degree ..... ............................................................................. 2 years ...................... Master’s Degree ............... Australian Postgraduate
in Education Diploma
2 years ...................... Master’s Degree .............. Australian Taught Masters

in Education from a Degree
prestigious institution
Higher Education
High School Diploma Universities ............................................................ 4-6 years ................... Bachelor Degree .............. Australian Bachelor Degree
and entrance exam (depending on subject
(CSAT- score 250) area)
Bachelor and ......... ............................................................................. 2 years ....................... Master’s Degree ............... Australian Postgraduate
entrance exam Diploma
Master’s .............. ............................................................................. .................................. Master’s Degree .............. Australian Taught Master’s
in Education from a Degree
prestigious institution
2 years........................ PhD/ Doctorate ................ Assessed individually
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit KOREA
Korea (Republic of)
Languages
Original documents are issued in Korean and can seal of the institution. A number of institutions
be issued in English if institutions are notified in have watermark on their documents, also when
advance. photocopied, “COPY” and institution’s logo or name
show on the background.
Accreditation information Transcripts always contain information like student
The Ministry of Education and Human Resources number, faculty, date of admission, date of birth,
Development (MoE & HRD) oversees all levels of date of graduation, date of degree conferred,
education in South Korea. Full listing of recognised credits obtained, grades and GPA. Some may
universities and junior colleges can be found on also give an explanation of the institutions grading
government website listed in the appendix. system. Transcripts are always signed by the Dean
of Academic Affairs.
At tertiary level, both private and public universities
are coordinated through the Korean Council for
University Education (KCUE) which also conducts Fraud Risk Assessment and
institutional and program evaluation. All nationally Advice
recognised universities, both public and private, are
Fraudulent documents are relatively rare in Korea.
required to become members of the KCUE by law.

Korea does not have standard degree format. Both
degree certificate and transcripts are issued by the
individual institutions. Documents, especially recent
ones, are generally of very good quality. Degree
certificates in Korean are generally in portrait
(landscape occasionally) style and bear a logo of
the institution (either on top or on the background),
signature or stamp of the principal and/or dean of
academic affairs and/or dean of the department,
seal of the institution. English versions of the
degree certificates tend to follow the same format.
Name of the institution on top, followed by date and
certificate number. Degree and personal details are
listed in two columns, followed by a short statement
“This is to certify…”. On the bottom, there is always
the signature of the Dean of Academic Affairs and
Korea (Republic of)
The following documents are typical examples of English language versions of Korean degree
certificates and transcripts.
Korea (Republic of)
The following documents are typical examples of English language versions of Korean degree certificates and transcripts.
Lebanon
French Secondary School level
English Brevet ................... Technical Secondary School ...................................... 2 years ...................... Baccalaureat Technique ...... AQF Certificate II
(or a combination) Brevet Professionnelle Certificat de Formation
Profissionnelle.
The Lebanese
education system Post-Secondary level
is currently under Technical and Vocational Institutes .............................
Baccalaureat ......... 3 years ...................... Diplome de Technicien ........ AQF Diploma
review. TAFE NSW
Institutes will be
Libanais Superieur
informed of any
changes to this Baccalaureat 5 years ...................... Diplome de Licence ............ AQF Advanced Diploma
information in due Technique Technique
course.
Trades
Brevet ................... Technical Secondary Schools .................................... 3 years ...................... Certificat d’Aptitude ............ AQF Certificate I
Brevet Professionnelle Professionelle
Teacher Education
Baccalaureat .......... Primary Teacher Training Institutes ............................. 3 years ....................... Teaching Diploma ............... AQF Certificate IV
Universities (Faculties of Education) ............................ 5 years ....................... Bachelor of Education/......... Australian Associate Degree
Certificat d’Aptitude
Pedagogique de l’Enseigment
Secondaire
LEBANON
Lebanon
Arabic Higher Education
French Baccalaureat ........ Universities ............................................................ 3-5 years ................... Licence, Licence ................ Australian Associate Degree
English First Stage d ‘Enseignment, Bachelor
(or a combination) Degree, Diploma, Scientific
Maitrise (undergraduate)
The Lebanese
education system Licence, ................ Second Stage ........................................................ 1-2 years ................... Master’s Degree/................ Australian Master’s Degree
is currently under (specialised studies) The Maitrise/Doctorat de
review. TAFE NSW Bachelor Degree
(Some universities Troisième Cycle
Institutes will be
informed of any require an exam)
Diplome d’Etudes .............. Australian Bachelor Degree
changes to this
information in due Superieures
course. Diplome d’Etudes
Approfondies
Completion of Stage Third Stage ............................................................. Thesis or .................... Doctorate ......................... Assessed individually
II Qualifications 3 years
LEBANON
Lebanon
Languages
Documents are issued in Arabic, French or English For private institutions, the government decrees
(or a combination). relating to the setting up of the University/College
and Faculty are included.
Accreditation Information Verification of documents can be obtained from
individual universities. The Ministry of Higher
At primary and secondary level, education is
Education also holds a list of all the decrees relating
overseen by the Ministry of Education.
to the establishment of private universities and
Public education at tertiary level is overseen by the colleges, which can be used to verify the date and
Ministry of Higher Education. title of a specific award from a specific institution.
Courses from private institutions of higher
education are accredited on an individual basis. Fraud Risk Assessment and
When a new private University is set up (or a Advice
new faculty at an established private university)
the government issues a decree (consisting of a The large number of private and foreign-backed
number and adate). This decree demonstrates that institutions in Lebanon raises the risk of fraudulent
awards from this University/faculty are deemed documents. However, as students with awards
equivalent to awards from public institutions. The from private institutions must obtain individual
process of comparing degrees and diplomas from certification of their documents, in person, from the
private institutions to the standards set by the Commission of Equivalences in Beirut, this offers
Ministry of Higher Education is the responsibility of some degree of protection.
the Commission of Equivalences.

Lebanese certificates do not follow a standard
format as documents are issued by individual
universities. Institutions that issue documents in
one language generally use portrait format, whereas
those that issue dual language certificates generally
use landscape format. Documents in Arabic tend to
use highly decorative, fully vowelled script.
Certificates are headed with the name of the
University and Faculty where the student has
studied.
LEBANON
Lebanon
Example of Lebanese Baccalaureate Certificate (Arabic Version)
LEBANON
Lebanon
Example of Lebanese Baccalaureate Certificate (French Version)
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit LEBANON
Malaysia
Malay and English Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Technical and vocational schools
PMR examination ..... MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat ) Skills Training Institutes 1–2 years ....................Malaysian Certificate ........ AQF Certificate II
of Vocational Education SPMV
– (Sigil Pelajaran Malaysia
Vokesynal)
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia

Open Certificate
Vocational Unified ............. AQF Certificate II

Examination (VUE)
Malaysian Skill Certificate
Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia
(SKM):
SKM Level 1 ..................... Below AQF Certificate I
SKM Level 2 ..................... AQF Certificate II
SKM Level 3 ..................... AQF Certificate IV
SPMV, or SPM Polytechnics, MARA Advanced Skills Training Institutes 2– 4 years .................. MARA Certificate ............... AQF Certificate IV
(Sijil Pelajaran (British, German and French), Private colleges Institutes,
Malaysia), or Community Colleges, Industrial Training Institutes, Advanced Diploma ............. AQF Advanced Diploma
STPM (Sijil Tingi Agricultural Colleges/Institutes, Advanced Technology
Pelajaran Malaysia Training Centre
– Malaysian Higher
School Certificate) .... ............................................................................... .................................. Diploma in Technology ....... AQF Diploma
Industrial Diploma
Certificate in Agriculture ..... AQF Certificate IV
TAFE NSW MALAYSIA
Malaysia
Malay and English Trades
PMR examination....... Industrial Training Institutes 1–2 years .................... Certificate ....................... AQF Certificate III
or (pre-employment technical programmes ) Diploma .......................... AQF Certificate IV
SPM
Teacher Education
Primary 3 Years Malaysian Diploma in
SPM or STPM ........... Teacher Training Institutes (Institut Purguran) Teaching (MDT) ................ AQF Certificate IV
Secondary
University
MDT ....................... ............................................................................... 2 years full-time Bachelor of Education ....... Bachelor Degree
3 years part-time
SPM ...................... ............................................................................... 4 years ....................... Bachelor of Education ....... Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Degree ...... ............................................................................... 1 year ......................... Postgraduate diploma in

Education ........................ Postgraduate Diploma
Higher Education
SPM or STPM ........... Public and private universities 3 years ....................... Diploma (90 credits) ......... Advanced Diploma
University Colleges 3–6 years ................... Bachelor (120 credits) ....... Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Degree ...... ............................................................................... 1–2 years ................... Master’s Degree ............... Master’s Degree
Master’s Degree ...... ............................................................................... 1–2 years ................... Doctoral Degree ............... Doctorate
MALAYSIA
TAFE NSW
Malaysia
Languages Fraud risk assessment
Documents are generally issued in Malay. • Receiving the certificate of accreditation Fake Malaysian qualifications are not a big issue
An English version is easily available. as verification can be obtained from Malaysian
The accreditation certificate demonstrates that
the certificate, diploma and degree courses are institutions. However, it is known that some
Accreditation in accordance with the standards set by MQA. Malaysian nationals hold fake American degrees, as
Malaysia has been targeted by international degree
The Ministry of Education (MoE) is responsible for mills.
all national education. However, other ministries Notes on degree format and
also offer some vocational training programmes. requesting verification
At tertiary level, there are currently 13 universities
excluding the polytechnics and teacher training Malaysian national secondary certificates are issued
colleges which have been established in the public in standard formats and in both English and Malay
sector and the quality of education offered by these (e.g. Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia – Malaysia Certificate
institutions is monitored by the MoE. In the private of Education, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia
sector, the responsibility lies with the Malaysia – Malaysia Higher School Certificate).
Qualifications Agency (MQA), previously known as The logo of MoE is on the top of the certificates,
National Accreditation Board (LAN) until November with ‘Ministry of Education Malaysia’ on the right
2007, a statutory body under the Ministry of and ‘Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia’ on the left
Education, which was officially launched in 1998. followed by a short statement of the Examinations
MQA’s main function is to act as an independent Syndicate, the title of the certificate, and the
body ensuring the standard and quality of student’s personal details. Subjects, grades and
certificate, diploma and degree courses run by the GCE standard are also listed. The bottom of
Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs). certificates always bears a signature of the Director
of Examinations and the certificate number. The key
Accreditation involves three phases: to the grades is on the back of the certificate.
• Application to the MQA for approval to conduct Degrees do not follow a standard format and can
courses be issued in English and Malay. Public institutions
tend to have their names in Malay (occasionally
Private higher education institutions apply to Arabic and Chinese are used) and a logo on top of
MQA via the Department of Private Education the certificates. Degrees from private institutions
(DPE) of the Ministry of Education for vary greatly. For accredited courses, MQA provides
accreditation of their courses. labels for the final certificates. However, it is not
• Achievement of minimum standards compulsory to have MQA’s logo on it. Certificates
are always signed by the Vice Chancellor, Dean or
All approved courses of study have to achieve
Registrar. Transcripts list all the subjects passed,
the minimum standard as specified by MQA
grades and units / credits, and are signed by the
before they can award the qualifications for the
Registrar.
relevant course.
TAFE NSW MALAYSIA
Netherlands
Dutch Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary Level
Basisschol ............. Junior Schools ............................................................... 4 years ........................ MAVO ............................. AQF Certificate I
(Junior secondary) (Middlebar Algeemen
or LBO (Lager Voortgezet Onderwjis)
Beroepsonderwijs) Diploma (before 1999)
Diploma
VMBO ............................. AQF Certificate I
(Voorbereidend Middlebar
Beroepsonderwijs) Diploma
MBO (Middlebar Beroepsonderwijs) education

Secondary schools
VMBO or MAVO ....... MBO Level 1 ............................................................. 6 months –1 year ......... MBO Level 1 .................... AQF Certificate I
MBO Level 2 ............................................................ 2–3 years .................... MBO Level 2 .................... AQF Certificate II
MBO Level 3 ............................................................ 2–4 years .................... MBO Level 3 .................... AQF Certificate II
MBO Level 4 ............................................................ 3–4 years ................... MBO Level 4 .................... AQF Certificate IV
MBO Diploma ................... AQF Certificate IV

Post-Secondary Level (before 1999)
MBO or HAVO ......... Higher Vocational Education
(Hoger Algemeen Hoger Beroepsonderwijs (HBO) .................................... 4 years ........................ HBO Degree .................... Bachelor Degree
Voortgezet) – Senior Institutes
General Education)
Trades
10 years ................ Training colleges and employment
of education Apprenticeships are 2 years full time comprising 40%
theory and 60% practical training
Primary apprenticeship (Primair) .................................. 2 years F/T................... Diploma .......................... AQF Certificate III
Primair .................. Advanced (Voortgezet) ............................................... 2 years F/T................... Diploma .......................... AQF Certificate IV
Voortgezet ............. Tertiary (Tertiair) ....................................................... 2 years F/T................... Diploma .......................... AQF Diploma
NETHERLANDS
TAFE NSW
Netherlands
Dutch Teacher Education
Primary
Senior General ......... Hogescholen ............................................................ 4 years F/T .................. Higher Professional
Education Diploma (HBO) ... Bachelor Degree
Secondary Education
(Havo)
Secondary
VWO or MBO ........... HBO Colleges
Universities
Grade I – Teach all levels of secondary school ............... 4 years ....................... Eerstegraads Bevoegdheid... Bachelor Degree
Grade II – Teach Junior Secondary ............................... 4 years ....................... Tweedegraads ................. Bachelor Degree
General Education (MAVO), Junior Secondary Vocational Bedvoegdheid
Education (LBO), Senior Secondary Vocational Education
(MBO) ans Senior Secondary General Education (HAVO)
Higher Education
Undergraduate
HAVO/VWO Diploma, Universities and Hogescholen ...................................... 3 –6 years ................... Doctoraal Degree ............. Bachelor (Honours) Degree
HBO propeadeutic or
MBO Kandidaatsexamen ........... Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree .............. Bachelor Degree
Hoger Beroepsonderwijs ... Bachelor Degree

(HBO – Higher Professional
Education Diploma)
Propedeuse ..................... Diploma

Postgraduate
Universities
3 year Bachelor ....... ............................................................................... 1 year ......................... Master ........................... Master’s Degree
Doctorandus HBO ...... .............................................................................. 4 year research program Doctorate Degree ............. Doctorate
NETHERLANDS
TAFE NSW
Netherlands
Dutch is the official language in the Netherlands requesting verification Advice
and thus academic and professional documents are
There is no standard degree format in the The Netherlands is not very prone to education
mainly issued in Dutch. Latin can occur as the main
Netherlands. Degree certificates are usually in fraud. However, there are a few non-accredited
language in university certificates. In some cases,
portrait style, with the institutions name and the universities that operate within the borders of the
whole documents can be in English, especially
official seal of the institution at the top. Signatures Netherlands. They often work with international co-
those related to international study programmes.
of authority (eg voorzitter, directeur/directrice or operation.
secretaresse) are on the bottom of the page, along
Accreditation information with the date and place where the certificate has Fraudulent documents are also quite rare.
The Netherlands has a hereditary monarchy with a been signed. Usually, the title of the degree is in the
parliamentary system. Education comes under the centre of the certificate. The name of the candidate
responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Culture is often in italics and/or bold and in the upper half of
and Science. the certificate
Since the Bologna reform, responsibility Transcripts (cijferlijst) are issued by the institutions
for accreditation has been allocated to the and are broken down into courses and modules,
Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands but not necessarily into semesters. They normally
and Flanders (NVAO). Students will be awarded include information such as studied subjects,
recognized degrees only after completing an obtained marks and achieved grades. They may
accredited degree programme. Official programmes also include information such as the number of
will be listed in the Central Register of Higher credits awarded, the student’s date of birth and the
Education Programmes (CROHO). International duration of the course.
higher education institutions are recognised by the
Dutch Ministry of Higher Education rather than the
NVAO.
Higher education comprises higher professional
education (HBO) and university education. These
types of education are provided by HBO institutions
(Hogescholen) and universities respectively.
TAFE NSW NETHERLANDS
Netherlands
Example of a Bachelor Degree from a Hogeschole in English
TAFE NSW NETHERLANDS
New Zealand
Secondary Level
Year 8 ................... Secondary Schools ........................................................ 2–5 years .................... National Certificate Level 1... Certificate I
National Certificate Level 2... Certificate II
National Certificate Level 3... Certificate III

National Certificate ... Polytechnics, Industrial Training Organisations, private
Level 2 training establishments, Institutes of Technology 3–5 years .................... National Certificate Level 4... Certificate IV
National Diploma Level 5.... Diploma
National Diploma Level 6.... Advanced Diploma
National Diploma Level 7.... Bachelor Degree
New Zealand Diploma ........ Diploma

of Business
New Zealand Technician’s.. Certificate IV

Certificate
Trades
Work based apprenticeships .......................................... 2–4 years ..................... National Certificate III ........ Certificate III
Apprenticeships comprising 50% theory plus 50%
practical training National Certificate IV ........ Certificate IV
NEW ZEALAND
TAFE NSW
New Zealand
National Certificate Pre-Primary
of Educational Public colleges of Education, ITPs, wananga private
Achievement 2 ........ training establishments 3 years ......................... Advanced Diploma of
Teaching ........................... Bachelor Degree
Primary
National Certificate Universities
of Educational
Achievement 3 ........ ..................................................................................... 3–4 years ..................... Bachelor of Teaching
Bachelor of Education ........ Bachelor (Honours) Degree
1–2 years ...................... Graduate Diploma in
Teaching ........................... Bachelor Degree
Secondary
National Certificate Universities................................................................... 4 years ......................... Bachelor (Honours) ............ Bachelor Honours Degree
of Educational
Achievement 3
Bachelor ................. .................................................................................... 1 year ........................... Graduate Diploma .............. Bachelor Degree
Higher Education
National Certificate Institutes of Technology, wananga, universities 3–5 years Bachelor Ordinary Degree Bachelor Degree
of Educational
Achievement 3, or Bachelor Honours Degree Bachelor Honours Degree
New Zealand Bursary
A or B levels, New
Zealand University
Entrance
Bachelor ................. .................................................................................... 1–3 years ..................... Post graduate Certificate.... Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma........ Postgraduate Diploma
Bachelor ................ .................................................................................... 1–3 years ...................... Master’s Degree ................ Master’s Degree
Bachelor (Honours)
Degree or Master’s... .................................................................................... 2 years plus thesis ........ Doctoral Degree ................ Doctorate
NEW ZEALAND
TAFE NSW
New Zealand
English and Maori are both official languages requesting verification advice
in New Zealand. Most documents are issued in
There is no standard degree format in New Zealand. Several known degree mills are associated with
English.
Degree certificates may be issued in landscape New Zealand, however educational fraud is not
or portrait format, with the name of the institution a major issue. Verification of documents can be
Accreditation Information and normally the logo at the top of the certificate. obtained directly from the institutions.
The Ministry of Education has overall responsibility The seal and signatures of authority (such as the
for the education system in New Zealand chancellor or registrar) are at the bottom.
and specific responsibilities are designated Transcripts are issued by the institutions and
to several organisations. The New Zealand normally include information such as the title of the
Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is responsible qualification awarded and the marks obtained for
for the accreditation of secondary and tertiary each module. They may include details such as the
qualifications and education providers. The student’s date of birth, identification number and
NZAQ administers the New Zealand Register the number of credits awarded.
of Quality Assured Qualifications, which lists all
quality assured qualifications in New Zealand
and provides international benchmarks for New
Zealand qualifications. It also registers national
qualifications on the National Qualifications
Framework (NQF). The Tertiary Education
Commission (TEC) is responsible for monitoring
the funding and performance of tertiary education
institutions and for implementing educational
policies and strategies. The New Zealand Vice-
Chancellors’ Committee is responsible for quality
assurance in the university sector.
Listings of accredited programmes and institutions
can be found on the websites of the NZQA and the
New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.
TAFE NSW NEW ZEALAND
Pakistan
English and Urdu Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary School .... Polytechnics, Colleges of Technology, Commercial 1–3 years ...................... Certificate in Commerce .... AQF Certificate I
Certificate (Grade 10) Institutes (1 year)
Diploma in Commerce ...... AQF Certificate II

(2 years)
Diploma (3 years) .............. AQF Certificate III
Trades
Middle School .......... Vocational Institutes, Technical Training Centres and 1–2 years ...................... Skilled Worker Certificate... AQF Certificate I
(Grade 8) Technical Training Institutes and 70– 80% practical Grade 3 (1 year)
work
Skilled Worker Certificate... AQF Certificate II
Grade 2 (2 years)
PAKISTAN
TAFE NSW
Pakistan
English and Urdu Higher Education
Diploma ................... Colleges of Technology................................................... 2 years ......................... Bachelor of Technology ...... AQF Diploma
(Pass)
3 years ......................... Bachelor of Technology ...... Australian Bachelor degree
(Honours)
Higher Secondary ..... Universities ................................................................... 2 years ......................... Bachelor of Arts (Pass) ...... NSW Higher School Certificate
School Certificate
3 years ......................... Bachelor of Arts (Honours)... AQF Diploma
2 years ......................... Bachelor of Science (Pass).... AQF Diploma
3 years ......................... Bachelor of Science .......... AQF Advanced Diploma

(Honours)
Bachelor ................. ..................................................................................... 4 years ......................... Bachelor Degree .............. Australian Bachelor Degree
in a professional field
1 year .......................... Post Graduate Diploma ...... Australian Bachelor Degree
3 years ......................... Bachelor Degree in Law ..... Australian Bachelor Degree
2 years ......................... Master’s Degree ................ Australian Graduate

Certificate
2 years (research-based) Master of Philosophy ......... Australian Graduate Certificate
Master’s Degree ....... ..................................................................................... 3 years study ............... Doctoral Degree ................ Master of Philosophy Degree
and research
PAKISTAN
TAFE NSW
Pakistan
English and Urdu Teacher Education
Primary
Secondary School ..... Normal schools, Public colleges for elementary teachers 1 year ........................... Primary Teaching .............. AQF Certificate II
Certificate (Grade Certificate
year 10)
Secondary (grades 6–8)

Higher Secondary ..... Teacher training colleges ............................................... 1 year ........................... Teaching Certificate .......... AQF Certificate III
School Certificate
Secondary (grades 9–10)
Universities 3 years +1 .................... Bachelor plus 1 year ........... AQF Diploma
full-time Bachelor of
Secondary (grades 11–12) Education
Universities, National Academy of Higher Education,
Institutes of Education, Colleges of Advanced Training .... 4 years ......................... Bachelor of Education ........ AQF Advanced Diploma
Technical and Vocational

Higher Secondary ..... Technical Teacher Training Centre .................................. 1 year ........................... Master’s of Education ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
School Certificate,
Polytechnic Diploma ... 1 year ........................... Polytechnic Diploma .......... AQF Certificate III
3 years ......................... Bachelor of Education ......... AQF Diploma

in Technical Teacher
Training
PAKISTAN
TAFE NSW
Pakistan

Documents are issued in English and in Urdu. requesting verification advice
There are a variety of degree formats in Pakistan. There haven been a number of cases of false
Accreditation Information The majority of universities issue them in a documentation from Pakistan issued by degree
bilingual format with both Urdu and English on the mills. It is suggested that in all cases, individuals
The accreditation of higher education institutions
document. Some universities such as the University present full sets of documentation, including
(HEIs) in Pakistan is carried out by the Higher
of the Punjab, also produce a monolingual version secondary school and post- secondary school
Education Commission (HEC). They provide
in English. Documents are often pro-forma documentation, transcripts and final awards.
listings of all accredited institutions in Pakistan
diplomas with the individual’s details typed in the
and also the date from which they have received When in doubt the TAFE NSW central unit
relevant spaces. It was common for documents to
accreditation. The HEC also provides listings of responsible for the development of policy
be filled in on a typewriter until relatively recently.
affiliated colleges and of foreign institutions allowed guidelines and resources on the recognition
Documents come in both landscape and portrait
to provide collaborative programmes in Pakistan. of overseas qualifications should be consulted
format.
There are a number of illegally operating campuses regarding documents issued in Pakistan
in Pakistan which may also be listed by the HEC, so Transcripts vary hugely in quality and until recently
when assessing a degree from a private Pakistani it was not uncommon to have handwriting on the
institution the following checklist should be documents.
followed:
• Check full name of the institution
• Check the campus address
• Check the date of award
• Check the country of award (is the award from
the Pakistan campus of a foreign provider)
If it is a foreign provider, the permission to operate
in Pakistan should be taken into consideration.
Secondary awards are provided by the board of
secondary and intermediate study in each region of
Pakistan.
TAFE NSW PAKISTAN
Pakistan
Example of a genuine Bachelor of Arts from the University of Karachi
TAFE NSW PAKISTAN
Pakistan
Below is an example of a fake Bachelor degree certificate from the University of the Punjab, note the incorrect format. Bilingual documents
are landscape rather than portrait.
TAFE NSW PAKISTAN
Pakistan
An example of another fake Bachelor degree from the University of the Punjab. This one attempts to copy the monolingual certificate issued
by the university. The fonts, spacing and wording are all incorrect.
TAFE NSW PAKISTAN
Pakistan
An example of another fake Bachelor degree from the University of the Punjab. This one attempts to copy the monolingual certificate issued
by the university. The fonts, spacing and wording are all incorrect.
TAFE NSW PAKISTAN
Philippines
Filipino Secondary level
Primary School ....... Vocational Secondary Schools .................................. 4 years .................... High School Diploma ......... AQF Certificate I

High School Diploma Technical & Vocational schools, ................................. 3-4 years ................. Certificate ........................ AQF Certificate IV
(eg courses in Secretarial Practice, Electrical (often entitled a ‘Certificate
Technology) of Proficiency’ or Diploma
less common)
High School Diploma Vocational Institutions or Schools ............................... 1-2 years .................. Certificate or Diploma ....... AQF Certificate II
offering course in the following areas: 1 year
Agricultural Education, Humanities, Social Science and
Communications, Information Technology, Medical and 2 years............................ AQF Certificate III
Health-Related Courses, Engineering and Architecture,
Science and Mathematics Education, Teacher Education,
Business Education Authority
Trades
Age 16+ and .......... Public/Private Technical and Vocational Schools/.......... Duration is dependent ... National Certificate I ........ Below AQF Certificate I
Entrance Training Centres on the individual (Operator Certificate / 3rd
Examination and how long it Class Certificate)
Apprenticeship training comprising at least one-hour
theoretical instruction for every 20 hours on the job
takes to complete all
competencies National Certificate II ........ AQF Certificate I
For Apprenticeships following the dual system it equals 20% (Craftsman Certificate/2nd
theoretical and 80% on the job. Class Certificate)
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit PHILIPPINES
Philippines
English Trades
Filipino Age 16 + ............... It offers specialisation in the following areas: ..................... ................................. National Certificate III ........ AQF Certificate II
and Entrance Agriculture and food, Automotive, Construction, Electronic, (Technician Certificate/1st
Examination Furniture and Fixture Sector (Wood-based/Design and Class Certificate)
Manufacturing), Garments, Metal Engineering, Tourism
National Licence (NL) ......... AQF Certificate III
(Master Craftsman/
Advanced Technician
Characteristics)
Midwifery Certificate
Teacher Education
High School Diploma Universities .............................................................. 4 years........................ Bachelor of Secondary ....... AQF Diploma
& University Education or Bachelor of
Admission Test Science in Elementary
Education
.
Bachelor in Secondary ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
Education/Bachelor of
Science in Elementary
Education from a Centre of
Excellence or a prestigious
university
Higher Education
High School Diploma Community Colleges ................................................. 2 years ....................... Associate Degree .............. AQF Certificate III
& University
Admission Test
As above ................ Universities .............................................................. 4 years ....................... Bachelor Degree ............... AQF Diploma
Bachelor Degree ............... Australian Bachelor Degree

from a Centre of Excellence
or prestigious university
Philippines
Filipino Bachelor............... Universities ........................................................... 2 years ...................... Master’s Degree ................ Australian Bachelor Degree
Master’s Degree ................ Australian Post Graduate

from a Centre of Excellence Diploma
or a prestigious institution
Master’s ............... ........................................................................... 3 years....................... PhD .................................. Australian Master’s Degree
PhD / Doctorate ................. Assessed individually

from a Centre of Excellence
or a prestigious institution
Phillipines List of Centres of Excellence and prestigious universities
National Teachers College Saint Louis University Saint Paul University

Saint Paul University Samar State Polytechnic College
Centres of Excellence for Agricultural Engineering Silliman University Technological University of the Philippines
Cavite State University University of San Carlos University of La Sallette
Mariano Marcos State University University of San Jose-Recoletos University of Mindanao
University of the Philippines (Los Baños) University of Santo Tomas University of San Carlos
University of St. La Salle University of Santo Tomas
Visayas State College of Agriculture
University of the Philippines (Diliman) University of the Philippines (Diliman)
Centres of Excellence for Architecture Xavier University Xavier University
Saint Louis College of Tuguegarao
Centres of Excellence for Ceramics Engineering Centres of Excellence for Communication Arts
Saint Louis University
Mariano Marcos State University University of the Philippines (Diliman)
University of Santo Tomas
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of University of the Philippines (Los Baños)
University of the Philippines (Diliman)
Technology
Western Mindanao State University Centres of Excellence for Computer Engineering
Centres of Excellence for Chemical Engineering Adamson University
Centres of Excellence for Agriculture Adamson University
Benguet State University Aquinas University
Central Philippine University Cagayan State University
Cagayan State University
De La Salle University University of St. La Salle
Cavite State University
Mapua Institute of Technology University of the Philippines (Diliman)
Central Luzon State University
University of Mindanao
Central Mindanao University
University of San Carlos Centres of Excellence for Distance Education
Mariano Marcos State University University of the Philippines-Open University
Panay State Polytechnic College
University of St. La Salle Centres of Excellence for Economics
University Of Rizal System-Rizal State College
University of the Philippines-Diliman University of the Philippines (Diliman)
University of Southern Mindanao
Xavier University
University of the Philippines (Los Baños) Centres of Excellence for Electrical Engineering
Visayas State College of Agriculture Centres of Excellence for Chemistry Adamson University
Ateneo de Davao University Bulacan State University
Centres of Excellence for Biology Ateneo de Manila University
Ateneo de Davao University Cagayan State University
Central Luzon State University Central Philippine University
Ateneo de Manila University
De La Salle University Holy Angel University
Central Luzon State University
Mindanao State University (Iligan) Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of
Central Mindanao University
Mindanao State University (Marawi) Technology
De La Salle University
University of San Carlos Saint Louis University
Mindanao State University (Iligan)
University of Santo Tomas Tarlac State University
Silliman University
University of the Philippines (Los Baños) Technological University of the Philippines
University of San Carlos
University of the Philippines-Diliman University of Mindanao
Xavier University University of San Carlos
University of the Philippines (Diliman)
University of the Philippines (Los Baños) Centres of Excellence for Civil Engineering University of Santo Tomas
University of the Philippines-Baguio Adamson University University of Southeastern Philippines
University of the Philippines-Manila Cagayan Capitol Colleges University of the Philippines (Diliman)
University of the Philippines-Visayas Cagayan State University Western Institute of Technology
Central Philippine University Xavier University
Centres of Excellence for Business De La Salle University
Ateneo de Davao University Centres of Excellence for Electronics and
Leyte Institute of Technology
Ateneo de Manila University Communications Engineering
Mindanao State University (Iligan)
Ateneo de Naga Adamson University
Saint Louis College of Tuguegarao
Ateneo de Zamboanga University De La Salle University
De La Salle University Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of
Saint Mary’s University
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit PHILLIPINES
Technology Centres of Excellence for History Silliman University
Saint Louis University University of the Philippines-Diliman University of San Carlos
University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines-Diliman
University of Southeastern Philippines
Centres of Excellence for Industrial Engineering University of the Philippines-Visayas
Adamson University Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and
University of St. La Salle
De La Salle University Technology
University of the Philippines-Diliman
Holy Angel University
Wesleyan University Philippines Centres of Excellence for Mathematics
Centres of Excellence for Engineering and University of Santo Tomas Ateneo de Davao University
University of the Philippines-Diliman Ateneo de Manila University
Architecture Education
University of Santo Tomas Centres of Excellence for Information Technology Mindanao Polytechnic State College
University of the Philippines - Diliman, Quezon City
Education Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of
Centres of Excellence for English Angeles University Foundation Technology
Ateneo De Manila University Asian Development Foundation College University of San Carlos
De La Salle University Ateneo de Davao University University of the Philippines-Baguio
University of the Philippines-Diliman Ateneo de Manila University University of the Philippines-Diliman
Ateneo de Naga University of the Philippines-Los Baños
Centres of Excellence for Filipino Ateneo de Zamboanga University
Baguio Colleges Foundation
Centres of Excellence for Medicine
Philippine Normal University Cebu Institute of Medicine
Cebu Institute of Technology
University of the Philippines-Diliman University of Santo Tomas
De La Salle Aguinaldo-Dasmariñas
University of the Philippines-Manila
Centres of Excellence for Fisheries De La Salle University
Xavier University
Bicol University-Tabaco East Asia College
Cagayan State University-Aparri Lorma College Centres of Excellence for Mechanical Engineering
Central Luzon State University Mindanao State University (Marawi) Adamson University
Pangasinan State University-Binmaley Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute Bulacan State University
State Polytechnic College of Palawan of Technology Central Philippine University
University of the Philippines-Visayas Misamis University De La Salle University
Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Notre Dame of Marbel University Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of
Technology Polytechnic University of the Philippines Technology
Saint Paul University Pablo Borbon Memorial Inst. Of Technology
Centres of Excellence for Foreign Languages St.Columban College Saint Louis University
University of the Philippines-Diliman University of La Sallette Silliman University
Centres of Excellence for Forestry University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Technological University of the Philippines
Central Mindanao University University of the Philippines-Diliman University of Mindanao
Isabela State University-Cabagan University of the Philippines-Los Baños University of Santo Tomas
University of the Philippines-Los Baños Xavier University University of the Philippines-Diliman
Visayas State College of Agriculture Western Institute of Technology
Centres of Excellence for Journalism
Xavier University
Centres of Excellence for Geodetic Engineering University of the Philippines-Diliman
Pamantasan ng Araullo Centres of Excellence for Literature Centres of Excellence for Metallurgical
Saint Louis College of Tuguegarao Ateneo De Manila University Engineering
Saint Paul University De La Salle University Mapua Institute of Technology
University of the Philippines-Diliman University of Santo Tomas Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of
Centres of Excellence for Geology University of the Philippines-Diliman Technology
Adamson University University of the Philippines-Diliman
Centres of Excellence for Marine Science
Mapua Institute of Technology Cagayan State University
University of the Philippines-Diliman Mindanao State University-Naawan
Centres of Excellence for Mining Engineering De La Salle University - Manila Centres of Excellence for Veterinary Medicine
Mapua Institute of Technology Mindanao Polytechnic State College - Cagayan de University of the Philippines-Los Baños
University of the Philippines-Diliman Oro City
Mindanao State University - Naawan Campus Prestigious State Universities
Centres of Excellence for Music Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Asian Institute of Management
University of Santo Tomas Technology - Iligan City Ateneo de Manila University
University of the Philippines-Diliman Siliman University - Dumaguete City De La Salle University
University of San Carlos - Cebu City University of Santo Tomas
Centres of Excellence for Nursing University of the Philippines
Liceo de Cagayan University of Santo Tomas - Manila
Saint Louis University University of the Philippines - Baguio
Saint Paul University University of the Philippines - Diliman, Quezon City
San Pedro College University of the Philippines - Los Banos
Silliman University University of the Philippines - Manila
St.Paul’s Iloilo University of the Philippines - Visayas - (Miag-ao
University of Santo Tomas Iloilo)
University of the Philippines-Manila Xavier University - Cagayan de Oro City
Zamboanga State College of Marine Science &
Centres of Excellence for Philosophy Technology - Zamboanga City
Ateneo De Manila University
University of Santo Tomas Centres of Excellence for Sociology
Ateneo De Manila University
Centres of Excellence for Physics University of the Philippines-Diliman
Ateneo de Manila University Xavier University
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Centres of Excellence for Teaching Education
Technology Aquinas University - Legaspi City
Silliman University Ateneo de Davao University - Davao City
University of San Carlos Bicol University - Legaspi City
University of the Philippines-Baguio Central Luzon State University
University of the Philippines-Diliman Leyte Normal University - Tacloban City
University of the Philippines-Los Baños Mariano Marcos State University - Laoag City
Mindinao State University - Marawi City
Centres of Excellence for Political Science Notre Dame of Jolo
University of the Philippines-Diliman Notre Dame of Marbel University - Koronadal,
Centres of Excellence for Psychology Cotabato
Ateneo De Manila University Palawan State University - Puerto Prinsesa City
University of the Philippines-Diliman Philippine Normal University - Manila
San Nicolas College
Centres of Excellence for Sanitary Engineering Siliman University - Dumaguete City
Baguio Colleges Foundation St.Louis University - Baguio City
University of Baguio St. Mary’s University - Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Centres of Excellence for Science and St. Paul University - Tuguegarao, Cagayan
University of San Carlos - Cebu City
Mathematics University of San Jose Recoletos - Cebu City
Ateneo de Davao University - Davao City West Visayas State Univesity - Iloilo City
Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City Western Mindanao State University - Zamboanga
Cagayan State University - Tuguegarao, Cagayan City
Central Luzon State University - Munoz, Nueva Ecija Xavier University - Cagayan de Oro University
Central Mindanao University - Malaybalay, Bukidnon
Phillipines
Filipino and English are both official languages in requesting verification
the Philippines. Most documents (especially recent There is no standard degree format in the
ones) are issued in both languages. Occasionally, Philippines. Degree certificates are usually in
documents are issued in Latin. landscape style, with the institution’s name and
sometimes logo on top. Seal and signatures of
Accreditation information authority (eg president, registrar and deans of the
faculty) are on the bottom. The S.O. number should
At primary and secondary level, the responsibility
also be on the final certificate when required.
lies on the Department of Education (DepED). At
tertiary level, prior to 1994, the Bureau of Higher Transcripts are issued by the institutions and are
Education under with the Department of Education always broken down into semesters. They normally
Culture and Sports (DECS) took the responsibility include the information such as degree(s) conferred,
for higher education. The Commission on Higher date of graduation, entry level, duration of the
Education (CHED) was established in 1994 and course, total credits obtained, date of birth, religion
is the governing body covering both public and and S.O. number if required.
private higher education institutions as well as For professions which require registration, a licence
degree-granting programs in all tertiary educational or registration card is also presented together with
institutions in the Philippines. the degree. These documents are issued by the
Private HEIs are required to obtain “Special Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and
Order” (S.O.) for certificate, diploma and degree generally are indication of the accreditation of the
programmes they offer. This number should be degree programmes.
shown on student’s final certificate and transcripts.
However, the Level II, III and IV accredited Fraud Risk Assessment and
institutions are exempted from this requirement, Advice
along with the State Universities and Colleges
(SUCs). SUC is also known as chartered institutions, Fraudulent documents are not rare in the
and do not need CHED’s approval to offer Philippines, and individuals can also obtain degrees
academic programmes. from international degree mills.
Listings of accredited programmes and institutions

can be found on CHED’s website.
Phillipines
Example of Degree Certificate and Transcripts
Phillipines
Phillipines
Phillipines
Example of Midwifery Certificate
Russian Federation
Russian Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Basic initial vocational training
Diploma of ............. Vocational/Technical school ............ 1-21⁄2 years ................ Diploma of Initial .............. AQF Certificate II
Incomplete General (ProfessionalnoeTechnicheskoe Uchilishche (PTUs) (entry at Grade 9) in Vocational Education
Secondary Education Involves blocks of theoretical, industrial and practical training rudimentary crafts or (Diplom o nachalnom
(Grade 9 or 11) with an element of general education trades Professionalnom
1-11⁄2 years ................. obrazovanii) with the title
(entry at Grade 11) of Qualified Worker (in a
particular occupation)
Advanced initial vocational training
As above ............... Vocational lyceum (Professional Litsei) ...................... 3-4 years ................... Diploma of Initial .............. AQF Certificate III
Involves blocks of theoretical, industrial and practical training (entry at Grade 9) Vocational Education
with an element of general education 1-11⁄2 years (Diplom o nachalnom
(entry at Grade 11) Professionalnom
obrazovanii) with the title
of Qualified Worker (in
a particular occupation
Including the Attestat
Middle level vocational education
Diploma of ............. Specialised Technical College (Teknikum) ................ 3 years ..................... Diploma of Middle Level .... AQF Certificate IV
Incomplete General Secondary Specialised College (Uchilishche) (at least, entry at Grade 9) Vocational Education (Diplom
Secondary Education Practical training and Theoretical training – 50% of each. 2-3 years ................... o Srednem Professonalnom
(Grade 9) or Grade 11 (entry at Grade 11) Obrazovanii (Bazovii Uroven)
As above ............... Colleges (Kolledz) .................................................... 4-41⁄2 years ............... College Diploma ............... AQF Diploma
(entry at Grade 9) with the Title of Junior
31⁄2-4 years ............... Engineer (Diplom ob
(entry at Grade 11) okonchaniikolledzha po
vtoroi stupeni - Mladshii
inzhiner)
Diploma of Middle ... College (Kolledzi) .................................................... 1 year ........................ Diplom o Srednem ........... AQF Advanced Diploma
Level Vocational Specialnom /
Education (Diplom Professionalom Obrasovanii
o Srednem (Poveishenni Uroven)
Professonalnom
Obrazovanii (Bazovii
Uroven)
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russian Federation
Russian Trades
Part of the Vocational secondary/post secondary
education system described above.
Teacher Education
Teachers (Primary and Basic Secondary)
Diploma of ............. Secondary Specialised Colleges ................................ 4 years (FT) ............... Diploma of Middle Level ..... AQF Diploma
Incomplete General (Pedagogical uchilishche), Colleges (entry at Grade 9) Vocational Education
Secondary Education 3 years (FT) (Diplom o Srednem
(Grade 9) or Grade 11 (entry at Grade 11) Professionalnom
Obrazovanii)
Entrance Exam after Primary non-university level educational institutions ..... 3-4 years (Grade 9) ...... Specialised Secondary ...... AQF Advanced Diploma
Grade 9/Grade 11 (technikums, uchilisches), colleges 2 years (Grade 11) Diploma – advanced level
(Diplom on Okonchanii
Srednego Spetsialnogo
Uchebnogo Zavedeniya)
Teachers (Upper Secondary)

General Secondary .. Universities, pedagogical institutes ........................... 4 years (FT) ............... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
School Certificate (Bakalavr)
and entrance exam
4-5 years (FT) ............ Diploma of Specialist ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
in pedagogy(Diplom ob
Okonchanii Vysshego
Uchebnego Zavedeniya)
Higher Education
Certificate of .......... Universities ............................................................ 2 years ..................... Diploma of Incomplete ....... AQF Diploma
Secondary Education (issued on request of Higher Education (Diplom
(Attestat o srednem student midway o Nepolnom Vusshem
(polnom) obshchem through Bachelor or Obrazovanii)
obrazovanii) and Specialist Diploma
entrance exam program)
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russian Federation
Russian Higher Education
Certificate of .......... Universities ....................................................... 4 years ..................... Bachelor Degree .............. Australian Bachelor Degree
Secondary Education (Bakalavr)
(Attestat o srednem
(polnom) obshchem 5-6 years .................. Diploma of Specialist ......... Australian Bachelor Degree
obrazovanii) and (eg. in Engineering, Law,
entrance exam Medicine etc)
Bakalavr ............... ........................................................................... 1-2 years................. Master’s Degree (Magister) Australian Post-graduate
Kandidat Nauk (Candidate Diploma
of Sciences)
Master or ............... ........................................................................... 3 years ..................... ....................................... Assessed individually

Specialist Diploma (research + thesis)
Magister or ............ ........................................................................... No fixed duration......... Doctor Nauk ..................... Assessed individually
Specialist Diploma (Doctor of Sciences
Russian Federation
Documents are issued in Russian and occasionally requesting verification
in English and Russian when awarded to a non-
Educational documents (diplomas and transcripts) higher education and landscape usually represents
Russian national.
in Russia all follow a national format, issued by post-secondary or college level education. It
the Ministry of Education. The shape and format is worth noting that if photocopies of original
Accreditation Information of the final diploma differs according the level of documentation are presented, the word Kopiya
Up until August 1996, there were two federal education it represents, and is usually accompanied should appear across the top of the diploma and
bodies that managed the education system in by a Prilozhenie k Diplomu (Transcript), which throughout the transcript.
Russia: the Ministry of Education of the Russian details all the subjects taken as part of the course
Federation and the State Committee of the Russian and the grades achieved. Fraud Risk Assessment and
Federation for Higher Education. The Ministry of All Russian Diplomas are issued in the standard advice
Education was responsible for the development state booklet format with the word Diplom always
and implementation of state policy in pre-school, appearing at the top on the right hand side, The risk of fraud in Russian educational
general and vocational education, while The State regardless of the level of education it represents. documentation during Soviet times was extremely
Committee for Higher Education was responsible Just below this there is a short code consisting low, given the strict control of the state over higher
for overseeing state policy in post-secondary of numbers (referring to the year the booklet was education institutions and their educational activity.
education, which included all non-university and printed) and a letter, C, B orM, which refers to the State diplomas are easily recognisable and are only
university level higher education, and doctoral type of award:C: Specialist Diploma, B: Bakalavr likely to be queried if the format differs in any way,
studies. In August 1996, these two federal bodies (Bachelor) and M: Magistr (Master). State diplomas which at that time would have been very rare.
were merged into one ministry with combined also have several security features, which are only However, more recently there have been reports of
functions called the Ministry for General and visible in UV light. An image of green laurel and a a large number of agencies in Russia now selling
Professional Education of the Russian Federation. hidden image of the Russian two-headed eagle both the new and old style Russian diplomas,
In 1999 it was renamed and now exists as The appear on the right hand side of the document, certificates and transcripts. Students who have
Ministry of Education. Main responsibilities and when held under UV light. The left hand side of the achieved low marks may also request a new
functions include the following: diploma booklet shows the Russian crest at the top, transcript showing higher marks, which when
• Financing of State Educational Establishments as well as the date of issue and registration number presented with an authentic diploma makes this
at the bottom. However, the location of the date of harder to spot. This service is advertised openly on
• Setting up State Educational Establishments issue may vary depending on the year of printing. websites and is a major concern in Russia today.
• Quality control (licensing, attestation, and state The latest batch of diplomas (printed in 2002) shows
accreditation of educational institutions) the date in the bottom left-hand corner, whereas As well as problems with documentation, it is also
• Setting and maintaining State Educational the slightly older diplomas (printed in 1996) show worth being aware of the increase in private higher
standards the year of printing in the bottom right-hand corner. education institutions since 1991 and their standing
and accreditation in Russia. A number of these,
• Attestation and evaluation procedures for the Given the generic use of the word Diploma such as the International University of Fundamental
teaching and administrative staff across the education system in Russia, a copy Studies, St Petersburg have licenses for educational
• Curricular design of the original diploma in Russian should always activity but the qualifications awarded are not
• The direct funding of educational be presented together with the translation. As a recognised by the Russian Ministry of Education.
establishments set up under their authority general rule, a portrait diploma usually represents
Russian Federation
Example of Russian Bakalvr Diploma.
Russian Federation
Example of bilingual Specialist Diploma awarded to foreigners.
Singapore
Secondary Level
Primary School ......... Normal Technical ......................................................... 2–4 years ..................... Singapore-Cambridge ......... AQF Certificate I
Leaving Certificate General Certificate of
Education Normal
(GCE N-level)
Singapore-Cambridge ....... NSW School Certificate

General Certificate of
Education Normal
(GCE O-level)
Certificate of ............ Institute of Technical Education .................................... 2 years F/T ................... National Technical Certificate.. AQF Certificate III
Education Normal 2 years ......................... Industrial Technician .......... AQF Certificate III
(GCE N-level) Certificate
2 years ......................... National ITE Certificate ...... AQF Certificate III

2 years Higher National ITE ............ AQF Certificate IV
Certificate
1 year .......................... Master National ITE .......... AQF Diploma
Certificate
Polytechnics (5)
Singapore/Cambridge Courses at sub-degree level ........................................ 2 years ......................... Certificate ......................... AQF Certificate IV
GCE O Level
National Technical 3 years F/T .................... Diploma ............................ AQF Diploma
Certificate
Industrial Technician
Certificate
Diploma, Singapore/ ................................................................................... 1 year ........................... Advanced Diploma ............ AQF Advanced Diploma
Cambridge GCE
A Level 1– 2 years P/T ............... Specialist Diploma ............. AQF Advanced Diploma
SINGAPORE
TAFE NSW
Singapore
English Trades
Certificate of ........... Workforce Development Agency, and the Institute of ..................................... WSQ (work skills
Education Normal Technical Education (theory and practical training) qualifications)
(GCE N-level)
1–3 years ...................... WSQ Certificate ................. AQF Certificate II
WSQ Higher Certificate ...... AQF Certificate III
WSQ Advanced Certificate.. AQF Certificate IV
WSQ Diploma/ .................. AQF Diploma
Professional Diploma.
WSQ Specialist ................. AQF Advanced Diploma
WSQ Graduate .................. Australian Masters Degree
Certificate/ Diploma
Teacher Education
Singapore/ ............... National Institute of Education ...................................... 2 years ......................... Diploma in Education ......... Australian Associate Degree
Cambridge GCE .A
Level 4 years ......................... Bachelor in Education ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor with .......... ..................................................................................... 1–2 years ...................... Advanced Post-Graduate ... Australian Postgraduate
Diploma in Education Diploma in Education . Diploma
Post-Graduate .......... ..................................................................................... 2 years ......................... Master’s of Education ........ Australian Masters Degree
Diploma in Education
SINGAPORE
TAFE NSW
Singapore
Singapore/Cambridge Universities
GCE A Level .............. ..................................................................................... 3–5 years ...................... Bachelor Degree ............... Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Degree ....... ..................................................................................... 2 years F/T .................... Postgraduate Diploma ....... Australian Postgraduate
Diploma
Bachelor Degree ....... ..................................................................................... Course work and ........... Master Degree .................. Australian Masters Degree
examination or research
and thesis
Master Degree .......... .................................................................................... 2–5 years F/T study ...... Doctor of Philosophy .......... Doctorate
and research and thesis
SINGAPORE
TAFE NSW
Singapore
Languages Notes on degree formats and Fraud risk assessment
English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are the official requesting information Diploma mills are known operating actively in
languages of Singapore. Majority of documents There is no unified degree format in Singapore. Singapore.
are issued in English. Bilingual and quadlingual Individual institutions have their own style. In The risk of fraudulent documents in Singapore is
documents are often seen too. general, the certificates and some transcripts are relatively low as documents (particularly those from
well protected with water-mark, microprint and public universities) are well protected and can be
Accreditation other security devices. Transcripts can be issued verified without much difficulty. However there are
and delivered directly to a third party, although a a few “diploma replacement services” operating
The Ministry of Education has overall responsibility
fee is normally charged. in the neighbouring countries that are targeting
in education policy formulation and implementation.
It also controls the development and administration The TAFE NSW central unit responsible for the Singaporean institutions. These fake certificates
of public education providers and registration of development of policy guidelines and resources are quite often bought outside Singapore to gain
private schools. At the higher education level it on the recognition of overseas qualifications can admission into foreign universities.
mainly provides funding, offers policy guidance be consulted regarding further information on
and quality assurance. The Ministry of Manpower is documentation from Singapore.
responsible for adult and technical training and also
recruiting overseas workers to fill skills shortages.
Singapore has a large number of registered private
schools and colleges. The quality of education
provided by private institutions varies greatly and
their qualifications should be assessed on an
individual basis. Some institutions may also have
affiliations with foreign universities, particularly
those in the UK, Australia and China and courses
validated by their foreign partners.
TAFE NSW SINGAPORE
Singapore
Old style A level certificate (issued in four languages)
TAFE NSW SINGAPORE
Singapore
TAFE NSW SINGAPORE
Singapore
TAFE NSW SINGAPORE
South Africa
Afrikaans or English Technical and Vocational Education
or in another Secondary Level and Pre Tertiary
language where Grade 9 / Standard 7..... N1–4 (national technical training at further education
appropriate and training colleges) .................................................... 1 year each N level ........ National Technical Certificates
SEE TRADES BELOW N1 ................................... AQF Certificate I
N2 ................................... AQF Certificate II
N3 ................................... AQF Certificate III
N4 ................................... AQF Certificate IV
Grade 12 or N4 ............ N5–N6 advanced trade training ...................................... 1 year each N level ........ National Technical
Certificates
N5 ................................... AQF Diploma
N6 ................................... AQF Advanced Diploma
N5/N6 ......................... Completion of N6 + two years ....................................... 4–8 years depending on
of supervised work experience entry route .................... National Diploma ............... Australian Associate Degree
Post-Secondary Level/Tertiary Level

Senior Certificate ....... Technikons, now known as Universities of Technology 1 year ........................... National Certificate ............ AQF Certificate IV
or Further Education and in Technology (S2)
Training certificate 2 years ......................... National Higher Certificate.. AQF Diploma
in Technology (S4 )
3 years ......................... Diploma in Technology ...... Australian Bachelor Degree
(DipTech) or National
Diploma (S4+P1/ P2/T3)
National Diploma ......... Workplace training ........................................................ Min 1 year ..................... Higher Diploma and ......... Australian Bachelor Degree
Further Diploma (T4)
Diploma in Technology.... Technikons, now known as Universities of Technology...... 4 years ......................... Bachelor of Technology ..... Australian Bachelor Degree
(Baccalaureus Technologiae)
Bachelor of Technology.. .................................................................................... 1 year research project... Master’s Degree ............... Australian Master’s Degree
(Baccalaureus in Technology
Technologiae)
Master’s Degree ........... ..................................................................................... 2 year research project... Doctorate in Technology...... Australian Doctorate
in Technology
TAFE NSW SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa
Afrikaans or English Trades
or in another Grade 8, 9 or 10 ........... N-training (national technical training at further 1 year each N level ........ National Technical
language where education and training colleges) Certificates
appropriate N1-3 – craft training, utility services N1 .................................... AQF Certificate I
N2 ................................... AQF Certificate II
Learnerships
Work based education and training programs Min 1 year ..................... National Technical
(apprenticeships in traditional trades). Learnerships Certificates
require registration and agreement between the learner, N1 ................................... AQF Certificate I
employer and the training institution. N2 ................................... AQF Certificate II
Teacher Education
Teacher Education Institutions ( national and local level)
Pre-primary and Primary
Senior Certificate ......... Teacher Training Colleges ............................................... 1 year ............................ Advanced Certificate ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
in Education
3 years .......................... Diploma in Education......... Australian Associate Degree
(until 2002)
4 years .......................... Higher Diploma ................. Australian Bachelor Degree
in Education (until 2002)
Senior Certificate......... Universities ................................................................... 4 years .......................... Bachelor of Primary/........... Australian Bachelor Degree
Pre-Primary Education
Secondary
Senior Certificate ......... Universities................................................................... 4-5 years........................ Bachelor of Arts in Education... Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor of Science ........... Australian Bachelor Degree
in Education
Bachelor of Music ............. Australian Bachelor Degree
in Education
Bachelor of Education... ..................................................................................... 1 year ............................ Postgraduate Certificate..... Australian Graduate Certificate
in Education
1 year ............................ Postgraduate Diploma ....... Australian Graduate Diploma

in Education
TAFE NSW

SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa
Afrikaans or English Higher Education
or in another Universities, universities of technology, comprehensive
language where universities
appropriate SEE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ABOVE
FOR TERTIARY VOCATIONAL COURSES
Senior Certificate ...... ..................................................................................... 3–6 years ..................... Bachelor Degree ................ Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Degree ....... .................................................................................... 1 year ........................... Postgraduate Diploma ....... Australian Graduate Diploma
with Honours
Bachelor Degree ....... ..................................................................................... 1–2 years research ........ Master’s Degree .............. Australian Master’s Degree
with Honours
Master’s Degree ....... .................................................................................... 2 years research ........... Doctorate .......................... Australian Doctorate
minimum
SOUTH AFRICA
TAFE NSW
South Africa
Documents at tertiary level are issued in English, requesting verification advice
Afrikaans and Latin. At secondary level they may be Degree formats do not follow a standard pattern International reports suggest that South Africa
issued in English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, and each university has its own style of certificate is experiencing serious difficulties with the mass
Sepedi, Setswana or Swati. format and transcript format. Degree formats tend circulation of fraudulent documents. It is strongly
to be simple with little embellishment or decoration. recommended that full sets of educational
Accreditation Information The vast majority of degree certificates, however, are portrait documents are requested, including transcripts and
format and centrally aligned to the university crest. entry qualifications to tertiary awards. For certain
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) holds
professions registration with the relevant body in
readily available online lists of qualifications from
The TAFE NSW central unit responsible for the South Africa is obligatory (medicine, teaching etc.).
national and private education providers. The
development of policy guidelines and resources on
awards registered with SAQA are benchmarked It should be noted that there have been significant
the recognition of overseas qualifications can be
against the South African National Qualifications changes in the names and make up of South
consulted regarding documents issued in South
Framework (NQF). Qualifications can be checked African institutions. Degrees from before 2004 may
Africa.
online. come from institutions that no longer exist in their
previous form.
South Africa
South Africa
TAFE NSW
SOUTH AFRICA
Sri Lanka
Sinhala Technical and Vocational Education
Tamil Post Secondary level
English General Certificate .. Technical Colleges, polytechnical institutes ................. 2 years ...................... (National) Certificate .......... AQF Certificate IV
of Education (eg in business and crafts,
(O Level) commerce, engineering)
General Certificate .. ............................................................................. 2-3 years ................... National Diploma ............... AQF Diploma
of Education (O Level (eg. agriculture, business
or A Level) studies, home economics etc)
General Certificate .. ............................................................................. 4 years ...................... Higher National Diploma .... Australian Associate Degree
of Education (HND) (in accounting &
(A Level) commerce)
2 years ...................... National Certificate ........... AQF Certificate IV

in Technology
2-3 years................... National Diploma .............. AQF Diploma

in Technology
Trades
Junior Secondary .... Short Training Courses ............................................. 6-10 months .............. National Craft Certificate..... AQF Certificate I
Education Technical Colleges
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka
Sinhala Teacher Education
Tamil Teachers (Pre-Primary)
English GCE Ordinary level in Department of Early Childhood Education .................... 1 year ......................... Certificate in Pre-school .... AQF Certificate III
6 subjects including Education
first language and
mathematics
Certificate in ........... ............................................................................. 1 year ........................ Advanced Certificate ........ AQF Certificate IV
Pre-school education in Pre-School Education
Teachers (Senior Primary)

3 GCE Advanced ...... Teacher Training Colleges / Universities ...................... 3 years ...................... Trained Teacher’s Diploma Australian Associate Degree
levels and six GCE (Primary) (post 1985)
Ordinary levels
4 years ....................... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree
Degree
Teachers (Junior Secondary)

General Certificate ... Teacher Training Colleges ......................................... 2 years ...................... Trained Teacher’s ............. AQF Advanced Diploma
of Education (A Certificate (Primary)
Level-3 passes) + 2 (post 1981)
years experience in Trained Teacher’s ............ AQF Diploma
school Certificate (Primary)
(prior 1981)
Teachers (Senior Secondary)
3 GCE Advanced ...... Universities ............................................................ 2 years ...................... Trained Teacher’s ............. AQF Advanced Diploma
levels and six GCE Certificate (Secondary)
Ordinary levels (post 1981)
2 years ...................... Trained Teacher’s ............. AQF Diploma

Certificate (Secondary)
(prior 1981)
3 years ...................... Trained Teacher’s Diploma Australian Associate Degree

(Secondary) (post 1985 )
4 years ....................... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree

TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka
Sinhala Teacher Education
Tamil Teachers (Senior Secondary)
English Bachelor Degree ..... Universities ............................................................ 1 year ........................ Diploma in Education......... Australian Graduate Diploma
Post Graduate
Bachelor Degree ..... ............................................................................. 1-2 years ................... Master of Education ......... Australian Master’s Degree
Higher Education
General Certificate of Universities ............................................................ 3 years ...................... Bachelor (General Degree) Australian Bachelor Degree
Education (A Level)
4 years ....................... Bachelor (Special or .......... Australian Bachelor Degree

Professional Degree)
Bachelor ............. ............................................................................. 1 years ...................... Postgraduate Diploma ....... Australian Graduate Diploma
2 years ...................... Master’s Degree ............... Australian Master’s Degree
Master’s or Bachelor ............................................................................. 2-3 years ................... Doctorates........................ Assessed individually

(Special Degree)
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka
Documents are issued in English, Sinhala and requesting verification
Tamil. Most documentation at tertiary level is
Secondary school documents follow a standard
issued in English only.
format: 75 - 100% D Distinction
Accreditation Information • All documents include the national symbol of Sri 50 - 74% C Credit
Lanka, (below) in the top left hand corner:
• At primary and secondary level, education is
35 - 49% S Pass
overseen by the Ministry of Education.
• At tertiary level, education is overseen by the 0 - 34% F Fail
Ministry of Higher Education.
• Institutions of higher education are accredited It is therefore not unexpected that students with
by the University Grants Commission. high percentage marks will also have D or C
• A comprehensive system of quality assurance grades.
has been under development since 2001. The Tertiary level documents do not follow a standard
first body formed to oversee this system was • The document most commonly presented by format:
the Commission on Quality Assurance. It aimed students at O (Ordinary) and A (Advanced) level
to establish the following quality assurance • Documents may be portrait or landscape
is a results schedule. This document is written
mechanisms: format, and although most documents are only
in Sinhala, Tamil and English and is issued by
in English, they may also include the Sri Lankan
1. Academic Procedures Handbook the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka
national languages of Sinhala and Tamil
2. Sri Lankan Qualifications Framework • At the head of the document is the student’s
• Most documents include handwritten
name and address (in English only). Beneath this
3. Subject Benchmarking and Academic information such as the student’s name, the
is the level of the qualification (O or A Level),
Standards date, and the degree awarded. This information
the centre number where the student took the
is written in decorative, cursive script
4. Sri Lankan Credit Transfer Scheme examination and a unique index number
• Different universities use different signatures on
• The Quality Assurance and Accreditation • The student’s name is repeated (again in English
their documents, though most will use the Vice
Council was founded in 2005 to implement only), followed by a table outlining the subjects
Chancellor and the Registrar.
a framework for quality assurance and studied and the student’s results
accreditation within Sri Lankan universities. • All students must complete the ‘Common
General Test’ and the ‘General English’ test, so Fraud Risk Assessment and
marks for these subjects will always be included advice
• Prior to 2001, Sri Lanka used the following Sri Lanka does not present the same scope
grading system at O Level: for educational fraud as neighbouring India.
However, as a result its facilities for detecting and
reporting fraud are also less developed. Unlike its
Indian counterpart, the Sri Lankan UGC does not
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka
Example of O Level certificate
maintain a list of illegally operating or substandard
institutions. If there is any doubt about the quality
or legality of a Sri Lankan institution it may therefore
be advisable to contact TAFE MEU.
Sri Lankan documents (notably at tertiary level) may
also be vulnerable to fraud as they not generally
include security features such as watermarks and
modern laser printing techniques. If there is any
doubt over individual documentation, it is advisable
to contact TAFE MEU, which may be able to provide
confirmation that the student in question was a
bona fide student and achieved the qualification
that has been presented.
It is also worth bearing in mind, when dealing with
educational documents from Sri Lanka, that an
intermittent civil war has been going on (particularly
in the north of the country) since the 1980s. This
has led to many thousands of deaths and extensive
disruption. This disruption (as well as that caused
by the 2004 tsunami which killed around 40,000
people) may have presented opportunities for
the fraudulent acquisition of national documents,
though it is true that law and order never
disintegrated in Sri Lanka as it did in other countries
affected by civil war and this does not represent a
significant risk.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka
Example of A Level certificate Example of degree certificate issued in English
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit SRI LANKA
Thailand
Thai Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Lower secondary .... Upper Secondary Schools ......................................... 3 years ....................... Certificate of Vocational .... AQF Certificate Il
(Grades VII – IX, (vocational stream eg. agriculture, home economics, Education Skill level
Maw 1-3) business studies, arts & crafts and engineering) (Por Wor Chor)
As above .............. Vocational schools, technical colleges ........................ 1 year ........................ Tradesman’s Certificate ..... AQF Certificate I
/Certificate in Vocational
Education
Upper Secondary .... Post Secondary level
(Grade XII – Maw 6) Rajamangala Institutes of Technology (RIT), Department 2 years ....................... Diploma of Vocational ....... AQF Certificate IV
& entrance exam of Vocational Education (DOVE) Technical Colleges, King Education/ Higher
/Certificate of Mongkut’s Institute of Technology) Certificate (Technician
Vocational Education Level) (Por Vor Sor)
Skill level
Diploma of ............. ............................................................................. 2 years ....................... Higher Diploma ................ Australian Associate Degree
Vocational Education of Technical Education
(Por Tor Sor)
Trades
Lower Secondary .... Rajamangala Institutes of Technology (RIT), Department 3 years ..................... Certificate in Dual
(Grade IX) of Vocational Education (DOVE) Technical Colleges, King (combined college & Vocational Training (DVT) ... AQF Certificate Il
Mongkut’s Institute of Technology training in workplace)
(eg courses in: trade and industry, commerce, home
economics, arts & crafts, agriculture & fisheries)
Certificate in Dual ... ............................................................................. 2 years ...................... Diploma in Dual ................ AQF Certificate IV
Vocational Training (combined college & Vocational Training (DVT)
(DVT) training in workplace)
THAILAND
Thailand
Thai Teacher Education
Teacher (Primary)
Completion of ......... Teacher Training Colleges ......................................... 2 years ....................... Higher Certificate of ............ AQF Certificate IV
Grade XI Education/Diploma of
Education
Teacher (Lower Secondary)
Upper Secondary .... Rajabhat Universities ............................................... 2 years ....................... Associate Degree ................ AQF Advanced Diploma
(Grade XII – Maw 6)
Teacher (Upper Secondary)

Upper Secondary .... Rajabhat Universities ............................................... 4 years ....................... Bachelor of Education .......... Australian Bachelor Degree
Associate Degree .... ........................................................................... 2 years ....................... Bachelor of Education .......... Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Degree ..... ........................................................................... 1 year ........................ Graduate Teaching Diploma... Australian Bachelor Degree
2 years........................ Master Degree in Education... Australian Master’s Degree
Higher Education
Upper Secondary .... Universities .......................................................... 4 years ....................... Bachelor Degree ................. Australian Bachelor Degree
& national entrance
exam
Bachelor ................ ............................................................................. 2 years ....................... Master’s Degree ................. Australian Post-graduate
Diploma
Master’s ................ ............................................................................. 3 years ....................... PhD/ Doctorate ................... Assessed individually
THAILAND
Thailand
Language Notes on degree format and
Original documents are normally issued in Thai. requesting verification
However, tertiary documents can be issued in
Thailand does not have a standard degree format.
English, especially for “international” programmes.
Degrees and transcripts are issued by individual
institutions.
Accreditation information
Transcripts are signed by the registrar.
The Ministry of Education, which was restructured
in July 2003, has overall responsibility for all
levels of education in Thailand. This responsibility
is divided between Commission on Basic Advice
Education and Vocational Education Commission
Fraudulent documentation is a big concern in
and Commission on Higher Education (known
Thailand. Fake degree certificates with transcripts
as Ministry of University Affairs prior 2003).
can be easily purchased in Bangkok and other big
Commission on Higher Education supervises
cities. A couple of international degree mills are also
and co-ordinates both public and private
known operating in Thailand.
universities and publishes recognised Higher
Education Institution listing. Private universities
are encouraged in Thailand, but the criteria for
the recognition are stricter than those for public
institutions.
Office for National Education Standards and Quality
Assessment, a public organisation, is responsible
for development of criteria and methods of external
evaluation, conducting evaluation of educational
achievements in order to assess the quality of
institutions. According to the Thai Education
Law, all educational institutions shall receive
external quality evaluation at least once every five
years since the last exercise and the results of
the evaluation shall be submitted to the relevant
agencies and made available to the general public.
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit THAILAND
Thailand
Example of degree certificate issued in English
Thailand
Example of transcripts issued in English
United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland)
Secondary level
England, North Ireland, Wales
Primary (6 years) .... Comprehensive School, Secondary Modern, Academic 2 years ...................... Vocational General ........... AQF Certificate II
Secondary Schools, City Technology Colleges (CTC) (work on the GCSE Certificate of Secondary
begins in the 4th year Education (Voc GCSE)
of secondary so the
qualification is only 2
years long)
General Certificate of School (Sixth Form), Further Education Colleges .......... 2 years ...................... Advanced Vocational ........ AQF Certificate IV
Secondary Education Certificate in Education
(GCSE) (AVCE)
Primary (7 years) ..... Scotland ............................................................. 4 years Scottish Group Award

SCQF 5............................. AQF Certificate II
SCQF 6............................. AQF Certificate III
Post Secondary level SCQF 7............................ AQF Certificate IV
GCSE (with 2 passes Schools, Colleges of Further Education ....................... 1 year (PT) (3 units)....... BTEC First Certificate.......... AQF Certificate II
grade C or above) (eg in areas agriculture, animal care, motor vehicle
studies etc) 1 year (FT) (6 units)....... BTEC First Diploma ........... AQF Certificate II
GCSE (with 4 passes .......................................................................... 1 year (FT) (6 units)....... BTEC National Award ......... AQF Certificate IV
grade C or above)/ 2 years (FT) (12 units).... BTEC National Certificate.... AQF Certificate IV
BEC First Diploma 2 years (FT) (18 units).... BTEC National Diploma ...... AQF Certificate IV
GCE A Level, AVCE ........................................................................... 1 year ........................ BTEC Higher National ........ AQF Diploma
/BTEC National Certificate
Diploma/Certificate
2 years (FT) ................. BTEC Higher National ......... Australian Associate Degree
Diploma
2 years (FT) ................. Foundation Degree ............ Australian Associate Degree
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit UNITED KINGDOM
Scotland
Scottish Highers ..... Colleges ................................................................. 1 year ........................ Higher National Certificate AQF Diploma
(12 National Unit)
Scottish Highers/ .... ........................................................................... 2 years....................... Higher National Diploma .... Associate Degree
Scottish Advanced (30 National Unit)
Highers/Higher
National Certificate
Trades
(Age 16-19 years old) Further education Colleges, Sector Skills Councils and 2-4 years ................... NVQ 1/NVQ2 ............... AQF Certificate II
training centres Dependant on the and Technical Certificate
individual and how long (combined)
it takes to complete all
the competencies and be
assessed in the workplace
(Age 16-25 years old) ........................................................................... ................................. NVQ 3 .............................. AQF Certificate IV
and Technical Certificate .
Scotland
Primary (7 Years) .... Scottish Further Education Colleges and Training 2-4 years ................... SVQ 1 ............................. AQF Certificate I
Centres, Local Enterprise Companies and Sector Skills Dependant on the
individual’s pace of SVQ 2 .............................. AQF Certificate II
Councils learning and how long
it takes to complete all
the competencies and be
assessed in the workplace
Completed ......... .......................................................................... .............................. SVQ 3 ............................. AQF Certificate IV

secondary school and Technical Award
(4 years) (combined)
SVQ 4, NVQ 4 .................... AQF Advanced Diploma
Undertaken as ........... SVQ 5, NVQ 5 .................... Australian Master’s Degree

professional
development whilst in
employment at CEO level
Teacher (Primary/ Secondary)
GCE A Levels .......... Universities, College of Higher Education ..................... 4 years ...................... Bachelor of Education (BEd) Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor ............... ............................................................................. 1 year......................... Postgraduate Certificate ..... Australian Graduate

of Education (PGCE) Certificate
Higher Education
GCE A levels/BTEC .. Colleges and Institutions of Higher Education, ............. 2 years...................... Foundation Degree............ Associate Degree
Nationals/AVCE Universities
levels/NVQ 3 1 year (FT) ................. Certificate in Higher .......... AQF Diploma
Education (CertHE)
2 years ...................... Diploma in Higher ............. Associate Degree

Education (DipHE)
GCE - Advanced ...... Universities ............................................................ 3 years ...................... Aegrotat Degrees .............. Australian Bachelor Degree
Level (3 passes at A (non completion of First
level) Degree)
3 years ...................... Bachelor (Ordinary) ........... Australian Bachelor Degree
3 years ...................... Bachelor (Honours) ........... Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor ............... ............................................................................. 1 year ........................ Master’s .......................... Australian Master’s Degree
2 years ...................... Master of Philosophy ........ A standard between an

Australian Master’s Degree
and an Australian Doctorate
Degree
Masters ................. ............................................................................. 3 years ...................... Doctor of Philosophy.......... Assessed individually
Higher Doctorate
Scotland
Scottish Higher level Universities ............................................................ 3 years ...................... .Bachelor (Ordinary Degree) Australian Bachelor Degree
(or SVQ 3)
4 years ...................... Bachelor (Honours Degree) Australian Bachelor Degree
Bachelor ............... ............................................................................. 1 year (taught) ............ Master’s .......................... Australian Masters Degree
Master’s ............... ............................................................................. 3 years ...................... PhD................................. Australian Doctorate
United Kingdom
Languages Fraud Risk Assessment and
Documents may be issued in English, Welsh or • Edexcel (Examzone) Advice
Latin The main risk in the UK is receiving documentation
• OCR (Oxford and Cambridge and RSA)
from fake universities. UK law states that no
Accreditation Information • SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) institution may award UK degrees unless it is a
• WJEC/CBAC (Welsh Joint Examination Council) recognised body. It also protects the use of the
The Department for Education and Skills (DFES) word university in that permission should be sought
is responsible for the registration and recognition Overseas UK secondary examinations can come to use the title if the institution in question is not
of educational providers in the United Kingdom. from any of the above and the CIE (Cambridge a recognised body. Legislation does not however
There are 131 higher education institutions in the International Examinations). stop a large number of degree mills using the UK
UK that have degree awarding powers (known as part of their operation. Given that many of these
as recognised bodies) as recognised by the UK There are a range of other vocational and
organisations operate in several countries and
authorities (UK and Scottish Parliament, Welsh professional examination providers that are
have their business effectively run from outside the
and Northern Ireland Assemblies). There are also nationally recognised. These should be checked
UK, they are very difficult to close down by one
over 550 colleges and other institutions which do against the relevant qualifications framework.
national authority. These institutions cash in on the
not have degree awarding powers but provide It is worth noting that BTEC awards such as
reputation of British education and usually target
courses leading to degrees. Courses at these National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas
overseas markets.
institutions (known as listed bodies) are validated may be studied for at a range of different types
by institutions which have degree awarding powers. of institution. The completed award is however
Lists of these institutions are maintained by the a nationally recognised qualification at that
DFES. given level irrespective of the location or type of
institution.
All degrees issued by recognised bodies are
considered to be official UK awards irrespective of
whether the study has been completed at a listed Notes on degree formats and
body. Only degrees issued by one of these bodies requesting information
may be considered to be an official UK degree.
UK degree certificates vary in format. There is no
Other qualifications, such as those from set of standards with regarding to the shape or
professional bodies may also be benchmarked content and security devises on the documentation
at degree level or any other level on the national are rare. Some universities have more than one
qualification frameworks of the United Kingdom. format for the same degree with students able
Secondary School awards may come from a to opt on graduation. All requests for verification
number of bodies depending on which part of the should be directed to the awarding institution.
UK:
• AQA (Associated Qualifications Authority)

• CCEA (Northern Ireland Council for Curriculum,
Examinations and Assessments(
United Kingdom
As an example of the different types of degree certificate format in the UK the following are genuine examples from two British Universities.
United Kingdom
United States of America
Secondary Level
Years 7–10 .............. Vocational and technical schools .................................... 3–4 years ...................... High School Diploma ........ NSW School Certificate
High School Diploma.. Vocational and technical schools or colleges ................... Less than one year ........ Certificate or Diploma ........ Due to the variation it is
to 4 years evaluated on a case by case
basis
Community or Junior Colleges ........................................ 2–3 years ...................... Associate Degree .............. AQF Certificate IV
Trades
Years 7–10 or High Vocational and technical schools, technical; schools or 3–4 years ...................... High School Diploma ......... NSW School Certificate
School Diploma colleges
Certificate ......................... Due to the variation it is
Trade qualifications are only completed after the
Diploma + apprenticeship evaluated on a case by case
apprentice does practical work prior to receiving their
basis
license
TAFE NSW UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Universities
High School Diploma .... States have their own requirements for the major in 4 years with a major ...... Bachelor in Education ........ Australian Bachelor Degree
education and some states require that teachers complete in education
a higher degree (such as an MA in Teaching) within a
specified period of time.
Bachelor Degree........... ..................................................................................... 2 years.......................... Master’s in Education ....... Australian Graduate Diploma
in a new area of
specialisation
Bachelor in Education... ..................................................................................... 2 years.......................... Master’s in Education......... Australian Masters Degree

in the same area of
specialisation
Higher Education
Colleges and universities
High School Diploma..... Graduates ..................................................................... 2 years ......................... Associate Degree .............. NSW Higher School Certificate
Associate Degree or .... Universities ................................................................... 3–5 years ...................... Bachelor Degree ............... Australian Bachelor Degree
High School Diploma
3 year Bachelor Degree ..................................................................................... 3–4 years ...................... First Professional Degree.... Australian Bachelor Degree
(e.g Law, Medicine,
Pharmacy)
Bachelor Degree .......... ..................................................................................... 1–3 years by research.... Master’s Degrees .............. Australian Masters Degree
or as a taught course
Bachelor Degree, ......... ..................................................................................... 5 –10 years ................... Doctorate Degree .............. Australian Doctorate
Master’s Degree or
Professional Degree.
Documents are issued in English and Latin. requesting verification advice
US degrees are issued by individual institutions; Fraud is very common in the US. The most popular
Accreditation Information there is no national register of degree holders and form is the purchase of degrees on the internet from
no national format for degrees. There are some degree mills. Pay special attention when checking
Accreditation in the United States is a more
common features that can be highlighted: the accreditation of US institutions, make sure that
complex issue than in many countries. Education
the address of the institution concurs with the place
does not form part of the constitution and so • Generally the date is written out in full i.e. where it is listed by an accrediting body. It is also
there is no one national source of accreditation. Nineteen hundred and fifty-six worth checking the spelling of the institution i.e.
The national budget is however allocated via
• Usually landscape in appearance with a seal North Western or Northwestern.
the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to
regional accreditation bodies, to a set of national centre - middle It is suggested that in all cases, individuals present
accreditors (such as the distance learning council) • Usually larger than A4 size certificates full sets of documentation, including secondary
and to professional accrediting bodies (in specialist school and post- secondary school documentation,
professional areas). transcripts and final awards.
Transcripts can be requested directly from the
The six regional boards are: institution. The majority of transcripts are sent The TAFE NSW central unit responsible for the
in tamper-proof envelopes and are printed on development of policy guidelines and resources on
• Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools anti-copy coloured paper. It should be noted that the recognition of overseas qualifications can be
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges receiving documents on this type of paper is no consulted regarding documents issued in the US.
guarantee that they are genuine unless they have
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools been sent directly from the institution in question.
• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges Transcripts provide the key proof that a degree has
been awarded rather than the final certificate. It is
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools common practice for students to only present their
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges transcripts as proof of completion.
There are also over two hundred accrediting bodies

who are not registered with CHEA. The quality of
these bodies is extremely variable and in many
cases they may be considered to be accreditation
mills.
For the recognition of tertiary awards not accredited
by the six regional boards listed above the TAFE
NSW central unit responsible for the development
of policy guidelines and resources on the
recognition of overseas qualifications should be
consulted.
Example of a typical genuine US transcript from a regionally accredited institution
Example of a transcript from a non-regionally and non-nationally accredited institution in the United States
TAFE NSW
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Vietnam
Vietnamese Technical and Vocational Education
Secondary level
Primary ................. Vocational training centres (Trung tam Day nghe) ......... Less than 1 year ........... Vocational Elementary ....... AQF Certificate I
(until 2010) and Certificate
Lower Secondary
(from 2010)
Lower secondary .... Vocational Secondary Schools (Truong Trung cap Nghe) 3-4 years (depending ... Diploma of Secondary ........ AQF Certificate II
(Grade 9) on program) Vocational Education (Bang
Trung cap Nghe)
Score of 5.0 or above
Lower secondary .... Secondary Technical Schools (Truong Trung hoc Chuyen 3-4 years (depending ... Diploma of Secondary ........ AQF Certificate II
(Grade 9) Nghiep) or Secondary Professional Secondary Schools on program Technical Education (Bang
(Truong Trung Cap Chuyen Nghiep) Trung hoc Chuyen nghiep)
Score of 5.0 or above

Diploma of General Secondary Technical Schools (Truong Trung hoc Chuyen 11⁄2-21⁄2 years .............. Diploma of Secondary ........ AQF Certificate II
Education (Bang Tu Nghiep) or Secondary Professional Secondary Schools (with 50-70% practical Technical Education (Bang
tai) & an entrance (Truong Trung Cap Chuyen Nghiep) training) [Tot nghiep] Trung hoc
exam Chuyen nghiep) Score of 5.0
or above
As above ............... Junior colleges (truong cao dang), universities ............. 3-31⁄2 years .............. College Graduation Diploma AQF Advanced Diploma
(truong dai hoc) (depending on program) (Bang Tot nghiep Cao dang)
with 20-30% practical
training
TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit VIETNAM
Vietnam
Vietnamese Trades
Completion of ......... Vocational (Training) Schools (Truong Day nghe) .......... 2-3 years ................... Vocational Certificate ......... AQF Certificate I
Primary School Grouped in 7 areas: (depending (Chung Chi Nghe)
Mechanics & electricity, Construction, Machinery on program)
Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Trades & services
Communications, posts & telegraphs and others
Lower secondary .... ............................................................................. 1-2 years ................. Skilled Worker Certificate ... AQF Certificate II
(Grade 9) (depending
on program)
Teacher Education
Teachers (Primary)
Lower secondary ... Normal Schools (truong [trung hoc] su pham) .............. 2-3 years .................... Graduation Diploma ......... AQF Diploma
(Grade 9)/ (Bang Tot nghiep) eg
Diploma of General Normal School Graduation
Education (Grade 12) Diploma (Bang Tot nghiep
Trung hoc Su pham) .
Teachers (Lower Secondary)
Diploma of General Junior Teachers College (cao dan su pham) ................. 3 years ...................... Teachers College .............. AQF Advanced Diploma
Education (Bang Tu Graduation Diploma (Bang
tai) & an entrance Tot nghiep Cao dang su
exam pham)
Teachers (Upper Secondary)
As above ............... Teacher Training Universities .................................... 4 years ...................... Pedagogical University ...... Australian Bachelor Degree
(Specialising in 1 subject) Graduation Diploma
(Bang Tot nghiep Dai hoc Su
pham) or Bachelor Degree
(Cu nhan).
Vietnam
Vietnamese Higher Education
Diploma of General Universities ............................................................ 3 years ....................... College Diploma/ ............... AQF Advanced Diploma
Education (Bang Tu Associate Degree
tai) & an entrance (Tot nghiep dai hoc)
exam
4 years ....................... Bachelor Degree ............... Australian Bachelor Degree

(cu nhan or Bang tot nghiep
dai hoc)
First Degree & ....... .......................................................................... 2 years ....................... Master’s Degree .............. Australian Post Graduate
an entrance exam (Thac si) Taught Diploma
Research ......................... Australian Post Graduate

Diploma
Bachelor or ........... .......................................................................... 5 years ....................... Doctorate/ PhD (Tien Si)...... Assessed individually
Master’s Degree & 3 years
an entrance exam
Vietnam
Language Notes on degree format and
Vietnamese is the only official language of Vietnam. requesting verification
All original documents are issued in Vietnamese. Vietnam has a standard national degree format.
Institutions generally do not issued degree All degrees granted by Vietnamese institutions are
certificates in English. Quality of English translation officially approved by MoET.
varies greatly.
The standard degree certificate is always in a
landscape booklet format. On the left hand side,
Accreditation information there is a picture of holder along with the degree
Education in Vietnam is highly centralised. The number, certificate number and a signature of the
Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), holder. The right hand side always begins with
which was founded in the 1990s, is responsible “Socialist Republic of Vietnam Independence
for primary, secondary and higher education. – Freedom – Happiness” followed by the decision
Majority of universities are government-funded number of MoET (accreditation information). Degree
and are controlled by MoET. However, a few is always conferred and signed by the Rector
single-subject institutions are managed by other (“hieu truong”) of the institution, who is chosen
ministries; e.g. medical universities by Ministry of by faculty members and serves a 4 year term with
Health. Admission to higher education is extremely a possible extension. Other information include
competitive, less than 20% of applicants were specialisation, degree awarded, grade obtained,
admitted to higher education in 2004. date of graduation, date of birth, and mode of
study. Transcripts are issued by the institution and
Accreditation for new universities is awarded by
there is not a standard format. Some transcripts
Prime Ministerial decision. Colleges and lower
may also have credits information. However the
level academic institutions can be appointed by
credits system is being adopted very slowly.
the Minister for Education and Training. MoET
did not have such a system of evaluating each
institution for accrediting purposes for a long time. Fraud Risk Assessment and
The establishment of such accreditation system Advice
was mainly due to the development of non-public
(semi-public “ban cong”, people-founded “dan lap” One of the principle risks in the region is the
and private “tu lap”) universities, as Vietnamese proliferation of degrees awarded by private colleges
government is planning to increase the higher that are accredited by degree mills. When students
education coverage. have a partially completed course it is advisable to
always check who the final awarding body is for the
degree.
Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff VIETNAM
Zimbabwe
English, Shona, Technical and Vocational Education
Ndebele Secondary Level
Grade 7 ...................... Junior Secondary .......................................................... 4 years ......................... Pre-vocational Certificate... Below AQF Certificate I
(PVC)
PVC ............................ Senior Secondary .......................................................... 2 years ........................... National Foundation .......... AQF Certificate II
Certificate
National Foundation..... Colleges, polytechnics and technical colleges ................ 3 years ........................... National Certificate ............ AQF Certificate III
Certificate, or the Vocational training centres
Zimbabwe General
Certificate of Education
O Level
National Certificate ..... ..................................................................................... 2 years ........................... National Diploma ............... AQF Certificate IV
or Zimbabwe General
A Level
National Diploma ........ ..................................................................................... 2 years ........................... Higher National Diploma.... AQF Advanced Diploma
Trades
National Foundation (Ministry of Higher Education and Technology)
Certificate, or the Technical colleges or polytechnics
Zimbabwe General Practical (on the job training) and theory ......................... 3–4 years ....................... Skilled Worker Class:
Certificate of Education I ....................................... AQF Certificate III
O level II ...................................... AQF Certificate II
III ...................................... AQF Certificate I
IV ..................................... Below AQF Certificate I
TAFE NSW ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe
English, Shona, Teacher Education
Ndebele Primary
Zimbabwe General ....... Primary teacher training colleges 3 years ......................... Primary Diploma in
Certificate of Education ZINTEC (Zimbabwe Integrated Teacher Education Course) Education .......................... NSW Higher School Certificate
(GCE O Level) colleges are associated with the University of Zimbabwe
4 years ......................... Zimbabwe Diploma in
Education .......................... NSW Higher School Certificate
Secondary
Zimbabwe General ....... Secondary teachers and technical teachers colleges
4 years ......................... Certificate or Diploma ........ NSW Higher School Certificate
(GCE O Level)
of Education
Upper Secondary
Zimbabwe General ..... Universities ................................................................. 4 years ......................... Bachelor of Education......... Australian Bachelor Degree
(GCE A Level)
Certificate or Diploma ... ................................................................................... 2 years ......................... Bachelor of Education......... Australian Bachelor Degree
of Education and 3 years
teaching experience
Higher Education
Two A level passes ...... Universities ................................................................... 3–5 years ...................... Bachelor Degree ................ Australian Bachelor Degree
of grade E standard or
the National Diploma
Bachelor Degree ......... ..................................................................................... 1–3 year courses or ....... Master’s Degree ................ Australian Master’s Degree
by research or thesis
Master’s Degree ......... .................................................................................... 3–4 years of study ......... Doctorate .......................... Australian Doctorate
and presentation of a
thesis..
TAFE NSW ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe
English is the official language in Zimbabwe. Shona, Sindebele requesting verification advice
and other tribal dialects are also spoken and sometimes There is no standard format for degree certificates from Zimbabwe does not appear to suffer from fraud to the same
used as medium of instruction in primary schools. However Zimbabwe. Each institution with degree awarding powers extent as some other African nations. However, there is still
documents are all issued in English. uses their own format, although on the whole degree a relatively high risk of receiving fraudulent documents from
certificates are portrait rather than landscape. The largest Zimbabwe. The quality of fraudulent documents are generally
Accreditation Information university in Zimbabwe, the University of Zimbabwe’s not of a high standard with odd spacing, misalignment and
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education has an overall certificates have the university logo on the top and a red seal sometimes spelling errors.
supervising role on universities, colleges and polytechnics. on the bottom right with the Vice Chancellor and Registrar’s
The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education was created as signatures to the left. Older documents may contain more
part of the Ministry, following the introduction of Zimbabwe handwritten information.
Council for Higher Education Act in early 2006. The Council is
responsible for accreditation and evaluation of institutes of Transcripts should always be signed and stamped. The TAFE
higher education. NSW central unit responsible for the development of policy
guidelines and resources on the recognition of overseas
qualifications can be consulted regarding transcripts from
Zimbabwe.
TAFE NSW ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe
Compare the fake certificate on the left with the genuine certificate on the right
[ Name ]
TAFE NSW ZIMBABWE

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A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff

RECOGNITION OF OVERSEAS VOCATIONAL

TAFE NSW has supported this policy focus by

• Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) TAFE NSW

• Pre-requisites to each qualification Ph: 02 9244 5308

• Information to support the identification of

Teachers (Secondary Middle School)

7 years........................ Medicine Degree ................. Australian Bachelor Degree

Master’s Degree ..... ............................................................................. 3 years....................... Doctorate (Doctori)........... Assessed individually

Honours or Bachelor .................................................................................. 1 year .......................... .................................... Australian Bachelor Degree

Master of Law (LLM) ....... Australian Postgraduate

Apprenticeships offer a combination of on-the-job Journeyman Certificate .......... AQF Certificate IV

....................................................................................... 2 years .......................... Masters, Maitrise, Maitre ........ Masters

4-5 years ................... Diploma (if course in):

Spanish Higher Education

Staff University or College .......................................... 2-3 years (F/T)............ Graduation Diploma

5 years..................... Diploma of Advanced ........ AQF Certificate III

2-4 years................... Apprenticeship................... AQF Certificate III

4 years..................... Bachelor of Primary ........... Australian Associate Degree

Bachelor of Primary ........... Australian Bachelor Degree

Master’s ................ ............................................................................... 3-4 years................... Doctor of Philosophy.......... Assessed individually

Bachelor ................ ............................................................................. 1-2 years.................... Master’s........................... Australian Master’s Degree

Master’s ................ ............................................................................. 2 years....................... Doctorate.......................... Assessed individually

Berufsoberschule .......................................................... 2 years .......................... Fachhochschulreife ......... AQF Certificate IV

New system will reflect

5 HKCEE Passes (E) ............................................................................. 2 years....................... Higher Certificate............. AQF Diploma

Bachelor ................ 1 year........................ Postgraduate Diploma ....... Australian Graduate Diploma

Master’s ................ ........................................................................... 3 years (FT) ................ PhD................................ Assessed individually

Vocational training is practically oriented through

Post Secondary level (Technical Education)

2 years ........................ Diploma .......................... AQF Certificate IV

3-4 years .................... Diploma .......................... AQF Diploma

2 years ........................ Doctorate (PhD) ............... Assessed individually

Standard Kompetensi ....... AQF Certificate III

S2 Degree .............. ........................................................................... 3 -5 years................... Doktor S3 (Strata 3) .......... Assessed individually

Notes on Degree Format and

English Teacher Education

Secondary School Teacher

Post Secondary level

Teachers Primary and Lower Secondary

• Traditional Japanese style, which uses

Post Secondary level

4 years .................... Bachelor ......................... Australian Bachelor Degree

4 years ..................... Bachelor of Education ....... Australian Bachelor Degree

2 years ..................... Junior College Diploma ..... AQF Diploma

2 years ...................... Master’s Degree .............. Australian Taught Masters

2 years........................ PhD/ Doctorate ................ Assessed individually

Notes on degree format and

Notes on degree format and

Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia

Vocational Unified ............. AQF Certificate II

Certificate in Agriculture ..... AQF Certificate IV

Bachelor Degree ...... ............................................................................... 1 year ......................... Postgraduate diploma in

MBO (Middlebar Beroepsonderwijs) education

MBO Diploma ................... AQF Certificate IV

Bachelor Degree .............. Bachelor Degree

Hoger Beroepsonderwijs ... Bachelor Degree

Propedeuse ..................... Diploma

National Certificate Level 2... Certificate II

National Certificate Level 3... Certificate III

National Diploma Level 5.... Diploma

National Diploma Level 6.... Advanced Diploma

National Diploma Level 7.... Bachelor Degree