The Universities Accord 2024 in Australia and the Augar Review 2019 in England both argue for a more cohesive tertiary education system and consider promoting mid-level qualifications. This paper compares the roles of mid-level qualifications in the two countries’ current systems. We review government reports and analyse national statistics, and find that despite England’s population being three times larger, Australia’s mid-level qualification enrolments were three times higher, mainly driven by Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas. Both countries have intricate networks of mid-level qualification providers and funding systems that prioritise Bachelor’s Degrees over mid-level qualifications. However, England has recently announced a new funding policy, the life-long learning entitlement, which was motivated partly to promote participation in mid-level qualifications. In contrast, a significant barrier for Australia is its complex funding system involving both state and federal governments. These findings suggest a need to consider reforms to possibly expand the role of mid-level qualifications. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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