Ensuring that your qualification has SAQA accreditation is crucial for job opportunities, further education, and professional recognition in South Africa. Many people assume their diploma or degree is valid, only to face rejection when applying for jobs or university programs. To avoid this, you must check if your qualification is accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
This guide will take you through the steps to verify SAQA accreditation, why it matters, and what to do if your qualification is not recognized.
Why SAQA Accreditation Matters
SAQA accreditation is essential because it ensures that a qualification meets the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) standards. Without SAQA accreditation, your qualification may not be recognized by:
- Employers looking for qualified candidates
- Universities and colleges for further studies
- Professional councils and government institutions
A non-accredited qualification can lead to:
- Rejection for job applications
- Ineligibility for promotions or salary increases
- Financial loss due to invalid education
To prevent these issues, always verify SAQA accreditation before enrolling in a course or listing your qualification on your CV.
How to Check if Your Qualification Has SAQA Accreditation
1. Visit the SAQA Website
The fastest way to verify SAQA accreditation is by visiting the SAQA official website: www.saqa.org.za.
- Click on “Qualifications and Part Qualifications”
- Use the search bar to enter the name of your qualification or institution
- Check if the qualification appears in the search results
Each registered qualification will have:
- An NQF Level (e.g., Level 6 for a Diploma, Level 7 for a Bachelor’s Degree)
- A SAQA ID number
- A registration period
If your qualification does not appear, it may not have SAQA accreditation.
2. Verify the Accreditation of Your Institution
Many institutions claim to offer accredited qualifications, but not all are officially recognized. To check if your university, college, or training provider is accredited:
- Visit the Council on Higher Education (CHE) website: www.che.ac.za
- Check if the institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Verify that the institution appears under Universities, TVET Colleges, or Private Institutions
If your institution is not listed, it might be offering unaccredited qualifications.
3. Contact SAQA for Direct Verification
If you cannot find your qualification online, contact SAQA directly:
- Email: helpdesk@saqa.org.za
- Phone: 012 431 5000
- Office Address: 1067 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
When contacting SAQA, provide:
- The full name of your qualification
- The name of the institution where you studied
- The year you completed the qualification
Understanding SAQA Accreditation and NQF Levels
SAQA accreditation classifies qualifications according to NQF levels, which determine their academic standing:
| NQF Level | Qualification Type |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Grade 9 / Adult Basic Education |
| Level 2 | Grade 10 / N1 Certificate |
| Level 3 | Grade 11 / N2 Certificate |
| Level 4 | Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate (NSC) |
| Level 5 | Higher Certificate / N4, N5, N6 |
| Level 6 | National Diploma / Advanced Certificate |
| Level 7 | Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma |
| Level 8 | Honours Degree / Postgraduate Diploma |
| Level 9 | Master’s Degree |
| Level 10 | Doctorate (PhD) |
If your qualification does not fall within these levels, it might not have SAQA accreditation.
What to Do If Your Qualification Does Not Have SAQA Accreditation
If your qualification is not SAQA-accredited, follow these steps:
1. Contact Your Institution
Check with your college or university to find out if they have applied for SAQA accreditation. Some institutions are still undergoing the accreditation process.
2. Apply for SAQA Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
If you obtained your qualification outside South Africa, you need to apply for SAQA Foreign Qualification Evaluation.
- Visit the SAQA Foreign Qualifications Application page
- Submit your certified documents
- Pay the evaluation fee
- Wait for an official SAQA certificate
This SAQA accreditation certificate confirms that your foreign qualification meets South African standards.
3. Upgrade to a Recognized Qualification
If your qualification is not accredited, consider upgrading to a recognized NQF program. Many institutions offer bridging courses to move to accredited programs.
4. Report Unregistered Institutions
If an institution falsely claimed to have SAQA accreditation, report it to:
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Email: heenquiries@dhet.gov.za
- Call Centre: 0800 872 222
This helps protect other students from fraudulent institutions.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Matric Certificate in South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does it take to check SAQA accreditation?
Searching for a qualification on the SAQA website takes just a few minutes. If you apply for SAQA evaluation, it can take 10 to 30 working days.
2. Can I get a job without SAQA accreditation?
Most employers require SAQA-accredited qualifications. Without it, you may struggle to secure jobs or promotions.
3. What if my qualification is not on the SAQA database?
If you cannot find your qualification online, contact SAQA. Some qualifications are still in the approval process.
4. How much does SAQA foreign qualification evaluation cost?
The SAQA evaluation fee is usually between R1000 to R2000, depending on the qualification type.
Final Thoughts on SAQA Accreditation
Checking for SAQA accreditation is an important step in securing a valid and recognized qualification in South Africa. Whether you are looking for a job, planning further studies, or applying for international recognition, verifying SAQA accreditation can save you time and money.
If your qualification is not accredited, explore your options early to avoid setbacks. Always research institutions before enrolling, and stay informed to protect your academic and career future.
