06/12/2024
Did you know the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) plays a crucial role in your visa application process? If you're planning to work in South Africa, especially under a Critical Skills Work Visa, understanding SAQA's function is your first step to success.
What Does SAQA Do?
SAQA oversees the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ensuring a national standard for qualifications across education and training sectors. For foreign nationals, SAQA evaluates and recognizes international qualifications to align them with South African standards.
Why SAQA Matters for Critical Skills Work Visas
When applying for a Critical Skills Visa, the Department of Home Affairs requires your foreign qualifications to be evaluated by SAQA. This ensures they meet the NQF level required for your occupation.
Here’s how the process works:
1️⃣ Verification: SAQA confirms the legitimacy of your qualifications and awarding institution.
2️⃣ Comparison: Your qualifications are matched to South Africa’s NQF framework, which includes 10 levels ranging from basic education to doctoral degrees.
Understanding NQF Levels
Let’s break it down:
NQF Level 4: Matric Certificate
NQF Level 7: Bachelor’s Degree
NQF Level 8: Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma
NQF Level 10: PhD
Common Challenges for Foreign Applicants
Many foreign qualifications don’t directly align with South African standards. For instance, an Honours Degree in South Africa is a separate qualification requiring additional study, unlike in other countries where “Honours” may indicate merit within a Bachelor’s programme.
This discrepancy can lead to unexpected outcomes during SAQA evaluations. Without the right NQF level, your Critical Skills Visa application may be delayed or denied.
How We Can Help
At Strategies Migration Services, we guide you through every step of the SAQA evaluation process, ensuring your qualifications meet the NQF requirements for your visa application. Don’t let mismatched qualifications hold you back—partner with us for a seamless process!
📞 Contact us: https://buff.ly/3tQfHkO
📅 Book a Free Consultation: https://buff.ly/493x8Pb
Let’s turn your dream of working in South Africa into reality!
