What NQF Level Is Grade 12?

NQF stands for the National Qualifications Framework, which serves as South Africa’s system for categorizing various levels of educational achievements, managed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

The framework comprises ten levels of learning, and it is essential for each South African to determine their level of qualification to understand their skills and potential career paths.

Grade 12, commonly known as Matric, is categorized under NQF Level 4.

Here’s a breakdown of the NQF levels:

General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework

NQF Level 1: General Certificate (Completed Grade 9)
NQF Level 2: Elementary Certificate (Completed Grade 10)
NQF Level 3: Intermediate Certificate (Completed Grade 11)
NQF Level 4: National Certificate (Completed Grade 12/Matric)
Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework

NQF Level 5: Higher Certificate
NQF Level 6: Diploma or Advanced Certificate
NQF Level 7: Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma
NQF Level 8: Honours Degree or Post-Graduate Diploma
NQF Level 9: Master’s Degree
NQF Level 10: Doctoral Degree
In summary, the higher the NQF level you achieve, the more qualified and skilled you become.