GCAN Overview
Why TEQSA Accreditation Matters
Global Mobility for Graduates
- TEQSA accreditation ensures IHM qualifications are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) facilitating seamless recognition for further study or employment in Australia and overseas.
- Our courses are also registered on CRICOS, enabling international students to enroll with confidence in the quality of their education
International Benchmark for Quality
- TEQSA-accredited courses adhere to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards), a globally respected benchmark for academic rigor and student outcomes 26.
- Institute of Health and Management’s (IHM) TEQSA-accredited programs, such as our Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing (AQF Level 8), are listed on the National Register of Higher Education Providers, a trusted resource for students and employers worldwide.
Industry-Relevant Learning
- TEQSA’s oversight guarantees that IHM’s curriculum reflects the latest advancements in healthcare, preparing graduates to meet global industry demands.
- Partnerships with institutions like Arizona State University further enhance the international relevance of our programs.
Student Success Stories
- Over 10,000 international Qualified Nurses have attained their Australian Nursing registration and built their careers across Australia.
- Over 2500 GNM Nurses have upskilled their qualification and have received their AHPRA decision letter through IHM’s GCAN.
Choose your Region,
International Recognition of Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing
At IHM, we ensure our nursing qualifications are globally recognized. Below is how your Australian qualifications are assessed in Ireland (NFQ) , including complete framework charts for easy reference.
What is the Ireland NFQ?
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is Ireland’s standardized system for classifying qualifications (Level 1–10). It ensures transparency and aligns with European standards (EQF).
Learn how GCAN graduates can use their qualification for local registration and recognition in the Ireland.
Ireland National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
* Levels 1-10 aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)*
| NFQ Level | Equivalent Qualifications | Nursing Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Level 6 | Advanced Certificate | – |
| Level 7 | Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree | – |
| Level 8 | Honours Bachelor’s Degree, Higher Diploma, Graduate Certificate | IHM GCAN |
| Level 9 | Master’s Degree | Master of Nursing |
| Level 10 | Doctoral Degree | – |
In order to verify whether Graduate certificate is accepted in Ireland, Kindly go through www.qqi.ie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Ireland: NFQ Level 8 (via QQI/NARIC Ireland).
Key Difference:
- Irish NFQ Level 8 ≈ United Kingdom RQF Level 6 for Graduate Certificates.(Frameworks differ, but both are officially recognized!)
- Ireland: NFQ Level 8 qualifies you for Level 9 (Master’s) Programs.
QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) is the national agency responsible for overseeing the quality and recognition of further and higher education qualifications in Ireland. Here’s what you need to know:
What is QQI?
QQI is the official body that:
- Maintains Standards: Ensures Irish qualifications meet national and European benchmarks.
- Manages the NFQ: Oversees the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) (Ireland’s 10-level system for comparing qualifications).
- Provides Recognition: Issues Statements of Comparability for foreign qualifications (via NARIC Ireland, its international recognition service).
How QQI Relates to IHM Nursing Qualification
- Your IHM Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing (GCAN) was assessed by NARIC Ireland (under QQI) as NFQ Level 8 (equivalent to an Irish Higher Diploma).
How to Verify Your GCAN Qualification on QQI’s Website
Access QQI’s Website
Go to: www.qqi.ie
Navigate to Recognition Section
Click on “Quicklinks” in the main menu
Select “Recognition of Foreign Qualifications”
Search the Database
Click “Search our foreign qualifications database here”
Set your search filters:
Country:
Australia,
Education
Type: Higher
Education
Click Search
Find Your Qualification
Locate “Graduate Certificate” in the results
Note: It’s recognized as NFQ Level 8 (equivalent to Irish Higher Diploma)
View and Download Details
Click on the qualification name for full details
Download or print the official recognition document
United Kingdom Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
At IHM, we ensure our nursing qualifications are globally recognized. Below is how your Australian qualifications are assessed in United Kingdom (RQF/SCQF), including complete framework charts for easy reference.
What is the United Kingdom RFQ?
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) organizes United Kingdom qualifications by difficulty (Level 1–8).
Learn how GCAN graduates can use their qualification for local registration and recognition in the United Kingdom.
| RQF Level | Equivalent Qualifications | Nursing Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | Certificate of Higher Education | – |
| Level 5 | Diploma of Higher Education | – |
| Level 6 | Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Certificate/Diploma | IHM GCAN |
| Level 7 | Master’s Degree | Master of Nursing |
| Level 8 | Doctoral Degree | – |
Framework Comparison At-a-Glance
| Qualification | Ireland (NFQ) | United Kingdom (RQF) | Scotland (SCQF) | Australia (AQF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate | Level 8 | Level 6 | Level 10 | Level 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- United Kingdom : RQF Level 6 (via United Kingdom ENIC).
Key Difference:
- Irish NFQ Level 8 ≈ United Kingdom RQF Level 6 for Graduate Certificates.(Frameworks differ, but both are officially recognized!)
- United Kingdom : RQF Level 6 may allow entry to Level 7 (Master’s), but check university requirements.
In order to verify whether Graduate certificate is accepted in Ireland, Kindly go through www.qqi.ie
QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) is the national agency responsible for overseeing the quality and recognition of further and higher education qualifications in Ireland. Here’s what you need to know:
What is QQI?
QQI is the official body that:
- Maintains Standards: Ensures Irish qualifications meet national and European benchmarks.
- Manages the NFQ: Oversees the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) (Ireland’s 10-level system for comparing qualifications).
- Provides Recognition: Issues Statements of Comparability for foreign qualifications (via NARIC Ireland, its international recognition service).
How QQI Relates to IHM Nursing Qualification
- Your IHM Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing (GCAN) was assessed by NARIC Ireland (under QQI) as NFQ Level 8 (equivalent to an Irish Higher Diploma).
How to Verify Your GCAN Qualification on QQI’s Website
Access QQI’s Website
Go to: www.qqi.ie
Navigate to Recognition Section
Click on “Quicklinks” in the main menu
Select “Recognition of Foreign Qualifications”
Search the Database
Click “Search our foreign qualifications database here”
Set your search filters:
Country:
Australia,
Education
Type: Higher
Education
Click Search
Find Your Qualification
Locate “Graduate Certificate” in the results
Note: It’s recognized as NFQ Level 8 (equivalent to Irish Higher Diploma)
View and Download Details
Click on the qualification name for full details
Download or print the official recognition document
The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing (GCAN)
offered by the Institute of Health and Management
(IHM), Australia, has now achieved official academic
recognition in Canada — a milestone that highlights
IHM’s commitment to international standards in
nursing education.
Through an evaluation conducted by the Comparative
Education Service (CES) at the University of
Toronto, a body designated by Immigration, Refugees
and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Graduate
Certificate in Advanced Nursing (GCAN) awarded by
the Institute of Health and Management (IHM),
Australia, has been assessed as equivalent to a
Canadian Post-Bachelor Certificate from a recognized
institution.
What is the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
The Educational
Credential Assessment (ECA) is a process
used by Immigration, Refugees and
Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to verify how your
foreign qualification compares to Canadian
educational standards.
It’s a key requirement for professionals
seeking to migrate, work, or study in Canada
under various IRCC programs, including
Express Entry.
The Comparative Education Service (CES) at
the University of Toronto is one of the
official organizations authorized by IRCC to
conduct ECAs.
| Credential | Country of Study | Awarding Institution | Canadian Equivalency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing (GCAN) | Australia | Institute of Health and Management (IHM) | Post-Bachelor Certificate (Recognized Institution) |
Assessment conducted by the Comparative Education Service (CES), University of Toronto — designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for official credential recognition.
Framework Comparison At-a-Glance
| Qualification | Australia (AQF) | Canada (CES/IRCC Equivalency) | UK (RQF) | Ireland (NFQ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing | Level 8 | Post-Bachelor Certificate | Level 6 | Level 8 |
Understanding the Post-Bachelor Certificate
According to CES:
A Post-Bachelor
Certificate represents specialized or
advanced skill beyond the undergraduate
level, typically shorter than a master’s
degree.
The GCAN therefore demonstrates
advanced nursing expertise and
specialization that aligns with Canada’s
post-bachelor study standards.
Recognition Scenarios for Different Qualification Backgrounds
Bachelor’s Degree
Holders (e.g., BSc Nursing) + GCAN
If you
already hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing,
completing the GCAN enhances your profile
significantly.
| Aspect | Outcome |
|---|---|
| CES Evaluation | GCAN recognized as a Post-Bachelor Certificate |
| IRCC Recognition | Accepted under “Two or More Certificates, Diplomas, or Degrees” |
| Career Impact | Strengthens eligibility for advanced roles and postgraduate study in Canada |
GNM Holders (3-Year General Nursing and Midwifery) + GCAN
If your nursing qualification is GNM/Diploma, typically recognized as a post-secondary diploma, and you later complete the GCAN, the CES recognition works slightly differently.
| Aspect | Outcome |
|---|---|
| CES Evaluation | GCAN recognized as a post-secondary qualification (not post-bachelor) |
| IRCC Recognition | Considered as one qualification, not “two or more” |
| Career Impact | GCAN adds advanced skills and leadership competencies, strengthening your NNAS and nursing license application |
The
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the
points-based system used by IRCC to rank
candidates applying for Permanent Residency (PR)
through the Express Entry pathway.
Your CRS score is determined by factors like
education, work experience, language
proficiency, and age.
Important Note:
Even
though CES does not classify GNM/Diploma + GCAN as
“two degrees,” this combination still enhances your
professional profile when applying through the
National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) for
Canadian registration.
It demonstrates specialized post-Secondary nursing
education, valuable for pathways such as LPN
(Licensed Practical Nurse) or RPN (Registered
Practical Nurse) licensing — and can serve as a
stepping stone toward Registered Nurse (RN)
qualification in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- If you already have a bachelor’s degree, the GCAN adds about +8 additional CRS points under the category “Two or More Certificates, or Degrees.”
- If your prior qualification is GNM, it will be recognized as post-secondary but won’t qualify for the “two or more” category.
Summary
The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing (GCAN) from IHM is internationally benchmarked and officially recognized in Canada.
- For Bachelor’s degree holders, GCAN is equivalent to a Post-Bachelor Certificate, enhancing both academic standing and immigration prospects.
- For GNM-qualified nurses, GCAN represents advanced, post-diploma (post-secondary) professional education that strengthens clinical and registration profiles in Canada.