NQF Level play an important role in the South African academic system. Find out what they mean and how you can achieve each level. There are even alternative programmes available that you can do.
It is national because it is a national resource, representing a national effort at integrating education and training into unified structure of recognised qualifications. It is framework of qualifications i.e. records of learner achievements.
The NQF is a set of principles and guidelines by which records of learner achievement are registered to enable national recognition of acquired skills and knowledge, thereby ensuring an integrated system that encourages lifelong learning.
The NQF consist of 10 levels divided into three bands; Levels 1 to 4 equate to high school grades 9 to 12 or vocational training, 5 to 7 are college diplomas and technical qualifications, 7 to 10 are university degrees.
| Levels | Designation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Grade 9 |
| 2 | Grade 10 and National (vocational) Certificates level 2 |
| 3 | Grade 11 and National (vocational) Certificates level 3 |
| 4 | Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate) and National (vocational) Cert. level 4 |
| 5 | Higher Certificates and Advanced National (vocational) Cert. |
| 6 | National Diploma and Advanced certificates |
| 7 | Bachelor’s degree, Advanced Diplomas, Post Graduate Certificate and B-tech |
| 8 | Honours degree, Post Graduate diploma and Professional Qualifications |
| 9 | Master’s degree |
| 10 | Doctor’s degree |
NQF Levels and their Meaning
NQF Levels play an important role in the South African academic system. Find out what they mean and how you can achieve each level. There are even alternative programmes available that you can do.
There are NQF levels all throughout your high school and tertiary education. From grade 9 up to grade 12, you have your lower level qualifications. This consists of level 1 to 4. Once you decide to further your education you will start your journey to the higher NQF levels.
| NQF Level | Qualification | How to Achieve NQF Level |
| Level 1 | Grade 9 | Successfully complete grade 9 |
| Level 2 | Grade 10 | Complete grade 10 |
| Level 3 | Grade 11 | Complete grade 11 |
| Level 4 | Grade 12( matric) | Successfully pass your matric final exam |
| Level 5 | Higher Certificate | Enrol in a higher certificate program |
| Level 6 | National Diploma and Advanced Certificate | Complete a national diploma qualification or an advanced certificate |
| Level 7 | Bachelor’s Degree and Advanced Diploma | Enrol and complete a bachelor’s degree programme |
| Level 8 | Honours Degree and Postgraduate Diploma | Enrol in an honours programme |
| Level 9 | Master’s Degree | Successfully complete a master’s Degree |
| Level 10 | Doctorates Degree | Successfully complete a doctorates degree qualification |
How the SAQA Relate to the NQF
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a professional body. These professionals are selected by the Ministers of Higher Education and Training. Members of the SAQA advise ministers of higher education on the NQF act. It also ensures that the objectives of the NQF are achieved.
What is the Equivalent of a NQF Level 4?
A NQF level 4 is a matric certificate qualification. You could earn your matric certificate by completing your matric final exams. If you can’t complete your matric, there are national and FET certificates equivalent to it.
Is an NQF Level Qualification Worth it?
Having a NQF qualification does give you more opportunities. So yes, it is worth it. There will be a lot of studying and effort needed from you. Luckily we have student support. With us your learning is our priority. That’s why we have online tutors and study groups available to you.