You’ve probably heard about NQF levels, their role in helping you land a job or furthering your education. Since so much confusion exists around this qualification system, it can be difficult to determine if you’re taking a course with the right NQF level for you. To help you navigate the NQF system, we detail everything you need to know about the National Qualification Framework and what the 10 NQF levels are.
What Are NQF Levels?
To respond to the ever-changing education environment, South Africa developed a National Qualification Framework (NQF). The framework ensures every qualification offered the same standard. The framework is separated into predetermined levels, which are guidelines that dictate the qualification you have.
To manage this system, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) launched. The organization oversees the implementation and development of the framework and reports to the minister on its findings.
The 10 NQF Levels
A core part of the NQF is the levels, which can be confusing to navigate if you don’t know what they are. We breakdown each of the ten levels to help you determine what each NQF level means and what NQF level would apply when furthering your education.
NQF 1: General Certificate
This is the certificate learners receive at the end of Grade 9. It was previously known as the school leaving certificate and would allow learners to enter technical colleges to further their education and work their way to an NQF level 4 (matric)
NQF 2: Elementary Certificate
This certificate indicates you have Grade 10. You could previously enter the workforce doing vocational work with this certificate.
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NQF 3: Intermediate Certificate
The NQF level 3 is Grade 11 or Grade 11 equivalent. This NQF is not only applied to high school and can also be received from courses taken through Umalusi accredited training bodies.
NQF 4: National Certificate
The NQF level 4 or National Senior Certificate is awarded to matriculants.
NQF 5: Higher Certificate
This NQF level is awarded as a higher certificate and shows progress beyond matric. These certificates are given for completing a vocational course that allows you to enter a specific line of work.
NQF 6: Diploma/ Advanced Certificate
NQF level 6 includes diplomas and advanced certificates. These are different qualification types, and the level does not by itself tell you how long a course takes. The Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework includes 240- and 360-credit diploma variants at level 6. Check your programme’s registered credits, duration and admission requirements.
NQF 7: Bachelor Degree and Advanced Diploma
NQF level 7 includes bachelor’s degrees and advanced diplomas. They have different entry requirements and credit structures, so their study duration is not necessarily the same.
NQF 8: Bachelor Honours Degree/ Postgraduate Diploma
NQF level 8 includes bachelor’s honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas and certain bachelor’s degrees. Check the registered qualification and its admission requirements rather than assuming that every level-8 award is one additional year of study.
NQF 9: Master’s Degree
This NQF level is awarded to professionals after completing a master’s degree.
NQF 10: Doctoral Degree
The highest of all NQF levels, the NQF level 10, is only awarded to doctoral graduates. This degree can take up to 6 years of study to complete.
When furthering your education, choose a recognised qualification that suits your goals and meets the entry requirements for the next step you want to take. A higher NQF level is useful for progression, but a relevant qualification at the same level can also serve a different purpose.