South Africa’s commitment to lifelong learning has led to the development of a national education and training system. The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) was created to meet this need by providing a clear and unified system for all qualifications.
By standardising qualifications, the NQF strengthens both the education and employment sectors. This makes it easier for learners and employers to understand and trust the value of different credentials.
The NQF levels in South Africa help people compare and easily understand various qualifications. They ensure that qualifications are recognised not only within the country but also internationally.
In this article, we will guide you through the different NQF levels and explain why they are important in 2026. Moreover, we will also explain how they are applied across South Africa’s education and training landscape.
Table of Contents
What is NQF Level?
The NQF is a system for classifying, registering, and publishing quality-assured national qualifications. It comprises 10 levels that reflect a progression from basic education to the highest levels of academic and professional expertise.
In other words, each level outlines the learning achievements and outcomes. Based on their levels, employers determine if candidates are suitable for a job.
What Does “Accredited NQF Qualification” Mean?
A programme that has been officially approved by a recognised quality assurance body and registered by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) is considered an accredited NQF qualification. It basically means that the programme is authentic and recognised.
Accreditation indicates that the institution fulfils national education standards and assures you that employers, universities, and other organisations will accept your qualification.
Accreditation implies that:
- The institution is reliable and complies with quality standards.
- The qualification comes with a certain number of recognised credits.
- Programme content aligns with the national learning outcomes.
- Qualification is valid in South Africa and is often accepted globally.
Always make sure that the qualification you choose is SAQA-recognised and correctly aligned to the right NQF level.
What Are the NQF Levels in South Africa?
In October 1995, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Act was passed to manage and implement the NQF. Since then, the NQF has grown into a strong system that sets clear standards for qualifications and promotes lifelong learning across South Africa.
The NQF ensures all qualifications meet national standards and are recognised both locally and internationally. This supports the growth of South Africa’s education system and economy. SAQA continues to maintain the quality of the NQF and adapts it to meet changing educational and social needs.
As mentioned earlier, the NQF has ten levels, divided into the following three categories:
- Levels 1 to 4: Equivalent to high school grades 9 to 12 or vocational training.
- Levels 5 to 7: Include college diplomas and technical qualifications.
- Levels 8 to 10: Represent university degrees.
These levels help learners and employers understand the skills achieved. They ensure qualifications are reliable and applicable both in South Africa and internationally.
NQF Levels 1-10 Explained
Now that we have grasped the NQF concept, let us take a look at its 10 levels. Each level encompasses specific qualifications outlined within the framework.
Below, we will explore each level and the example qualifications it includes through this table:
| NQF Level | Example Qualifications |
| NQF Level 1 | General Certificate |
| NQF Level 2 | Elementary Certificate |
| NQF Level 3 | Intermediate Certificate |
| NQF Level 4 | National Certificate |
| NQF Level 5 | Higher Certificate |
| NQF Level 6 | Diploma, Advanced Certificate |
| NQF Level 7 | Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma |
| NQF Level 8 | Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree |
| NQF Level 9 | Master’s Degree, Master’s Degree (Professional) |
| NQF Level 10 | Doctoral Degree, Doctoral Degree (Professional) |
This NQF level charts the progression from basic education to doctoral studies, outlining a clear path to higher education and career advancement in 2026 and beyond.
Read More: Learn about N4, N5, & N6 NQF Levels Comparison
NQF Levels and Credits
Understanding the NQF and its credits is important for navigating South Africa’s education system. It shows the skills gained at each level, helping individuals and employers assess abilities accurately.
It also ensures qualifications meet national and international standards, creating better career opportunities. Additionally, it provides a clear path from basic to advanced education and measures learning consistently across subjects and institutions.
This system encourages lifelong learning and keeps qualifications relevant in a changing world. But what are these credits?
In the NQF, credits indicate the amount of learning required for a qualification. Each qualification has a set number of credits, showing the amount of work required to achieve its learning outcomes.
NQF Levels and Qualifications: Pathways of Progression
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa organises qualifications into different levels, from school certificates to doctoral degrees. Each level represents a clear stage of learning, helping learners follow an organised path and ensuring international recognition.
The NQF also supports smooth career progression through the following key processes:
- Exemption – Learners can be exempt from parts of a qualification if they already have the knowledge or experience. This prevents repeating content they know well.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Skills and knowledge gained through informal learning are recognised. RPL awards credits based on what learners already know, not just formal education.
- Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) – Learners can collect credits from completed courses or modules and transfer them to other qualifications or institutions.
- Fast-Tracking – Experienced or high-achieving learners can move through qualifications more quickly by demonstrating they already have the required skills.
Which is the Highest NQF Level?
NQF level 10 is the highest academic achievement in South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It’s mainly for doctoral degrees, where the learners must deeply understand the subject they study.
Moreover, NQF level 10 targets individuals who have reached the highest levels of expertise in their field. It sets a standard for academic excellence and professional skills.
The key qualifications and achievements required for this level are as follows:
- Conducting original doctoral research that advances knowledge in a specific area.
- Publishing research in respected journals or presenting findings at international conferences.
- Recognition as an expert within academic and professional circles.
- Holding leadership positions in academia, research institutions, or relevant industries.
- Developing innovative solutions or methods that influence the field.
NQF Level Descriptors in South Africa
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa defines specific expectations for each level, outlining what learners should achieve in terms of skills and knowledge.
Below is the table that highlights the level descriptors for each NQF level:
| NQF Level | LEVEL DESCRIPTORS |
| NQF Level 1 | Understanding knowledge through collective effort and synthesis. Solves issues in familiar contexts effectively. |
| NQF Level 2 | Applying personal values and ethics in specific contexts. Collecting, organising, and accurately reporting information clearly in speech and writing. |
| NQF Level 3 | Demonstrating effective learning in managed environments. Actively contributing to team effectiveness and responsibilities. |
| NQF Level 4 | Able to work independently with broad knowledge in a specific field. Effective use of advanced tools and technology. |
| NQF Level 5 | Specialised knowledge and innovation in a specific area. Strategic planning and decision-making in complex environments. |
| NQF Level 6 | Understanding systemic impacts in diverse contexts. Effective teamwork and responsibility in defined contexts, including resource management. |
| NQF Level 7 | Integrating key concepts across fields, including specialisations. Applying suitable research methods for specific investigations or changes. |
| NQF Level 8 | Leading in a field, understanding theories, methodologies, and applications. Analysing sources and evaluating knowledge production processes. |
| NQF Level 9 | Using specialist knowledge to critique current research or practices. Creating strategies for thorough information review and generating valuable insights. |
| NQF Level 10 | Contributing to knowledge theory debates. Managing emerging ethical issues, advancing decision-making ethics. |
Explore NQF Levels Table Explained: From Grade 9 to Doctorate
How to Check Your NQF Level?
Knowing your NQF level in South Africa is important. It shows how your education is recognised and compared to others. The NQF covers qualifications from basic education to doctoral degrees, creating a clear and standardised system.
- Check Your Qualification – Confirm your qualification is valid by verifying with the awarding institution. Make sure the institution is accredited and registered with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).
- Determine Your NQF Level – Knowing your NQF level helps you plan your education and career. Levels range from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 the highest. High school falls under Levels 1–4, technical qualifications under Levels 5–7, and university degrees under Levels 7–10.
- Search the NQF Qualifications Register – SAQA has a register of all recognised qualifications and part-qualifications. You can search by qualification title, ID, NQF level, provider, or other criteria to find your level.
- Consult Your Qualification Certificate – Your qualification certificate usually states your NQF level. Check it to verify your qualification and confirm your level.
How Does NQF Work?
The NQF system follows guidelines set by SAQA to ensure all qualifications meet national standards. The process includes several key steps:
- Development of Qualifications: Schools and professional bodies develop qualifications in accordance with NQF guidelines. Each qualification targets specific learning outcomes for its NQF level.
- Submission for Accreditation: The qualifications are submitted to SAQA for approval. SAQA reviews them to ensure they meet the required standards.
- Registration on the NQF: Once approved, the qualification is registered on the NQF. This assigns it an NQF level, showing its complexity and depth.
- Quality Assurance: SAQA and other quality assurance bodies monitor and evaluate qualifications. They carry out regular checks to maintain standards.
- Recognition and Equivalence: The NQF also recognises foreign qualifications. It compares them to South African standards to ensure they are valid locally.
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Conclusion
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa provides a clear and organised system for recognised qualifications. It ensures that all qualifications meet high standards and support lifelong learning.
The NQF also helps grow the economy by making it easier for employers and learners to understand and compare different qualifications. Managed by SAQA, it maintains national and international standards through proper accreditation and quality checks.
Understanding NQF levels and credits is important for planning your education and career in 2026 and beyond. It helps you make informed decisions and keep up with society’s changing needs.
FAQs
What do NQF levels mean?
The NQF levels in South Africa include all qualifications organised into ten levels, from basic education to advanced degrees. It ensures that each qualification meets national standards.
What are NQF level descriptors?
NQF level descriptors explain what skills and knowledge a person should have at each level. They show what learners are expected to know and do.
What is NQF level 1 to 10?
South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF) has 10 levels, with qualifications starting from basic education up to doctoral degrees.
What NQF level is a degree?
A bachelor’s degree is at NQF level 7. An honours degree or postgraduate diploma is level 8. A master’s degree is level 9, and a doctorate is level 10.
How do NQFs benefit individuals?
The NQF helps people plan their studies and careers. It also makes sure their qualifications are recognised in South Africa and abroad.
How do NQFs in South Africa benefit employers?
The NQF helps employers understand job applicants’ skills and qualification levels. This makes it easier to hire people with the right abilities for a job.
What is the difference between NQF level and credits?
In South Africa, the NQF level indicates the level of advancement or complexity of a qualification, while credits indicate the amount of work or learning time required to complete it.
