The NQF system ensures that learners’ skills and knowledge are formally acknowledged and can contribute to their career progression. Whether you’re pursuing a qualification or looking to understand how the system works, here’s an essential guide to NQF qualifications in South Africa.
What is the NQF?
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a system that records the credits assigned to various levels of learning. This framework is designed to ensure that the skills and knowledge acquired by learners are recognized nationally and integrated into a single structure. Its core objective is to facilitate lifelong learning and make education more accessible, equitable, and standardized across South Africa.
The NQF is designed with several goals in mind:
- National recognition of qualifications: The NQF ensures that your qualifications are valid across the country, making it easier for you to access opportunities in education and employment.
- Enhance education quality: By establishing guidelines for accredited training providers, the NQF aims to improve the overall quality of education.
- Facilitate mobility and career progression: The framework allows for smooth transitions between different learning levels and career paths.
- Promote fairness and redress: It works to eliminate past educational inequalities, giving all South Africans equal opportunities to develop professionally.
The Structure of the NQF
The NQF is divided into three sub-frameworks, each covering different levels of education and training:
- General and Further Education and Training Sub-Framework (GFETQSF): This sub-framework covers levels 1 to 4 and is typically aimed at school education and basic skills training.
- Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF): Spanning levels 5 to 10, this framework is for post-school qualifications like diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.
- Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF): Covering levels 1 to 6, this sub-framework is designed for vocational qualifications, including trades and professional qualifications.
Each sub-framework defines the types of qualifications and part qualifications that are registered at specific NQF levels. For example:
- GFETQSF: Levels 1-4 (e.g., Basic Education)
- HEQSF: Levels 5-10 (e.g., Higher Education)
- OQSF: Levels 1-6 (e.g., Vocational Education)
How Qualifications Are Structured
Qualifications on the NQF are composed of unit standards and modules. Unit standards are smaller courses that can take from a few days to several months to complete. Each unit standard represents a certain number of credits, with 1 credit typically equaling 10 hours of learning.
Credit Breakdown:
- Fundamental Component: This consists of unit standards worth 25 credits, and they are mandatory for all qualifications.
- Core Component: The core component requires a total of 91 credits. These unit standards are compulsory, focusing on the primary knowledge and skills required for the qualification.
- Elective Component: Learners select elective unit standards worth 22 credits. These electives allow learners to specialize in specific areas relevant to their field, such as business, IT, or engineering.
The Role of SAQA and Quality Councils
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is responsible for overseeing the NQF. SAQA ensures that qualifications and unit standards meet specific criteria for registration. Qualifications are registered through collaboration with three Quality Councils (QCs):
- UMALUSI: Oversees general education and training.
- QCTO (Quality Council for Trades & Occupations): Governs occupational qualifications.
- CHE (Council on Higher Education): Manages higher education qualifications.
To get a qualification registered on the NQF, it must meet the registration criteria laid out by the relevant Quality Council and must comply with SAQA’s standards.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.