Qualification framework

Find out more about the South African qualification framework for higher education. A qualification framework contains the levels of most diplomas. What do these different levels mean?

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a system for the classification of all qualifications in South Africa, as laid down in NQF Act, no. 67 of 2008. The NQF consists of 10 levels since 2008:

NQF level Education/qualifications
1 General Education and Training
2 t/m 4 National Certificates (Further Education and Training)
5

Higher Certificates (Higher Education and Training)
6

(National) Diplomas (Higher Education and Training)
7

Bachelor’s Degrees (Higher Education and Training)
8

Bachelor Honours Degrees (Higher Education and Training)
9

Master’s Degrees (Higher Education and Training)
10

Doctoral Degrees (Higher Education and Training)

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) maintains the NQF. The website of SAQA includes: