IHEA: Permanent Recognition of Undergraduate Certificates Supports Lifelong Learning and Skills Development

As part of its 2025 Federal Election Platform, Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) called for Undergraduate Certificates to be embedded into the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
As a result of IHEA’s advocacy, Commonwealth, state, and territory Education Ministers have agreed to permanently embed Undergraduate Certificates in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), recognising their vital role in supporting workforce readiness and lifelong learning.
IHEA calls on the next Australian government to ensure Undergraduate Certificates are an actively supported component of the AQF, given their role as an in-demand, flexible, and stackable learning option key to providing the skills needed for Australia’s future workforce.
“Undergraduate Certificates provide a flexible and efficient pathway to gain nationally recognised qualifications and prepare for further study or employment,” said IHEA CEO, the Hon Dr Peter Hendy.
“The Accord Final Report clearly highlights the importance of strengthening Australia’s education system to meet current and future workforce needs. It shows that more than 90 per cent of new jobs will require post school qualifications, with half needing a bachelor’s degree or higher,” said Dr Hendy.
“Undergraduate Certificates are effectively microcredentials. Their shorter duration makes them more accessible, particularly for those who have not previously engaged with higher education,” Dr Hendy said. “As Australians increasingly transition between roles throughout their careers, we need a responsive education system that supports continuous upskilling,”
IHEA emphasises that the Undergraduate Certificate, now a permanent part of the AQF, provides learners with practical, targeted skills through short-form programs that can be stacked to meet future workforce needs and support national education goals.
“This decision demonstrates a strong commitment to lifelong learning and better positions Australia’s education system to meet the evolving demands of the workforce,” Dr Hendy concluded.