NQF Levels Table Explained: From Grade 9 to Doctorate

p>The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is South Africa’s system for organising qualifications into ten levels based on learning complexity. It ensures all education and training meet national standards and are comparable. The NQF levels table covers everything from General Education (Grade 9) up to doctoral degrees. This framework is overseen by SAQA, which aligns South African qualifications with international standards.

In this article, we explain the NQF levels table and its role in education. We’ll show how each level corresponds to grades, certificates, diplomas and degrees (from Grade 9 through Doctorate). The table also ties each level to required credits and expected skills. By understanding the NQF levels table, students and employers can compare qualifications, plan study paths, and recognise skills across different fields.

Table of Contents

Complete NQF Levels Table Overview

The South African NQF levels table has ten levels (1–10) that map to stages of education.

The Department of Higher Education divides oversight between Umalusi (general schooling, NQF 1–4), the Council on Higher Education (university degrees, NQF 5–10) and the QCTO (vocational qualifications, NQF 1–8). This structure ensures that all qualifications fit into a single, coherent framework.

Here are the key features of the NQF levels table:

Ten Levels (1–10): The table runs from NQF Level 1 (Grade 9) up to Level 10 (Doctoral degree). Each level has defined outcomes and complexity.
Grade Mapping: Levels 1–4 correspond to school grades: Level 1 = Grade 9, Level 2 = Grade 10, Level 3 = Grade 11, Level 4 = Grade 12 (Matric). Level 4 marks the end of secondary schooling.
Higher Ed & Vocational: Levels 5 and 6 include post-school certificates and diplomas (e.g. Higher Certificates at L5; National Diplomas at L6): these bridge schooling and complete degrees.
University Degrees: Levels 7–10 correspond to tertiary qualifications. Level 7 is a Bachelor’s degree, Level 8 is an Honours or Postgrad Diploma, Level 9 is a Master’s, and Level 10 is a Doctorate.
Skills & Progression: The table shows progression and skill levels at each step, from basic literacy at Level 1 up to research and original contribution at Level 10. By reviewing the NQF table, learners and employers see at a glance how qualifications stack up and what skills they represent.

NQF Levels by Qualification Type

The NQF levels table links each level to typical qualification types. In general, lower levels focus on basic and vocational training, mid levels on diplomas, and higher levels on degrees.

Here’s how qualifications line up with NQF levels:

Levels 1–4 (General Education and Training): These are school-based qualifications. Level 1 (Grade 9) leads to a General Education Certificate; Level 4 is the National Senior Certificate (Matric). Level 2–4 also includes vocational certificates (NCV levels) for learners focusing on technical skills.
Level 5 (Higher Certificate): At this level, students earn a Higher Certificate or Advanced National Vocational Certificate. This is a foundation college qualification after Matric. It provides basic specialised knowledge to enter the workforce or continue studying.
Level 6 (Diploma / Advanced Certificate): Qualifications include National Diplomas and Advanced Certificates. These combine theoretical learning with practical skills (often 2–3 year programmes). For example, a National Diploma in Engineering or an Advanced Certificate in Business.
Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma): This level covers the first degree level (e.g. BCom, BEng, BA) and Advanced Diplomas. Bachelor’s degrees typically require 360-365 credits and provide broad, foundational expertise in a field. Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE) are also Level 7.
Level 8 (Honours Degree / Postgraduate Diploma): These are postgraduate qualifications after a bachelor’s degree. An Honours degree or a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) falls here. They offer advanced study and specialisation, often involving research projects.
Level 9 (Master’s Degree): A Master’s degree (research or coursework) is NQF Level 9. This level signifies in-depth scholarly expertise. For instance, an MBA or MSc involves a significant thesis component (often 180 credits).
Level 10 (Doctoral Degree): The highest level is a Doctorate (PhD or professional doctorate). This level (360 credits) denotes original research and the highest academic achievement.

Each qualification type (certificate, diploma, degree) aligns to a certain NQF level. Understanding these categories in the NQF levels table helps students choose appropriate study programmes.

Grade 9 to Doctorate Explained

The NQF shows the whole learning journey from Grade 9 to a doctorate. Starting in high school and progressing through tertiary study, each step builds on the last.

The following are the key stages that include:

Schooling to Matric (NQF 1–4): After Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) and Grades 10–11 (Levels 2–3), learners reach Grade 12, NQF Level 4. Completing Level 4 (Matric certificate) is typically required before entering college.
Post-Matric Pathways (NQF 5–6): After Matric, students can enter Level 5, such as a Higher Certificate (1-year programmes). Alternatively, some may go directly into Level 6 diplomas (e.g. National Diploma in Public Management), which often require further study (2–3 years). These qualifications bridge the gap between school and university.
Undergraduate Degrees (NQF 7): With the above credentials, a student can enrol in a Bachelor’s degree (360 credits). A bachelor’s degree provides a broad university-level education in business, science, humanities, and other fields. For example, a BCom (Accountancy) or BSc (Computer Science) is Level 7.
Postgraduate Honours/PGDip (NQF 8): After a bachelor’s, many continue to Honours or postgraduate diploma programmes. These one-year qualifications deepen knowledge and often include research components.
Master’s (NQF 9): A Master’s degree (usually 200-230 credits) is the next step. It involves advanced study and a thesis or major project. Examples include MCom, MBA or MEng degrees at Level 9.
Doctorate (NQF 10): The final level is a Doctorate (PhD or professional doctorate). This requires original research and a dissertation, contributing new knowledge to a field. It typically follows a master’s.

Throughout this path, each NQF level depends on the previous one. For instance, to earn a Master’s (NQF 9), you must have completed an Honours (NQF 8) or equivalent. In summary, the NQF levels table lays out the sequence: Grade 9 (Level 1) → Matric (Level 4) → Higher Cert/Diploma (5–6) → Bachelor’s (7) → Honours/PGDip (8) → Master’s (9) → Doctorate (10).

Credits Explained

Each qualification on the NQF has a credit value indicating the number of study hours. Credits measure the volume of learning: 1 credit equals 10 notional hours (classroom time, self-study, assessments). For example, a 120-credit programme represents about 1200 hours of total learning.

The following are the key points about NQF credits:

Credit Ranges per Level: Each NQF level has typical credit requirements. For instance, a Higher Certificate (Level 5) typically comprises 120 credits, reflecting a one-year course. Diplomas (Level 6) often range from 240 to 360 credits. Bachelor’s degrees (Level 7) are usually 360 credits. Postgraduate Honours/PGDip (Level 8) are around 120 credits, Master’s (L9) about 180 credits, and Doctorates (L10) 360 credits.
Progression Requires Credits: To progress to the next level, students must complete the necessary credits at the current level. For example, completing 360 credits at Level 7 yields a bachelor’s degree; those credits prove you’ve met the learning outcomes for that level.
Why Credits Matter: The NQF credits table helps students understand workload. For instance, moving from a 120-credit certificate to a 240-credit diploma roughly doubles the required study time. Employers and institutions also use credit totals to compare qualifications.

In short, credits are the “currency” of the NQF. The NQF levels table displays the standard credit load for each qualification type, enabling learners to plan the time and effort required for each qualification.

Linking NQF Levels to Skills

The NQF is not just a ladder of qualifications; it also defines the skills and knowledge expected at each level. For every NQF level, SAQA provides level descriptors that detail what learners should know and do.

The following are the descriptors that cover ten areas, such as problem-solving, communication, ethics, etc:

Outcome-based Skills: Each level’s descriptors state the scope of knowledge and skills. For example, lower levels focus on routine tasks and basic literacy, while higher levels demand complex analysis and critical thinking. The NQF levels table, therefore, also implies a progression of skills.
Consistency and Quality: By aligning qualifications to these descriptors, the NQF ensures consistency. A Level 6 Diploma in one field has a similar cognitive and practical demand as a Level 6 Diploma in another field. This makes qualifications on the NQF levels table comparable in terms of outcomes.
Bridging Education and Work Skills: NQF Levels Link Education to Workplace Skills. For example, a Level 5 Higher Certificate equips students with employable basics, whereas a Level 8 Honours develops research and management skills. Employers use the NQF to gauge a candidate’s skill level when hiring.
Recognising Prior Learning: The clear skills framework also allows for the recognition of learning gained outside of school. If someone has attained the competencies of a certain level through work experience, SAQA can recognise that learning against the NQF levels table standards.

Overall, the NQF levels table ensures that each qualification corresponds to a defined set of skills. It helps curriculum designers create programmes that deliver the expected skills, and it helps employers and students alike understand the practical abilities associated with each level.

SAQA’s Role in the NQF

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is the statutory body that manages the NQF. SAQA’s mandate is to develop and implement the qualifications framework, ensuring that it works as intended across the country.

Essential aspects of SAQA’s role:

Governance and Policy: SAQA is empowered by law to oversee the NQF Act. It publishes policies and criteria for registering qualifications and accrediting the bodies that offer them. In other words, SAQA sets the rules so that all educational programmes meet the NQF levels table standards.
Registration of Qualifications: All national qualifications and unit standards must be registered on the NQF by SAQA. This means every qualification has a recognised NQF level and credit value in the official database. SAQA keeps a National Learners’ Records Database to track learners’ achievements at each level.
Quality Councils: SAQA works with Quality Councils for sub-frameworks. Umalusi handles schooling (NQF1–4), the Council on Higher Education handles higher education (NQF5–10), and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) handles vocational qualifications (NQF1–8). SAQA coordinates these bodies so the NQF levels table is implemented uniformly.
Public Reference: SAQA provides documentation (level descriptors, guidelines) to explain each NQF level. The official SAQA website has resources and the complete NQF qualification framework.
International Alignment: SAQA also ensures the NQF stays comparable internationally. Under SAQA’s guidance, South Africa’s NQF has been aligned with frameworks like the European Qualifications Framework.

In summary, SAQA is the custodian of the NQF levels table. It ensures that when a qualification says “NQF Level X,” that claim is backed by national standards. This gives confidence to learners, employers and international partners that NQF levels are meaningful.

Example Qualifications Per Level

By consulting the NQF levels table, one can see which level a qualification falls under. For example, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is Level 7, a Master of Science is Level 9, etc.

To see the NQF levels table in action, here are sample qualifications at each level:

NQF Level	School Grade / Equivalent	Sample Qualifications	Notes
Level 1	Grade 9 – GETC	General Education and Training Certificate (exit at Grade 9)	Basic school-level qualification
Level 2	Grade 10	National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2 or Grade 10 school certificate	Early vocational/school certification
Level 3	Grade 11	NCV Level 3 or Grade 11 certificate	Progression toward senior secondary
Level 4	Matric – NSC	National Senior Certificate (Matric) or NCV Level 4	Standard school-leaving qualification
Level 5	–	Higher Certificate (e.g., Higher Certificate in Public Management); Advanced National (vocational) Certificate	Connects school to college-level study
Level 6	–	National Diploma (e.g., National Diploma in Marketing) or Advanced Certificate	Typically, a 2–3 year vocational/technical qualification
Level 7	–	Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BBA) or Advanced Diploma; PGCE	Broad undergraduate degree
Level 8	–	Honours degree (e.g., BEng Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)	Specialised study after a Bachelor’s
Level 9	–	Master’s degree (e.g., MSc, MBA)	Advanced research/professional degree (often includes a thesis; commonly ~180 credits)
Level 10	–	Doctoral degree (PhD, DBus, EdD)	Original research; highest academic level (typically ~360 credits)

Regenesys Business School offers programmes at various levels, for instance, a Postgraduate Diploma at Level 8 or a Regenesys Doctor of Business Management programme at Level 10, which are all mapped to the NQF system.

How NQF Levels Affect Study Choices

The NQF levels table helps you plan education and careers. Each level demonstrates the depth of the study and what comes next. Here’s a clear, easy guide:

Plan your path. The table shows the steps to move up. After NQF4 (Matric), you can choose an NQF5 certificate or an NQF6 diploma. Knowing this stops you from enrolling in programmes you don’t qualify for.
Pick the right programme. Match your current qualification to the right next step. For example, if you already have a bachelor’s (NQF7), you should look at postgraduate options (Levels 8-10).
Compare options fairly. Two different qualifications at the same NQF level mean similar study depth. That makes it easier to compare, for example, an NQF6 diploma in IT with an NQF6 diploma in Engineering.
See what employers want. Job ads often list required NQF levels (for example, NQF8 for some management roles). Use the table to choose studies that meet employer expectations.
Check institutional alignment. Colleges and universities label programmes by NQF level so you can see where each programme sits in the learning ladder (for example, an MBA is usually NQF9).

The NQF levels table is a roadmap. Use it to plan progression, choose suitable programmes, compare options, and match your studies to job requirements. It makes education decisions clearer and less risky.

Conclusion

The South African NQF levels table is a vital reference for anyone in education or training. It lays out the path from Grade 9 through to a PhD, aligning every qualification to a level and credit standard.

SAQA’s National Qualifications Framework remains current (as of 2025) and continues to evolve, providing updated guidance and level descriptors online. For those seeking qualifications, institutions like Regenesysoffer programmes registered at NQF Levels 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10. These programmes are designed to align with the NQF framework, enabling students to reach the exact level of education and skill they need. Understanding the NQF levels table is the first step in planning an effective study journey and achieving future career goals.

Ready to take the next step? Speak with an admissions advisor or explore registered programmes today to find the right NQF level for your career goals.

NQF Levels by Qualification – FAQ

What is the NQF levels table?

The NQF levels table is the official list of the ten levels (1–10) in South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It illustrates the span of education, ranging from basic schooling to doctoral studies, and lists the corresponding qualifications for each level.

How do NQF levels correspond to school grades?

In South Africa, NQF Levels 1–4 align with the school education system. Level 1 is Grade 9, Level 2 is Grade 10, Level 3 is Grade 11, and Level 4 is Grade 12 (Matric)

What do NQF credits mean?

Credits measure the learning time of a qualification. According to SAQA, one credit equals 10 notional learning hours.

How do NQF levels affect my career?

Employers use NQF levels to assess qualifications. The levels tell employers the expected skill level of applicants. For instance, an NQF 8 Honours degree shows more advanced training than an NQF 6 diploma.

Can work experience count toward NQF credits?

Yes. South African institutions can award credit for prior learning through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL assesses your formal, informal and workplace learning against the learning outcomes of a programme and may reduce the number of credits or modules you need to complete.