Difference Between a Diploma and a National Diploma

Choosing the right qualification after school can feel confusing, especially when different qualifications sound similar but serve very different purposes. In South Africa, diplomas and national diplomas are often misunderstood, even though they play distinct roles. 

The South African education environment has carefully outlined descriptors for all approved qualifications. The descriptors specify the exit level of each qualification. But to differentiate between a diploma and a national diploma, which are just two of these qualifications, we need to dig a little deeper than just their exit levels.

This article will explain the difference between a diploma and a national diploma in South Africa, how they are regulated, and what study or career options they can lead to.

What is the Difference Between Diploma and National Diploma?

Qualifications in South Africa are regulated by two bodies mandated by the Higher Education Act to ensure the quality of education within the country: the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The CHE looks after Higher Education Institutions (HIEs) and traditional academic programmes, while the QCTO is responsible for occupational qualifications and trade qualifications. 

Diploma

Diplomas are qualifications registered and quality assured by the CHE. These qualifications are awarded at NQF level 6.

Diploma programmes focus on building a strong theoretical foundation, combined with practical application relevant to a specific field of study. They are structured to develop analytical thinking, subject knowledge, and problem-solving skills. For someone who has completed Grade 12, a diploma provides a clear academic pathway into a profession.

National Diploma

National diplomas, on the other hand, are qualifications registered and quality assured by the QCTO. These can range from NQF level 5 to NQF level 7. Currently, SAQA’s website lists 124 qualifications as national diplomas.

National diplomas are designed around specific job roles and focus strongly on workplace application. The learning is outcomes-based. This means the students are trained to perform tasks and responsibilities directly linked to an occupation. This makes national diplomas particularly suitable for individuals who are already working or who want a qualification that is closely aligned with industry needs.

The biggest difference between a diploma and a national diploma is that one qualification is academic in nature (the diploma programmes), while the other is occupationally driven (national diploma programmes). 

Read More: Understanding National Diploma and National N Diploma NQF Level

Diploma vs National Diploma

The table highlights the difference between a diploma and a national diploma in South Africa. This comparison helps learners understand which option aligns better with their career and study goals. The table below illustrates how these qualifications are regulated, their respective NQF levels, and the nature of each program: 

Which Diplomas are Being Phased Out?

South Africa’s education system is continuously evolving to ensure qualifications remain relevant to the labour market. As part of this process, several national diplomas are being phased out and replaced with occupational certificates.

National diplomas are being rewritten to align more closely with specific job roles and industry requirements. This shift ensures that qualifications directly reflect the skills needed in the workplace and support employability.

Key changes include:

• National diplomas are expiring as their registration periods end
• New occupational certificates are being introduced by the QCTO
• Qualifications are now linked directly to occupations rather than broad fields

For example, the National Diploma: Project Management will expire shortly because a new qualification, i.e. the Occupational Certificate: Project Manager, has been developed and registered. 

Read More: Project Management Postgraduate Diploma 2026 – Intake Open

Entry Requirements for a National Diploma

Before enrolling in a diploma programme, it is important to understand the general admission criteria. Admission to a national diploma programme usually requires the completion of a qualification at one NQF level below the exit level of the desired qualification. This means, if the qualification you are interested in, for e.g., the National Diploma in Public Administration, which is a NQF level 7 at Regenesys, you need to have completed an NQF 6 qualification to qualify for admission. Admission requirements may vary depending on the institution and field of study.

Typical National diploma requirements include:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC)
• Minimum subject and pass requirements
• English proficiency
• Institution-specific admission criteria

Some institutions may also consider Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for mature students with relevant experience.

The National Diploma in Public Administration

The National Diploma in Public Administration (NDPA), an NQF level 7 qualification, specialises in the management functions of the public sector. This diploma in public administration and management allows public servants to build on their existing knowledge and explore a variety of specialisations vital to middle managers in the public sector. These specialisations are divided into eight programmes within the qualification:

• Public Strategic Management 
• Public Communication Strategies
• Public Finance and Administration
• Public Policy Management
• Public Project Management
• Public Human Resource Management
• Public Sector Management
• Fundamentals of Research

Because of the unique nature of occupational qualifications, students can choose one programme, complete it and gain credits for it. Each component of the programme can be completed over a period of time. The credits towards the qualification will always be connected to your name on the National Learners’ Records Database. 

What else can I study once I have a National Diploma in Public Administration?

Completing a National Diploma in Public Administration, which is at NQF Level 7, opens the door to postgraduate study. This progression supports career advancement into senior public sector roles. Here, graduates become eligible for NQF Level 8 qualifications, which are typically postgraduate diplomas. There are a few of the Regenesys Education’s programmes that you can opt for after the completion of a national diploma at NQF level 7. 

Further study options include:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management
• Advanced public administration programmes
• Pathways towards master’s-level studies

These further qualifications build strategic, leadership, and policy-focused competencies.

Read More: Pros And Cons of Pursuing A National Diploma In Public Administration

Explore Our Other Programmes

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between a diploma and a national diploma is essential when planning your education and career path in South Africa. While diplomas focus on academic learning and theory, national diplomas emphasise workplace skills and occupational outcomes. Both qualifications serve important purposes, depending on your goals, experience, and preferred learning approach. 

With national diplomas being phased out and replaced by occupational certificates, it is also important to stay informed about current qualification frameworks. 

Want to know the difference? See how Regenesys Education’s programmes align with NQF levels.

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