NQF Levels - All You Need To Know

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What Is NQF Levels Meaning?

NQF Levels stands for the National Qualification Framework. This is a structured framework of national relevance in South Africa that sets out to meticulously arrange all levels of learning achievement a student obtains under the South African Qualification Authority, also known as SAQA.

NQF makes sure it gives credit to the student that achieved it to ascertain that the level at which that qualification was achieved is recognized in the country.

In all, there are 10 NQF levels. When a person obtains any level of the National Qualification Framework, they have to make sure to identify which of the levels they got. This will make it easier to determine their skills and knowledge.

The NQF is a framework, and it is not exactly the only means of guideline for all education and training in South Africa. Still, they equally act as a body that sets up principles, policies, and boundaries for the make-up of the qualification system.

It must be noted that these levels are limited to your high school and tertiary education.

Purpose of The National Qualification Framework In South Africa

Listed below are the purposes the NQF sets to achieve

The NQF further enhances the quality of education in South Africa.
It also creates an avenue where an integrated national framework for learning achievement is feasible.
It makes sure that every one of school-going age is not discriminated against and has a fair chance to education as everyone else.
To make education accessible and progressive.

List And Explain The Types Of NQF Levels

As mentioned before, there are all ten levels of NQF in total. These ten NQF levels have been further segmented into three bands. Listed below are the three parts.

First Band- this is from levels 1-4 and equivalent to high school from Grade 9-12 or Vocational Training
Second Band- this is from levels 5-7 and is also equal to college diplomas and technical qualifications
Third Band- this is from levels 7-10 and consists of university degrees

The 10 NQF Levels And What They Mean

NQF Level 1

Qualification- Grade 9
How To Achieve It- If one completes Grade 9

NQF Level 2

Qualification- Grade 10
How To Achieve It- If one completes Grade 10

NQF Level 3

Qualification- Grade 11
How To Achieve It- If one completes Grade 11

NQF Level 4

Qualification- Grade 12 Matric
How To Achieve It- if one completes and passes their final matric exams

NQF Level 5

Qualification- Higher Certificate
How To Achieve It- if one enrolls in a higher certificate program

NQF Level 6

Qualification- National Diploma and Advanced Certificate
How To Achieve It- if one completes a National Diploma Qualification or an Advanced Certificate

NQF Level 7

Qualification- Bachelor’s Degree And Advanced Diploma
How To Achieve It- if one enrolls and completes a Bachelor’s Degree program

NQF Level 8

Qualification- Honors Degree or Postgraduate Diploma
How To Achieve It- if one enrolls in the Honor’s Degree Program

NQF Level 9

Qualification- Master’s Degree
How To Achieve It- if one completes a Master’s Degree Program

NQF Level 10

Qualification- Doctorates Degree
How To Achieve It- if one completes a Doctorates Degree qualification

Is An NQF Level Qualification Good?

The simple answer here is YES. The NQF levels are good because each group enriches the learner with a designated skill and experience that increases their employability status in more ways than one.

The NQF equally serves as a map to guide learners when it comes down to choosing an ultimate career path.

What Are Credits, And How Can They Be Earned?

Credits are the marks that are credited to someone after they have completed their school subjects or their college courses.

What Are Accredited Courses?

Accredited courses are the wide range of courses that are made available to learners. These courses will equip you with specialized skills to enable you to choose a career. The courses here are done online. This means that learners will not be in attendance of any physical classes.

What Are Alternative Courses?

These are courses that one can go through in a case where they do not qualify for an accredited course. These courses are short courses that include some Matric Upgrade courses. The accredited and alternate courses will equip learners with skills and experience.