If you plan to study in South Africa in 2027, you need to be sure the qualification you choose is recognised by the National Qualifications Framework. SETA SA offers a Career & Qualification Explorer that brings SAQA records and career information together.
Why checking a qualification matters now
Many students and job‑seekers waste time and money on courses that are not registered on the NQF, or on providers that are not accredited. Knowing the exact NQF level, credit value and possible career routes before you apply can save you years of study and thousands of rand.
What the Career & Qualification Explorer does
The Explorer is a searchable database that combines:
- More than 22,600 SAQA qualification records
- Over 1,500 OFO (Occupation‑Family‑Occupation) careers
- Links between qualifications and the careers they can lead to
It lets you move beyond simply looking for a course name and start exploring how qualifications, NQF levels and career pathways fit together.
Who can use the tool
- Grade‑12 learners deciding what to study next
- TVET College students planning a progression
- Graduates considering postgraduate study
- Job‑seekers who need to know the qualification requirements for a specific occupation
What you gain from searching
Each qualification record shows the:
- Full qualification title
- SAQA ID (unique identification number)
- NQF level (1‑10)
- Credit value
- Qualification type (Higher Certificate, Diploma, Degree, etc.)
- Registration status
This information helps you decide whether a course matches your career goal, whether it can be stacked for further study, and whether the offering institution is authorised.
How to use the SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer
- Go to the SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer page.
- Enter a keyword – qualification name, SAQA ID, career title or OFO occupation.
- Review the results. Note the NQF level, credits and the exact registered title.
- Check the institution’s registration and accreditation on the relevant Quality Council (Umalusi, QCTO or CHE).
- If the qualification matches your goal, note the SAQA ID and move to the official SAQA verification or authentication service as needed.
Tips to improve your chances of success
- Always verify the SAQA ID on the official SAQA site – a similar name does not guarantee the same qualification.
- Confirm the provider is registered with the appropriate Quality Council (Umalusi for general education, QCTO for trades, CHE for higher education).
- Look for articulation pathways – many Higher Certificates (NQF 5) can feed into Diplomas (NQF 6) or Degrees (NQF 7‑9).
- If you need a foreign qualification recognised, apply for a formal SAQA authentication service evaluation rather than relying on informal comparisons.
- Keep copies of the qualification record, SAQA verification letter and any accreditation certificates for future employer checks.
Understanding the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
The NQF arranges all recognised South African qualifications into ten levels. The level tells you the complexity of learning outcomes and how the qualification fits into further study.
- NQF 1: General Certificate
- NQF 2‑4: Further education and vocational qualifications (including the National Senior Certificate at Level 4)
- NQF 5: Higher Certificates (minimum 120 credits)
- NQF 6: Diplomas and Advanced Certificates
- NQF 7: Bachelor’s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas
- NQF 8: Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas
- NQF 9: Master’s Degrees
- NQF 10: Doctoral Degrees
Always check the registered record; a title alone can be misleading.
Higher Certificates (NQF 5)
These are entry‑level qualifications that usually carry at least 120 credits. They can give you a foothold in a field and often allow progression to a Diploma or Degree.
Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas
A standard Diploma sits at NQF 6, while an Advanced Diploma is at NQF 7. They are offered across many disciplines – engineering, business, ICT, health, hospitality, and more. Do not pick a Diploma just because the name sounds right; verify the exact NQF level, credit load and the institution’s authority to award it.
Degrees
Bachelor’s Degrees are normally NQF 7, though some professional degrees (e.g., B.Eng, B.Sc. Honours) may be placed at NQF 8. Degrees cover virtually all major sectors – engineering, education, health, law, commerce, science, agriculture, humanities and technology. The Explorer can show you which occupations are linked to each degree.
NCV programmes and the NQF
The National Certificate (Vocational) is a key part of TVET College study. NCV Level 4 aligns with NQF 4, while higher NCV levels map to the corresponding NQF level. These programmes deliver practical skills in fields such as engineering, business, IT and hospitality.
What “SAQA accredited” really means
SAQA does not accredit institutions directly. It registers qualifications on the NQF. Provider accreditation is handled by three Quality Councils:
- Umalusi – general and further education.
- QCTO – occupational qualifications.
- CHE – higher education qualifications.
A qualification with a SAQA ID does not guarantee that a particular college can teach it. Always check the provider’s registration and accreditation status with the relevant council.
How to confirm a qualification is registered
Look for the following details in the Explorer record:
- Full qualification name
- SAQA ID
- NQF level
- Number of credits
- Qualification type
- Registration status
- Institution information (where applicable)
For formal confirmation, contact SAQA or the appropriate Quality Council.
SAQA verification vs. authentication
SAQA verification checks that a South African qualification recorded on the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD) is genuine. Employers often use this service, and individuals can request an official verification letter.
SAQA authentication services are used when you need a qualification recognised for immigration, employment abroad or professional registration. They are separate from the simple verification process.
Evaluating foreign qualifications
If you earned a qualification outside South Africa, you must apply for a formal Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications. SAQA will place the foreign credential into the local NQF and issue an electronic evaluation certificate. This is distinct from verification of South African qualifications.
Important reminder
Finding a qualification on the NQF does not automatically mean a college is authorised to offer it. Always check both the qualification’s registration and the provider’s accreditation.
Quick checklist before you apply in 2027
- What is the exact qualification title?
- Does it have a SAQA ID?
- What NQF level and credit value does it carry?
- Is the provider registered and accredited by the relevant Quality Council?
- Does the qualification lead to your desired occupation?
- Is professional registration required for that occupation?
- Can the qualification act as a stepping stone to further study?
SETA SA advice
Start with the career you want, then trace the qualification pathway. Check the NQF level, confirm the SAQA ID, verify the institution’s accreditation, and finally understand any additional professional registration or work‑experience requirements.
The SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer is designed to make the first part of this research quick and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions about SAQA qualifications (2027)
Where can I view SAQA qualifications?
Browse the records through the SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer. For official confirmation, also consult SAQA and the relevant Quality Council.
What is a SAQA ID?
It is a unique number assigned to each qualification registered on the NQF, helping you differentiate between similar titles.
What are NQF levels?
They indicate where a qualification sits within the ten‑level National Qualifications Framework.
What NQF level is a Higher Certificate?
Higher Certificates are generally placed at NQF 5.
What NQF level is a Diploma?
Standard Diplomas are usually at NQF 6.
What NQF level is a Bachelor’s Degree?
Bachelor’s Degrees are normally at NQF 7, though some professional degrees may be at NQF 8.
Are NCV programmes registered on the NQF?
Yes. NCV Level 4 corresponds to NQF 4, and higher NCV levels map to the matching NQF levels.
Does SAQA accredit universities and colleges?
SAQA registers qualifications. Provider accreditation is the responsibility of Umalusi, QCTO, or CHE, depending on the sector.
What is SAQA Verification?
It is a service that confirms a South African qualification recorded on the NLRD is genuine, often used by employers.
Can SAQA verify my foreign qualification?
No. Foreign qualifications are assessed through SAQA’s Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications service.
Can I search qualifications by career?
Yes. The Explorer links careers to the qualifications that can lead to them.
Does finding a qualification on SAQA mean a college is accredited?
No. Qualification registration and provider accreditation are separate matters. Always verify the provider through the relevant authority.
Start exploring SAQA qualifications for 2027
Whether you are choosing a first certificate, planning a diploma, or mapping a pathway to a doctorate, researching the exact qualification is essential. Use the SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer to compare Higher Certificates, NCV routes, Diplomas, Degrees, Advanced Diplomas, postgraduate and occupational qualifications, and see how they connect to real careers.
Next steps
- Visit the SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer and search for the qualification or occupation you are interested in.
- Record the SAQA ID, NQF level and credit information.
- Confirm the provider’s registration and accreditation with the appropriate Quality Council.
- If you need official proof, request a SAQA verification or authentication letter.
Disclaimer
The SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer is an educational and research tool. It does not replace the official information provided by SAQA, DHET, CHE, Umalusi, QCTO, universities, TVET Colleges, professional councils or other statutory bodies. Qualification records, registration status, provider accreditation and admission requirements can change. Always verify important details with the relevant authority before applying, registering or making any payments.
