NQF Honours levels

An Honours degree is classified at NQF Level 8 in South Africa and typically follows a Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7). It is a specialised form of study that delves deeper into a specific field of knowledge. An Honours degree often requires students to complete a research project or thesis as part of their curriculum, allowing them to explore a particular subject in more depth. It can also serve as a prerequisite for further postgraduate study, such as a Master’s degree.

Features of the Honours Degree (NQF Level 8):

  • Advanced Study: Builds on knowledge gained during a Bachelor’s degree with a focus on specialisation.
  • Research Component: Most Honours degrees require the completion of a research project or dissertation.
  • Pathway to Postgraduate Studies: An Honours degree often leads to more advanced qualifications, such as a Master’s degree (NQF Level 9).

NQF Levels for Degrees in South Africa

In South Africa, qualifications are assigned to specific NQF levels to indicate the complexity and academic rigor required. Here’s a breakdown of NQF levels for degrees:

NQF LevelType of DegreeDescription
Level 5Higher Certificate, Advanced National CertificateIntroductory knowledge and skills for entry-level roles.
Level 6National Diploma, Advanced CertificateIn-depth knowledge for professional roles or further study.
Level 7Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate CertificateSpecialized knowledge and research projects.
Level 8Honours Degree, Postgraduate DiplomaAdvanced study and research, focusing on specialization.
Level 9Master’s DegreeAdvanced research and in-depth study.
Level 10DoctorateOriginal research contributing new knowledge to the field.

NQF Levels for Undergraduate Degrees

Undergraduate qualifications typically range from NQF Level 5 to NQF Level 7. The table below shows the main undergraduate qualifications:

NQF LevelQualification
Level 5Higher Certificate (e.g., Business Management, Public Management)
Level 6National Diploma (e.g., Graphic Design, Engineering), Bachelor’s Degrees (BA, BSc, BCom)
Level 7Advanced Diploma (e.g., Project Management), Bachelor’s Degree, PGCE

Postgraduate Qualifications: NQF Levels 8–10

Postgraduate qualifications are generally positioned at NQF Level 8 and higher. After completing a Bachelor’s degree, students can pursue Honours Degrees, Master’s Degrees, and Doctorates to further specialize and conduct advanced research in their field.

NQF LevelQualification
Level 8Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma (e.g., Psychology, Business Management)
Level 9Master’s Degree (e.g., MSc, MBA)
Level 10Doctoral Degree (e.g., PhD, EdD)

NQF Honours Level: Key Insights

Why Pursue an Honours Degree?

An Honours degree serves as a stepping stone to higher postgraduate education. It allows you to:

  • Specialize in a field: Focus on specific areas within your discipline.
  • Conduct research: Develop critical thinking skills by engaging in detailed research.
  • Prepare for Master’s Degrees: Most Honours degrees are essential for those aiming for a Master’s or Doctoral degree.

The Honours degree is often required for professional fields such as law, psychology, and education, as well as in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Career Benefits of an NQF Level 8 Honours Degree

An Honours degree qualifies graduates for more advanced roles in their chosen field. The specialized knowledge gained can enhance your career prospects by:

  • Opening doors to managerial or research positions.
  • Increasing your earning potential.
  • Providing a foundation for doctoral studies or academic careers.

Honours Degree Examples in South Africa

Here are some common examples of Honours Degrees in South Africa:

  • Honours Degree in Psychology: Ideal for students pursuing careers in clinical or counselling psychology.
  • Honours in Business Management: Prepares students for leadership roles in business.
  • Honours in Engineering: Ideal for those seeking to further specialize in engineering after completing a Bachelor’s degree.

Each Honours qualification is designed to deepen your knowledge in a specific area, helping you gain the necessary skills to thrive in your career or academic path.


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.