Most universities offer the following qualifications that are on the higher education band of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ranging from NQF Level 5 to Level 10.

Under-graduate qualifications: These are the first qualifications that you can achieve at a university or other training institution after completing your schooling.

• Higher Certificate
• Advanced Certificate
• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• Bachelor’s Degree

Post-graduate qualifications: These are qualifications for which you can enrol after you have obtained your first post-school qualification.

• Postgraduate Diploma
• Bachelor Honours Degree
• Master’s Degree
• Doctoral Degree

Note: Only under-graduate qualifications are described under Higher Education on this website.

Click here for a table that indicates all the types of qualifications on the NQF.

Most of the programmes offered at the traditional universities are academic, focussing on the underlying theoretical frameworks of the different fields in which programmes are offered. Some programmes include a great deal of application to the real world (e.g. programmes in architecture, nursing and teaching), while others are more theoretical (e.g. theology). However, even the more traditional ‘academic’ universities are increasingly building real-world application into their programmes to assist students to prepare for employment or self-employment in the world of work. Many qualifications require students to complete specified work experience, especially the programmes offered by the universities of technology. Most professions also prescribe work experience during or after completing university programmes for professional registration (e.g. the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) requirements for engineers).

Universities of technology place greater emphasis on application of learning. They offer technological career-directed programmes that prepare students more directly for the world of work. These universities interact closely with industry, in particular, to ensure that their programmes address real industry needs.

The ‘comprehensive’ universities (e.g. UNISA and the universities of Johannesburg and Zululand) offer vocational diplomas and degrees that are focused more on preparing students for specific careers, in addition to more academic programmes.

There are a number of ways in which university programmes are delivered:

• Programmes are offered through formal lectures at the institutions, through distance learning (e.g. through UNISA), or even via on-line delivery. Some programmes are even offered through a combination of class attendance and other delivery modes, commonly referred to as blended learning.
• Students can enrol for full-time study for the entire duration of the programme or they can choose part-time study. Part-time study allows people who are working to attend classes in the evenings or to attend short study schools that are offered throughout the academic year. Universities will indicate which programmes can be completed on a part-time basis.

Key features of under-graduate qualifications

The table below provides the titles, levels, credits and other distinguishing features (such as Work-Integrated Learning) of under-graduate qualifications.

Title	NQF Level	Duration	No. of Credits	Distinguishing features	Admission requirements	Access to higher qualifications
Higher Certificate	Level 5	1 year	120 credits	Primarily vocational (i.e. preparing students for a specific job or occupation) A strong industry-oriented focus Develops a basic introductory level of knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques in a particular field or occupation Typically includes a simulated work experience or Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) component	National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement OR: National Certificate Vocational, i.e. the NC (V) with the appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement	Meets the minimum requirements for entry into an Advanced Certificate Credits obtained for the Higher Certificate can be used for admission to a Diploma in the same field Could allow entry into a Bachelor’s Degree, subject to additional requirements
Examples: Higher Certificate in Accounting Higher Certificate in Banking Higher Certificate in Community Development Higher Certificate in Law Higher Certificate in Tourism Management
Advanced Certificate	Level 6	1 year	120 credits	Strong vocational, professional or career/industry focus Develops a sound knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply knowledge and skills in a particular career or professional context Focus is on general principles together with more specific procedures and their application and/or technology transfer Typically includes a work-integrated learning (WIL) component	Higher Certificate in the appropriate field	Meets the minimum requirements for entry into a Diploma programme or Bachelor’s Degree in the same field Credits obtained for the Advanced Certificate can be used for admission to a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in the same field
Examples: Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning Advanced Certificate: Graphic Design Advanced Certificate: Health and Skin Care Advanced Certificate: Municipal Governance Advanced Certificate in Real Estate
Diploma	Level 6	2 or 3 years	240 or 360 credits	Develops professional, vocational or industry-specific knowledge and understanding of general theoretical principles and procedures and their application Includes experience in applying knowledge and skills in a particular work context Depth and specialisation of knowledge combined with practical skills and workplace experience prepares learners to enter a number of career paths and to apply learning to particular employment contexts Typically includes an appropriate work-integrated learning (WIL) component	National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate Vocational, i.e. the NC (V) with the appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate in the same field	The 240- or 360-credit Diploma meets the minimum requirements for entry into a Bachelor’s Degree Credits obtained for the Diploma can be used for admission to a Bachelor’s Degree in the same field 360-credit Diploma also meets the minimum entry requirements into an Advanced Diploma Learners who completed a 240-credit Diploma can enter an Advanced Diploma after successful completion of WIL or a combination of WIL and coursework equal to 120 credits that meets additional approval and accreditation requirements
Examples: Diploma in Accounting Sciences Diploma in Human Resource Management Diploma in Information Technology Diploma in Management Diploma in Nature Conservation
Advanced Diploma	Level 7	1 year	120 credits	The Advanced Diploma serves a number of different purposes depending on the nature of the programme and the student’s circumstances. It may provide entry-level vocational or professional preparation or specialisation for persons with a Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma by offering an intensive, focused and applied specialisation which meets the requirements of a specific niche in the labour market. This qualification is particularly suitable for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through developing a deep understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in a specialised area.	An appropriate Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree	Meets the minimum requirements for entry into a Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor Honours Degree or Post-graduate Diploma Credits obtained for the Advanced Diploma can be used for admission to a Bachelor’s Degree in the same field
Examples: Advanced Diploma in Communication Advanced Diploma: Industrial Electronics Advanced Diploma in Marketing Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation Advanced Diploma in Policing Advanced Diploma: Professional Acting for Camera Advanced Diploma in Taxation
Bachelor’s Degree	Level 7	3 years	360 Credits	There are two types of Bachelor’s degrees: ‘general’ Bachelor’s degrees and ‘professionally-oriented degrees’. The primary purpose of both types is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips graduates with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines and fields of study. The general Bachelor’s Degree emphasises general principles and theory as preparation for entry into general employment or into a post-graduate programme. The professional Bachelor’s Degree prepares students for a specific career, e.g. in architecture, commerce or law. It provides students with a thorough grounding in the knowledge, theory, principles and skills of the profession or career and the ability to apply these in professional or career contexts. Some professionally-oriented Bachelor’s Degrees are designed with a professional body and are recognised as a requirement for a license to practice that occupation.	National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate Vocational at Level 4 with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate or Diploma in a similar field	Meets the minimum requirements for entry into a Bachelors Honours Degree or Post-graduate Diploma Entry into these qualifications is usually in the area of specialisation or in the discipline taken as a major subject in the Bachelor’s Degree
Examples: ‘general’ Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Social Science ‘professionally-oriented’ Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Agriculture Bachelor of Commerce: Finance Bachelor of Commerce in Law Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor or Law Bachelor of Nursing Bachelor of Arts in Sport Development Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
Bachelor’s Degree	Level 8	4 years	480 credits	Same as for the Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree above	Same as for the Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree above	A 480 credit-Bachelor’s Degree on Level 8 meets the minimum requirements for entry into a Master’s Degree in the same field Entry into this qualification is usually in the area of specialisation or in the discipline taken as a major in the Bachelor’s Degree
Examples: Same as for the Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree above

There are a number of ways to find the qualification and university you are looking for. Three are described here:

• South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA),
• National Career Advice Portal (NCAP), and
• University and other websites.

Option 1: South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

The SAQA website has a list of all the registered qualifications under ‘Registered Qualifications’ (http://regqs.saqa.org.za/search.php?cat=qual). You don’t need to complete the entire table in order to search for registered qualifications on the website; only complete two or three key items, e.g.

• Under ‘Qualification Title’ type in a key word of the area in which you want to study, e.g. ‘Chemistry’, ‘Nursing’, ‘Agriculture’ or ‘Sport’. If you select ‘View as table’ at the bottom of the table and select ‘Go’, you will get a list of all the qualifications with that key word in the title. To avoid having to read through the long list, complete more items in the table.
• If you know the institution where you want to study, under ‘Accredited Provider’ select the institution from the drop-down menu.
• If your achievements in Grade 12 meet the entry requirements to enrol for a Bachelor’s degree, under ‘Qualification Type’ select, ‘National First Degree’ (where you will find the Bachelor’s degrees on NQF Level 7). If your achievements in Grade 12 do not meet the entry requirements for a Bachelor’s degree, you could select ‘Higher Certificate’ or ‘National Higher Certificate’ (both on NQF Level 5).

The table below is an example of the information provided on qualifications on the SAQA website.

Table with qualification details from ‘Registered Qualifications’ on the SAQA website (www.saqa.org.za)

The table below appears if you type in ‘Agriculture’ under ‘Qualification Title’, and from the drop-down menus you select University of KwaZulu-Natal under ‘Accredited Provider’, and National First Degree under ‘Qualification Type’. The table confirms that the university offers three Bachelor Degrees in Agriculture on NQF Level 7 (that were on Level 6 before 2009, when the NQF Levels were increased from 8 to 10) and two on Level 8 (that were on Level 7 before 2009). It also indicates that the minimum credits vary from 384 (indicating a 3-year degree) to 514 (indicating a 4-year degree). The other information is not really important for prospective students looking for the qualifications offered by universities.

Qual / Prog ID	Qualification Title / Learning Programme Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Learning Subfield	NQF Sub-Framework	Originator	Field	Min Credits
72830	Bachelor of Agriculture	Level 6	NQF Level 07	Primary Agriculture	HEQSF	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Field 001 – Agriculture and Nature Conservation	384
81006	Bachelor of Agriculture: Rural Resource Management	Level 6	NQF Level 07	Primary Agriculture	HEQSF	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Field 001 – Agriculture and Nature Conservation	384
81007	Bachelor of Agriculture: Sports Turf Management	Level 6	NQF Level 07	Generic Management	HEQSF	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Field 003 – Business, Commerce and Management Studies	386
81134	Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal and Poultry Science	Level 7	NQF Level 08	Secondary Agriculture	HEQSF	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Field 001 – Agriculture and Nature Conservation	514
78125	Bachelor of Science: Agriculture	Level 7	NQF Level 08	Primary Agriculture	HEQSF	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Field 001 – Agriculture and Nature Conservation	512

 

If you click on the hyperlink of the identity number 72830 of the first qualification in the first column, it will open the entire qualification as it is registered by SAQA. This will give you more detail on the qualification. The Exit Level Outcomes will give you an idea of the focus of the qualification and the knowledge and skills it will develop. The exit level outcomes for the Bachelor of Agriculture are:

1. Understand the fundamentals of applied plant science, namely: soil/plant/atmosphere interactions and management; plant genetics, biochemistry and physiology; interactions of plants with pathogens/pests/weeds and management thereof; plant propagation; plant nutrition; crop production and utilization; and analysis and interpretation of statistical data.
2. Develop generalist to specialist knowledge of, and practical skills in, a chosen qualification or combination of qualifications available within the programme.
3. Through prescribed modules, develop effective: Time management and organisational skills; Interpersonal skills in order to work effectively in small to large groups; computer literacy skills (specific modules prescribed); data management, analysis and interpretation skills; Information retrieval, management and critical synthesis skills.

If this information confirms that you would like to enrol for this qualification at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), you need to contact UKZN for further details.

Option 2: National Career Advice Portal:

You can also search for qualifications and universities on the National Career Advice Portal: http://ncap.careerhelp.org.za/. The NCAP is an on-line source of information on careers developed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to assist users to make informed decisions about learning and career choices. The website enables you to search for qualifications under ‘What to study’ (http://ncap.careerhelp.org.za/qualifications) and for institutions under ‘Where to study’ (http://ncap.careerhelp.org.za/learningproviders). It lists public higher education providers and public FET colleges (i.e. TVET colleges), but not private institutions.

Option 3: University and other websites

You can also search for qualifications directly on the websites of universities. Another useful resource is

http://www.smartstudent.co.za/university/. It provides guidelines for selecting a university programme and other information for students planning to enter university.

There are many specialised institutions that offer programmes for specific occupations in fields such as agriculture, nursing, policing and teaching. In addition, universities and universities of technology also offer qualifications for these occupations.

Agricultural colleges: There are specialised agricultural colleges in all the provinces, except for Gauteng and the Northern Cape. The qualifications offered by these colleges, with their contact details, are provided in the table below.

Specialised Programmes  in Agriculture
South African Agricultural Colleges
Cedara Agricultural College
Website: http://www.kzndae.gov.za/en-us/colleges/cedara.aspx	Physical Address: Cedara Farm 1 Cedara Road Hilton KZN		Telephone: 033 355 9306 033 355 9304
Qualifications offered Diploma: Agriculture Bachelor of Agriculture (offered through the University of KZN)
Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute/Cape Institute of Agricultural Training
Website: www.elsenburg.com	Physical Address: Muldersvlei Road Elsenburg Western Cape		Telephone: 021 808 5018/9
Qualifications offered Higher Certificate in Agriculture Diploma: Agriculture (Cellar Technology) Diploma: Agriculture Bachelor of Agriculture
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry
Website: www.fortcox.ac.za	Physical Address: Cwaru Road Middledrift (near King Williams Town) Eastern Cape				Telephone: 040 653 8033/4
Qualifications offered Diploma: Crop Production Diploma: Animal Production Diploma: Forestry
Glen College of Agriculture
Website not available	Physical Address: Brandfort Road Glen (25km North of Bloemfontein)				Telephone: 051 861 8637 051 861 8328
Qualifications: Details not provided
Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute
Website not available	Physical Address: Rosemead Road Middleburg East Cape				Telephone: 049 842 6725 049 842 1113
Qualifications offered Diploma: Agriculture
Lowveld College of Agriculture (Amalgamated with University of Mpumalanga)
Website not available	Physical Address: Cnr R40 White River Road & B725 Riverside Nelspruit Mpumalanga				Telephone: 013 753 3064
Qualifications: Details not provided
Marapyane College of Agriculture (Amalgamated with University of Mpumalanga)
Website not available	Physical Address: Stuinplass Road Skulpadfontein Marapyane Mpumalanga				Telephone: 012 010 0010
Qualifications: Details not provided
Madzivhandila College of Agriculture
Website not available	Physical Address: Budeli Village Thohoyandou Limpopo				Telephone: 015 962 7200 015 294 3000
Qualifications offered Diploma: Plant Production Diploma: Animal Production
Owen Sithole College of Agriculture
Website not available	Physical Address: Old Matuba Road Empangeni KZN				Telephone: 035 795 1345 035 795 1379
Qualifications offered Diploma: Agriculture
Potchefstroom College of Agriculture
Website not available	Physical Address: 30 Chris Hani Drive Miederpark Potchefstroom North West Province				Telephone: 018 299 6556 018 297 0023 018 299 6739
Qualifications offered Diploma: Agriculture
Taung Agricultural College
Website: www.taungagricollege.co.za	Physical Address: Main Road Taung North West Province			Telephone: 053 994 9800/1 053 994 9840
Qualifications offered Diploma: Agriculture: Irrigation
Tompi Seleka Agricultural College
Website not available	Physical Address: Phetwane Village (near Marble Hall) Limpopo			Telephone: 013 268 9300/1
Qualifications offered Diploma: Plant Production Diploma: Animal Production
Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute
Website not available		Physical address: Tsolo (near Umthata) Eastern Cape		Telephone: 047 542 6285
Qualifications offered Diploma: Animal Health

 

More details on these colleges are available on: http://www.careerhelp.org.za/page/education-training/fet/agricultural-colleges/1642217-Agricultural-Colleges.

Most agricultural colleges also offer short courses to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas relevant to agriculture in the region. Examples of some of the short sources offered by Cedara Agricultural College are:

• Agricultural Co-Operative Management,
• Hydroponics,
• Composting,
• Pig Production,
• Soil Classification,
• Basic Beef Production,
• Farm Record-Keeping,
• Tomato Processing, and
• Vegetable & Fruit Drying.

Specialised programmes in nursing

The South African Nursing Council (SANC) has the responsibility to oversee the quality of education and training in nursing and to accredit all institutions offering such training. This ensures that learners receive training that meets all the requirements for registration as a practitioner in South Africa.

The SANC website provides lists of all accredited public and private nursing education institutions per province: http://www.sanc.co.za/neis.htm.

Qualifications in nursing are offered by most public universities, many universities of technology and private institutions, such as Netcare. The following list indicates the range of qualifications offered:

• Bridging Diploma in Nursing (two or three-year programme, Level 5),
• Higher Certificate in Nursing (one-year programme, Level 5),
• Diploma in Nursing (programmes ranging from three to four years, Level 6),
• Further National Higher Diploma: Nursing (two-year programme, Level 6),
• Advanced Diploma in specialist areas of nursing (e.g. critical care or operating theatre nursing) (one-year programme, Level 7),
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery (four-year programme, Level 8),
• Bachelor of Nursing Honours (one-year programme, Level 8), and
• Masters and Doctoral degrees are also offered in nursing.

Qualifications on lower NQF levels are also offered for students with or without a matric who need to complete basic training in order to enter a career in nursing. Some examples are:

• National Certificate (Vocational): Primary Health (one-year programme, Level 2),
• National Certificate: Auxiliary Nursing (one-year programme, Level 3), and
• Further Education and Training Certificate: Nursing (one-year programme, Level 4).

Specialised programmes in policing

The first police university in South Africa was opened on 30 January 2014 in Paarl in the Western Cape. The university will offer a Bachelor Police Science Degree as well as accredited leadership and management programmes which will be tailored to suit the developing needs of the police. The programmes are offered in partnership between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the University of South African (UNISA). More information is provided on: http://www.saps.gov.za/paarl/index.php.

Many public universities and private higher education institutions offer qualifications in policing, as indicated in examples in the table below taken from the website of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

SAQA ID	Qualification Title	NQF Level	Institution	Duration
59989	National Certificate: Resolving of Crime	Level 05	SAPS In Service Training Provision Institution	one year
62408	National Diploma: Policing	Level 06	University of South Africa	three years
72627	National Diploma: Policing	Level 06	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)	three years
50194	Bachelor: Policing Practices	Level 07	Southern Business School	three years
90533	Postgraduate Diploma: Traffic Policing	Level 08	Lyceum College	one year
62360	Master of Technology: Policing	Level 09	University of South Africa	one year

Specialised programmes in teaching

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) stated in its 2011-2025 Strategic Planning Framework for Teacher Education and Development that there are 21 higher education institutions offering initial teacher education programmes. However, the Department confirmed that there is still a shortage of new teachers entering the profession.

Almost all public universities, some universities of technology, and some private institutions offer qualifications in education. These qualifications range from Level 5 to Level 10, and include:

• Certificate in education (one-year programme, Level 5),
• Advanced Certificate in Education (one-year programme, Level 6),
• Diploma: Specialised Education : Remedial Education (one-year programme, Level 7),
• Advanced Diploma in Education in Special Needs Education (one-year programme, Level 7),
• Higher Diploma (four-year programme, Level 7),
• Bachelor of Education (three-year programme, Level 7),
• Bachelor of Education Honours (three-year programme, Level 8),
• Post-Graduate Certificate: Education (one-year programme, Level 7),
• Post-graduate Diploma (one-year programme, Level 58), and
• Masters (Level 9) and Doctoral degrees in Education (Level 10).

There are numerous internal and external mechanisms for the quality assurance of higher education institutions, the programmes they offer and the qualifications they issue.

• External mechanisms: The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has the mandate to ensure the quality of higher education institutions. The Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) has overall responsibility for ensuring the quality of teaching and learning. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has procedures for quality assuring the qualifications that are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Many South African universities are also members of international bodies that require them to meet strict quality criteria, e.g. the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).
• Internal mechanisms: All universities have units responsible for quality assurance of learning and teaching, and they establish and enforce processes and procedures to ensure quality.