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Definition of higher education

In Australia, the term 'higher education' generally refers to education at degree level and above.

In the Australian Qualifications Framework , higher education courses are those leading to the award of:

• associate degree
• bachelor's degree
• graduate certificate
• graduate diploma
• master's degree
• doctoral degree.

Some courses leading to the award of a diploma or advanced diploma may also be accredited as higher education.

Almost all higher education in Australia is offered by universities. A small but growing number of non self-accrediting higher education institutions and overseas institutions also offer accredited higher education courses.

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This page was last reviewed on 02 Jun 2010

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