UK-South Africa Qualification Comparison: Navigating the RQF and NQF Frameworks
For South Africans eyeing the UK for further studies or career opportunities, understanding the qualification equivalence between the two nations becomes pivotal. This page offers a comprehensive comparison between the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
RQF vs NQF: At a Glance
RQF Level (UK) |
Qualification Level (UK) |
NQF Level (SA) | Qualification Level (SA) |
---|---|---|---|
8 | Doctoral degree | 10 | Doctoral degree |
7 | Masters degree / Postgraduate Diploma / Post Graduate Certificate | 9 | Masters Degree |
6 | Bachelor degree / Bachelor Honours degree / Graduate Diplomas / Graduate Certificates | 8 | Bachelors Honours Degree / Postgraduate Diploma / Advanced Bachelors degree |
6 | Bachelor degree / Bachelor Honours degree / Graduate Diplomas / Graduate Certificates | 7 | Bachelor degree / Advanced Diploma |
5 | Foundation Degrees / Diplomas of Higher Education / Higher National Diploma | 6 | Diploma / Advanced Certificate in Education / Professional Diploma in Education |
4 | Higher National Certificates / Certificates of Higher Education | 6 | Advanced Certificates |
3 | Level 3 Awards / GCE AS and A Levels | 5 | Higher National Certificate |
2 | Technical or Vocational Qualifications Level 2 / GCSE at grade A B C | 4 | National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 (Matric) / National Senior Certificate |
2 | Technical or Vocational Qualifications Level 2 / GCSE at grade A B C | 3 | National Certificate (Vocational) Level 3 / Intermediate Certificate |
1 | Technical or Vocational Qualifications Level 2 / GCSE at grade D E F G | 2 | National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2 / Elementary Certificate |
– | Entry Level Certificates (1 – 3) | 1 | National Certificate (Vocational) Level 1 / General Certificate |
References:
English Language Proficiency: Test Comparison
Ensuring a tertiary level of English ability is paramount for South Africans intending to study or work in the UK. Below is a comparison of popular English tests:
English Level Description | SELT Levels | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL CBT | TOEFL PBT | Cambridge Assessment Qualifications |
IELTS Scores | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mastery | C2 | C2 Proficiency | 9.0 8.5 |
|||||
Expert | C1 | 110-120 | 270-300 | 637-677 | C1 Advanced | 8.0 7.5 7.0 |
||
Upper Intermediate | B2 | 87-109 | 227-269 | 567-636 | B2 First | 6.5 6.0 5.5 |
||
Lower Intermediate | B1 | 57-86 | 163-226 | 487-566 | B1 Preliminary | 5.0 4.5 4.0 |
||
Elementary | A2 | 40-56 | 120-162 | 433-486 | A2 Key | 3.5 3.0 |
||
Beginner | A1 | 0-39 | 0-119 | 310-434 | 2.5 2.0 |
Reference: English Test Comparison Source
UK Work Permits: The Role of RQF
For those aspiring to secure UK Skilled Worker visas, understanding the RQF levels and how they integrate with the UK’s unique skillset recognition (Standard Occupation Classification or SOC system) is fundamental.
View the complete list of RQF and SOC codes as stipulated by the UK government
How Can Move Up Assist?
Navigating the intricacies of UK visa processes can be daunting. Move Up’s specialized assistance starts with a free assessment to gauge the viability of your case. Once armed with a Tier 2 “Certificate of Sponsorship” number, our expertise ensures seamless navigation through the visa processes.
Don’t leave your UK dreams to chance.
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