As students in South Africa complete specific educational qualifications, they are awarded a National Qualification Framework (NQF) level. To achieve these levels, students must complete their programme of study. The NQF level helps bring uniformity to the education system and makes pursuing higher education, training, or a career easy.
It provides an extensive structure that ensures consistency in the levels of qualifications across various educational institutions. For students who complete their Matric, understanding where it fits within the NQF can help clarify the significance of this qualification and its role in further education and career prospects.
This article will look at the matric NQF level in detail, understand the classifications, and cover the subjects required to achieve NQF level 4.
Table of Contents
What is the Matric NQF Level in South Africa?
The South African education system is divided into various NQF levels corresponding to a student’s level of education. Students who complete secondary school reach NQF level 4. This means they have cleared their matric or grade 12 exams and earned the National Senior Certificate (NSC). This is referred to as the National Senior Certificate NQF.
Students in the South African education system should aim to complete matriculation and achieve their NQF level 4. Unlike lower NQF levels, like NQF Level 2, a matric NQF level offers multiple avenues. Students can further their education and apply for certificate or degree programmes. Alternatively, they can apply for a prestigious learnership that allows them to gain theoretical and practical training. This also has a separate NQF scale. Finally, with an NQF level 4, individuals can apply for entry-level jobs in hospitality and administration.
The following table shows all the NQF levels and the corresponding qualifications to each level:
| NQF Level | Qualification |
| Level 1 | Grade 9 |
| Level 2 | Grade 10 |
| Level 3 | Grade 11 |
| Level 4 | Grade 12 |
| Level 5 | Higher Certificate |
| Level 6 | Diploma |
| Level 7 | Degree |
| Level 8 | Honourā€™s Degree |
| Level 9 | Masterā€™s Degree |
| Level 10 | Doctorate Degree |
Read more on NQF Levels 1-10 Explained ā€“ Qualifications, Credits & Study Pathways.
Why Is The Matric Certificate NQF Level Important?
The matric NQF level signifies that an individual has completed formal schooling and gained the necessary skills and knowledge to be employable or continue further education. Most universities in South Africa require students to have passed the NSC and earned NQF level 4 to be eligible for undergraduate programmes.
Furthermore, this matric certificate also allows students to gain entry into various learnership programmes in South Africa. Individuals who wish to enter the workforce will have more options than those who have only completed NQF L1 to L3.
Read more on Why is Matric Important? Understanding Its Value for Education and Career Growth.
Is There Another NQF Level 4 Equivalent To Matric?
While this article covers the NQF qualification levels as per the National Senior Certification (NCS), NQF levels are also assigned to the National Certificate Vocational (NCV). NCV offers an alternative academic path for students in grades 10-12. It combines theory with practical training.
To obtain an NQF level 4 vocational certificate, students must register for the following:
- 1 official language
- Life Orientation
- Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy
- 4 vocational subjects
To earn the certificate, students must pass all 7 subjects with the following percentages:
- 40% in official language
- 40% in Life Orientation
- 30% in Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy
- 50% in each vocational subject
Many higher learning institutions, including Regenesys Education, allow students with an NQF level 4-equivalent qualification, such as the NCV, to apply for its higher certificates and undergraduate programmes.
What To Study After NQF Level 4?
After completing the NQF level 4 (Matric), you have several clear career paths to choose from. Pick the one that fits your interests, considering how long you want to keep studying. Popular options include enrolling in programmes such as the Higher Certificate in Business Management (HCBM) and theHigher Certificate in Public Management (HCPM).
Here are all of the available options after NQF level 4:
- Higher Certificates (NQF 5): Short, career-focused programmes that take about a year to complete. Ideal if you want to learn practical skills fast.
- Diplomas (NQF 6): Longer than a higher certificate and more in-depth; applicable for vocational careers and some professional entry routes.
- Bachelor’s Degrees (NQF 7): For students who want a full undergraduate degree and more career flexibility.
- Online Certificate Courses: Fast, low-cost options to gain job-ready skills (digital marketing, data science, data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, etc.)
- Learnerships & Apprenticeships: Work-based training that combines on-the-job learning with study.
Read more on Courses That You Can Study Without Matric: Explore Skill-Based Learning Paths.
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Conclusion
NQF level 4 is an important milestone in a South African studentā€™s educational journey. It qualifies the individual to achieve a certain level of education, intellect, and skills. With this matric NQF level, students can continue their education and opt for certificate or degree programmes. Alternatively, they can enter the workforce with an entry-level job or opt for a learnership programme.
Students must research available options before choosing their future path and speak to a career adviser. Many students progress to an NQF 5 Higher Certificate at Regenesys Education after NQF Level 4.
Contact us to speak with a career adviser today.
FAQs
Is NQF level 4 equivalent to matric?
The NQF levels are part of the National Senior Certificate (NSC), National Certificate (Vocational), and learnerships. The NSC NQF level 4 is equivalent to matric or grade 12.
How many credits do students need to study at NQF level 4?
Students need to study 7 subjects that total 120 credit points at this level.
How can I gain entry for the matric certificate NQF level?
To gain entry for this level, students must have completed NQF level 3.
What is the matric NQF level in South Africa equivalent to in other countries?
The matric NQF level is equivalent to completing high school and earning a high school diploma.
Is matric NQF level 4?
Matric is NQF level 4 if the student has passed the matric exams. NQF level 4 can also be earned for vocational training and learnerships, which are not the same.
