Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement

What You Must Know About Public Universities in Australia

The Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) provides information on a student's Australian higher education qualification, the institution at which the qualification was obtained and the Australian higher education system in one easy to read document.

Public universities in Australia play a vital role in the higher education system, offering quality education supported by government funding. These institutions are renowned for their robust infrastructure, cutting-edge research programmes, and emphasis on inclusivity, making them a preferred choice for international students.

Key highlights:

  • Differences Between Australian Private and Public Universities in Australia
  • Top-Ranked Public Australian Universities in Australia for International Students
  • Australian Government University List – Other Popular Public Universities
  • Eligibility Australian Criteria to Study in Public Universities in Australia for Masters

The University of Melbourne

The Australian University of Melbourne, founded in 1853, is one of the best public universities in Australia and a global powerhouse in education and research. Ranked as the best Australian public university for international students, the University of Melbourne offers degrees modelled on world-class institutions.

Its curriculum allows students to explore a range of subjects before choosing a major, combining in-depth expertise with interdisciplinary knowledge that sets graduates apart.

The University of Sydney
The Australian University of Sydney stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. The University of Sydney is renowned for fostering a diverse community of brilliant minds, making it one of the popular public universities in Australia for international students.

Australian Students can benefit from world-class entrepreneurial programmes and industry placements, ensuring they graduate as leaders ready to tackle challenges in diverse and upcoming fields.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW)

UNSW Australian Sydney is a world leader in teaching, research, and innovation. With six subjects ranked in the global top 20 and a strong focus on employability, UNSW produces some of the most sought-after graduates globally. UNSW is at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in clean energy, quantum Australian computing, and healthcare, with its interdisciplinary research driving real-world impact.Located in Sydney, one of the most student-friendly cities worldwide, UNSW offers a vibrant, hands-on learning experience that empowers students to create a brighter, sustainable future.Also Read: Top Universities in Australia for International Students

Australian National University (ANU)
ANU, one of the top public universities in Australia, is a pillar of excellence in education, research, and innovation. With the highest number of Nobel laureates among its staff and alumni in Australia, ANU boasts the nation’s most employable graduates.Since its founding in 1946, ANU has been shaping Australia’s identity and tackling global challenges through cutting-edge research in climate change, energy alternatives, and regional security. Located in Canberra, a vibrant and sustainable city, ANU offers students a dynamic and enriching academic journey at the heart of Australia’s capital.

Monash University
Australian Monash University, Australia’s largest university, is ranked among the world’s top 60. Known for its global focus, Monash equips students with the skills and confidence to tackle today’s challenges. The Monash University Clayton Campus is the hub of this education and research powerhouse, offering diverse courses, innovative double degrees, and cutting-edge research in fields like sustainable design.

With campuses across Australia and partnerships worldwide, Monash delivers an internationally focused education that prepares students to create meaningful global impact.Australian Government University List – Other Popular Public Universities
Here’s a look at the Australian public university list, including other popular universities for international students.

The Australian University of Queensland
The University of Western Australia
The University of Adelaide
University of Technology Sydney
RMIT University
Eligibility Criteria to Study in Public Universities in Australia for Masters
A recognised undergraduate degree or 15 years of education with a strong academic record is required to pursue master’s in public university in Australia
A GMAT or GRE exam

An Australian English language proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL
It’s a good idea to check your preferred university’s requirements to better understand the eligibility for your college and course.

Australia’s public universities are a gateway to world-class education. When planning your journey, you must evaluate your finances. Many students today opt for a study abroad loan to support their academic aspirations. To know more about student loans, education loan rate of interest, and application-documentation processGuidelines for the presentation of an AHEGS were developed in consultation with the higher education sector to provide information for institutions intending to implement the AHEGS. These guidelines define the principles of the AHEGS in terms of its purpose, relationship to other documentation, content and style, issuing and authentication.It is recommended that these guidelines be read in conjunction with the Proposal for an Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement – Final Report. Pages 10 and 11 of the proposal outline the Guiding Principles for the AHEGS. It is essential that these Guiding Principles are followed when developing the AHEGS.

Important Information for Higher Education Providers
Please contact the department at Australian AHEGS@education.gov.au prior to implementing the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement. Use of the words and logo is licensed to the Department and you must enter into a licence deed prior to issuing Statements. The licensing process is free of charge.

History of the AHEGS
In 2007 a consortium of universities was commissioned to develop a single agreed template for an Australian version of the European Diploma Supplement. The consortium represented 14 universities and in May 2008 delivered a proposal for the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement. Key recommendations from the report were that the Graduation Statement be provided without cost to all higher education graduates and that implementation of the AHEGS in Australian universities be on a voluntary basis commencing as soon as possible.

On 4 September 2008 it was announced that the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement would be introduced "...to make Australian qualifications recognised and renowned throughout the world". The Australian Government committed $3.7 million to assist publicly funded universities to implement the Graduation Statement. Australian universities were invited by the Australian Government to apply for grants of $100,000 to assist in the implementation of the Graduation Statement., please connect with us.

In October 2011, the Department revised the AHEGS to reflect changes to the Australian higher education system. Section 5 of the AHEGS - Description of the Australian Higher Education System - was revised in January 2013 and in December 2020 to reflect changes to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

In 2025, the Guidelines for the presentation of the AHEGS (the Australian Guidelines) have been updated to reflect the decisions by the Education Ministers Meetings and the Skills and Workforce Ministerial Council on 16 January 2025 to include the Undergraduate Certificate as a permanent higher education qualification type and on 17 February 2025 to introduce the new Vocational Degree to the AQF.

Frequently Asked Questions
The Frequently Asked Questions document provides a series of frequently asked questions and answers on the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement and is regularly reviewed.

If you should require Rich Text File versions of any of the above documents, please contact the Department via the AHEGS mailbox at AHEGS@education.gov.au.About the AHEGS
An Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) provides a snapshot of your qualification upon Australian completion, including: detail about your course
your unit results and academic achievements
institution information for Queensland University of Technology
a summary of the Australian higher education system.
The AHEGS assists with the national and international recognition of Australian qualifications and helps graduates seek employment and further study.

The Australian government sets the format of the graduation statement to ensure consistency across institutions.

The AHEGS includes several security features to ensure its authenticity.

Who receives an AHEGS?
If you graduate from a QUT accredited award course from December 2012 onwards, you'll receive an AHEGS. The AHEGS is not available if you graduated before December 2012.

Double-degree graduates will receive one statement for each degree.

Accessing your AHEGS
You can access a digital or hardcopy AHEGS if you graduate from December 2012 onwards.

If you require one for employment or government purposes, see the 'Proving your record is genuine' section below to check which type of AHEGS you may need.

If you've previously graduated and you're requesting a new AHEGS, it will contain details as per your conferral date. The name you had registered with QUT at the time of your conferral will be included and is not able to be updated as per Australian government guidelines.

If you have a sanction on your student account, we may not be able to issue you your AHEGS.

When you graduate or request a digital AHEGS, we'll issue your digital AHEGS through My eQuals and send an email to your personal email address with a link.

Using the link, you'll be able to create a new My eQuals account or sign in to your existing account to access your digital documents.

You can request additional hard copies at any time after you graduate.

If your AHEGS needs to be certified or verified for employment or government purposes, you can request it when you apply for your AHEGS. See the 'Proving your record is genuine' section below for further information.

About the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement

The Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) describes your higher education qualifications such as the award, the awarding institution and a description of the Australian Higher Education System. You will receive an AHEGS (for eligible courses) once you have completed your course and had your degree conferred. You will receive a separate AHEGS for each of your awards.

The AHEGS is designed to assist in both national and international recognition of Australian qualifications, and to promote the international mobility and professional recognition of Australian graduates. The AHEGS aims to describe a higher education qualification in a clear and consistent way, providing greater transparency by including descriptions of the nature, level, context and status of the studies being undertaken, as well as information about the education system to which the qualification belongs.

The AHEGS was developed by the Australian Government to provide information on:

  • An Australian student's higher education qualification
  • The institution at which the qualification was obtained; and
  • The Australian higher education system in one easy to Australian read document.

Information included on an AHEGS

From 2011, a separate AHEGS has been issued for each Award that a student has had conferred. Each Australian AHEGS conforms to nationally agreed specifications approved by the Australian Department of Education. It  comprises of five sections:

  • Section 1 - the graduate
  • Section 2 - the award
  • Section 3 - awarding institution
  • Section 4 - graduate's academic achievements
  • Section 5 - description of the Australian higher education system
  • All subjects that were undertaken as part of that course (regardless of whether the subject was passed or failed). Subjects that were withdrawn before the census date are not listed, nor are periods of leave of Australian absence.
  • Exchange study details, prizes, awards, scholarships, and other student achievements.

Prizes and awards that appear on the AHEGS

Where relevant, your AHEGS will include details such as:

  • University prizes, scholarships and awards
  • Advanced standing (i.e. credit) awarded for  other tertiary studies (including exchange studies)
  • Completion of the University of Melbourne Student Ambassador Leadership Program (SALP)
  • Completion of a supervised work placement taken within a course of study
  • Serving as the President of UMSU (University of Melbourne Student Union) or UMPA (University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association)
  • University Blues awarded by the Melbourne University Sports Association
  • The Duke of Edinburgh Award

The AHEGS (Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement) was created by the Commonwealth Australian Government to facilitate the recognition and comprehension of Australian qualifications globally. Its purpose is to present higher education qualifications in a clear and comprehensible manner, detailing the award, the awarding institution, and the Australian higher education system. By doing so, the AHEGS provides prospective employers and other organisations with a broader understanding of the graduate's Australian accomplishments.

The AHEGS plays a vital role in promoting opportunities and mobility for Australian graduates by clarifying the meaning of Australian awards to both local and international audiences. The ANU AHEGS template conforms to nationally agreed specifications that have been approved by the Australian Government.

Graduating soon?
Please see the Your graduation documents webpage for details of the documents you'll receive upon conferral. 

Please note: We are generally unable to provide refunds or re-issue Australian documents ordered in error. Please review your order details carefully and contact Student Central with any questions before making your purchase.  
Purchasing a physical copy of your AHEGS 
Please note, Australian AHEGS are only available for students who have had the award Australian conferred in 2009 or later.You can purchase a physical copy of your AHEGS by completing a Graduation Statement Request Form. Completed applications should be emailed to student@anu.edu.au.All applications sent must be accompanied by a colour copy of official identification (scan or photo of a driver's licence or passport).

Your AHEGS will be issued in accordance with Australian instructions indicated by you on the form.  Postage times can vary dependent on your choice of postage and address and the time of year.

Posted on 2025/09/22 08:47 AM