Introduction
Foreigners applying for a Critical Skills Work Visa in South Africa require their foreign qualifications to be evaluated and aligned with an equivalent South African qualification. This article explores what SAQA is, its function, the significance of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), and how these impact your eligibility and subsequently your Critical Skills Work Visa application.
What is the Role of SAQA?
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory body established under the South African Qualifications Authority Act of 1995. Its primary mandate is to oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa. NQF levels serve as a national system for classifying and standardising qualifications across various sectors of education and training in South Africa.
One of SAQA’s functions is the evaluation and recognition of foreign qualifications. This is required for individuals seeking employment in South Africa.
Understanding the NQF Levels
SAQA assesses whether the applicant’s foreign qualifications are comparable to South African standards and where they fit within the NQF framework.
The NQF framework is made up of ten levels, from basic education to advanced degrees. This framework ensures that qualifications are comparable across different sectors of education and training.
Here’s a brief overview of some South African NQF levels and their corresponding qualifications:
| NQF Level | Qualification |
| 1 | General Education Certificate (GEC) or Grade 9 |
| 4 | Matric Certificate (South Africa’s high school completion certificate) |
| 7 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| 8 | Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma |
| 9 | Master’s Degree |
| 10 | Doctoral Degree (PhD) |
SAQA’s Evaluation Process and the Critical Skills Visa
For Critical Skills Work Visa applications, the South African Department of Home Affairs requires that the applicant’s foreign qualifications be recognised and matched to the appropriate NQF level. This evaluation is carried out by SAQA and must be completed before beginning your visa application.
The evaluation involves two phases:
- Verification: SAQA verifies that the institution awarding your qualification is recognised in its home country and that the qualification itself is legitimate.
- Comparison: SAQA compares your foreign qualifications with South African equivalents to determine their placement within the NQF.
Disparities Between South African and Foreign Qualifications
Foreign applicants often encounter a “mismatch” between their foreign qualification and the NQF level provided by SAQA. For example, many categories on the Critical Skills list require an NQF Level 8, which typically corresponds to an Honours Degree in South Africa. However, an Honours Degree in South Africa is a specific postgraduate qualification that requires an additional year of study beyond a Bachelor’s Degree. In contrast, in many other countries, the term “Honours” is often used as a classification of merit within a degree programme rather than a separate qualification.
Many applicants assume their qualification meets the criteria for a Critical Skills Work Visa based on their understanding of “Honours” in their home country, only to discover through SAQA’s evaluation that their qualification is equivalent to just a Bachelor’s Degree in South Africa.
This discrepancy underscores the importance of understanding the specific NQF requirements before applying for a Critical Skills Work Visa.
In-Depth Examples of NQF Requirements for Popular Jobs
Let’s explore the typical NQF requirements for some popular professions on the Critical Skills List:
Software Developers
A minimum of NQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree) is required to qualify as a software developer in South Africa.
Engineers
For most engineering positions, you are expected to have an NQF Level 8 qualification. In South Africa, this would typically be an Honours Degree in Engineering. However, foreign engineers might find their Bachelor’s Degrees only equate to NQF Level 7, necessitating further study to meet the requirements.
Project Managers
Project Managers are required to have an NQF Level 8 qualification, which typically corresponds to an Honours Degree or a Postgraduate Diploma.
University Lecturers
Academic roles typically demand either an NQF Level 9 or an NQF Level 10 (Doctoral Degree). Foreign academics with only a Master’s Degree might find their qualifications insufficient for some positions.
A Summary of SAQA
SAQA’s evaluation aligns foreign qualifications with South African standards and determines your eligibility for a Critical Skills Work Visa. This evaluation, and the subsequent NQF level granted, is a key requirement for your Critical Skills Work Visa application.
However, remember to note that disparities in qualification terminology between South Africa and other countries may mean you do not qualify, and makes it even more important to consult SAQA’s guidelines before proceeding with your application.
Written by Kristin Rasool, Director, South Africa
