Last updated on November 4, 2026
NQF levels in South Africa place registered qualifications on a 10-level national framework. The level shows the complexity of learning, but it does not by itself make two qualifications identical. Qualification type, credits, field, admission rules and purpose still matter.
The revised Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework took effect on 3 July 2026. This guide reflects that framework and the occupational qualification types now used alongside it.
Quick Glance
- Matric (the National Senior Certificate) is NQF Level 4.
- Higher Certificates are Level 5; Diplomas and Advanced Certificates are Level 6.
- Bachelor’s Degrees, Advanced Diplomas and Advanced Occupational Diplomas can be Level 7.
- Honours Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and some 480-credit Bachelor’s Degrees are Level 8.
- Being on the same NQF level does not make qualifications automatically equivalent.
Table of Contents
What Are NQF Levels?
NQF means National Qualifications Framework. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) oversees this national system and registers recognised qualifications. The 10 levels allow learners, institutions and employers to understand the complexity of a qualification.
Three quality councils cover different sub-frameworks: Umalusi for general and further education, the Council on Higher Education for higher education, and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations for occupational qualifications. The official revised Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework is the source for the higher-education types listed below.
NQF Levels Table
| NQF level | Common qualification types | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General or General Occupational Certificate | Grade 9 / GET certificate |
| 2 | Elementary or Elementary Occupational Certificate | Level 2 certificate |
| 3 | Intermediate or Intermediate Occupational Certificate | Level 3 certificate |
| 4 | National or National Occupational Certificate | Matric (NSC) / NC(V) Level 4 |
| 5 | Higher Certificate or Higher Occupational Certificate | Higher Certificate |
| 6 | Diploma, Advanced Certificate, Occupational Diploma or Advanced Occupational Certificate | Diploma |
| 7 | Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma or Advanced Occupational Diploma | BA, BCom, BSc or Advanced Diploma |
| 8 | Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, some 480-credit Bachelor’s Degrees or Specialised Occupational Diploma | Honours / PGDip |
| 9 | Master’s Degree or Professional Master’s Degree | MA, MSc or MBA |
| 10 | Doctoral Degree or Professional Doctorate | PhD |
This table lists common examples, not every registered qualification. Always confirm a specific programme on the SAQA database or with the awarding institution.
What Each NQF Level Means
NQF Levels 1 to 4 — School and Entry Certificates
Levels 1 to 4 cover general, vocational and occupational certificates. Matric, formally the National Senior Certificate, is at NQF Level 4. A Bachelor’s, Diploma or Higher Certificate pass is an admission category on the same Level 4 school qualification; it is not a separate NQF level. See our guide to Matric in South Africa for the pass categories.
NQF Level 5 — Higher Certificate
A Higher Certificate is normally a 120-credit higher-education qualification at Level 5. It can prepare a student for entry-level work or further study, but progression depends on the next institution’s admission and credit-transfer rules.
NQF Level 6 — Diploma and Advanced Certificate
The revised framework places Diplomas and Advanced Certificates at Level 6. Occupational Diplomas and Advanced Occupational Certificates can also be Level 6. A Diploma is commonly 240 or 360 credits, while an Advanced Certificate is normally 120 credits. Read the detailed certificate and diploma NQF guide.
NQF Level 7 — Degree and Advanced Diploma
Level 7 includes Bachelor’s Degrees, Advanced Diplomas and Advanced Occupational Diplomas. A standard Bachelor’s Degree normally has at least 360 credits; an Advanced Diploma normally has 120 credits and usually follows an appropriate Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree. These qualifications share an exit level but are not automatically equivalent. Our NQF Level 7 guide explains the difference.
NQF Level 8 — Honours and Postgraduate Diploma
Level 8 includes Bachelor Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas, normally at least 120 credits. It also includes some professional or extended Bachelor’s Degrees with at least 480 credits, plus Specialised Occupational Diplomas. Check the registered record rather than assuming every first degree ends at Level 7.
NQF Levels 9 and 10 — Master’s and Doctorate
Master’s Degrees and Professional Master’s Degrees are Level 9. Doctoral Degrees and Professional Doctorates are Level 10, the highest NQF level. Learn more in our guide to Master’s and PhD qualifications in South Africa.
How to Check a Qualification’s NQF Level
- Ask the institution for the full registered qualification title and SAQA ID.
- Search the qualification on the official SAQA qualifications database.
- Confirm the NQF level, total credits, registration status and awarding body.
- For admission or employment, ask whether the organisation requires a particular qualification type or field, not merely a level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NQF level is a diploma?
Is a Bachelor’s degree NQF Level 7?
What NQF level is Matric?
What is the highest NQF level in South Africa?
Can qualifications on the same NQF level be different?
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
