The education department in South Africa uses the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF) levels and credits system to determine the various level of qualification students have achieved throughout their schooling.
This means that Individuals with higher NQF levels have higher qualifications and skill levels.
Scholarship donors or funders have different qualifying criteria so there is no set NQF level needed for scholarship funding.
The NQF level needed for a scholarship application is entirely dependent on the type of scholarship a student is applying for. Whether it be a scholarship for a Bachelors degree or Honours degree, the NQF level required will be in line with the qualification a candidate is hoping to obtain.
However, most scholarships for higher education funding do require applicants to at least have obtained their National Senior Certificate, which is a NQF level 4 (Grade 12).
Here are the various NQF levels:
- NQF Level 1: Grade 9
- NQF Level 2: Grade 10
- NQF Level 3: Grade 11
- NQF Level 4: Grade 12
- NQF Level 5: Higher Certificates
- NQF Level 6: Diplomas or Advanced Certificates
- NQF Level 7: Advanced Diplomas or Bachelor Degrees
- NQF Level 8: Post Graduate Diplomas or Honours Degrees
- NQF Level 9: Masters Degrees
- NQF Level 10: Doctoral Degrees (PHD)
Individuals can view their NQF credits on their results or qualification certificate or via the educational institute they attended.
Institutions usually keep records of results and qualifications.
However, they can also obtain their results by visiting the SAQA website (www.saqa.org.za) and complete an ID number search.
Alternatively, you can also email SAQA and have them send your results or credits via email.
For more information on scholarships and bursary opportunities visit the Bursaries Portal.
