On Which NQF Level Is Masters Degrees Registered? (2023)

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a system that grades qualifications, such as diplomas and degrees, according to their ability to prepare learners for employment or further study.

A master’s degree is registered at NQF level 9 in South Africa. There are a total of 10 NQF levels in South Africa. A Doctoral Degree is registered at NQF level 10 in South Africa as the highest level of NQF qualification.

On Which NQF Level Is Masters Degrees Registered?

Masters degrees in South Africa are registered at either NQF level 9. The NQF is a collection of regulations and procedures that records the achievement of a learner to facilitate nationwide recognition of obtained skills and knowledge. This is to guarantee an integrated system that promotes lifelong education.

If you can’t find the NQF level on your qualification certificate, you can search for your qualification type by name. If that doesn’t work, contact the issuing organisation directly or email nqf@sisaonline.co.za with as much information as possible (eg: what’s written on your certificate).

NQF Levels in South Africa

NQF levels are a way of showing how difficult the qualification is. The higher the number, the more difficult it is to achieve.

NQF Levels 1 to 4: These are called foundation qualifications and they’re usually taken by people who have a high school or vocational qualification. People with Grades 9 to 12 or a vocational qualification are placed on NQF levels 1 to 4.

NQF Level 5: People with Higher Certificates or Advanced National Vocational Certificates are placed on NQF Level 5 in South Africa.

NQF Level 6: People who have obtained a National Diploma or Advanced Certificates in any discipline are registered on NQF Level 6 in South Africa.

NQF Level 7: This level is for professional qualifications. People who have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate or B-tech are registered on NQF Level 7 in South Africa.

NQF Level 8: At this NQF level, people who have obtained an Honors degree, postgraduate diploma, or professional qualifications are registered in South Africa.

NQF Level 9: Anyone who has obtained a Master’s degree is registered on NQF Level 9 in South Africa.

NQF Level 10: This is the highest NQF level and only people who have obtained a Doctoral degree are registered to this level in South Africa.

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Closing

As we have highlighted above, master’s degrees in South Africa are registered at NQF level 9. The highest NQF level in South Africa is NQF level 10 and only those with a doctoral degree are registered on it.

Every education or training in South Africa conforms to the NQF levels framework. You will find the level of registration on your qualification certificate, or you can check the official ranking body.