NQF Comparison

NQF Comparison

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.

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English Tests

Secure English Language Tests (SELT) are UK government visa requirements for relocating South Africans.

Skill Occupation Codes (SOC)

The next step in the UK work permit (Skilled Worker visa) is to identify the UK’s recognition of the role.