New and changed qualifications conform to the requirements of the HEQF and have New NQF levels. Old qualifications are not HEQF aligned and have lower Old NQF levels. Qualifications indicating the old NQF levels will continue to receive the same recognition as those who will be awarded their qualifications in terms of the new NQF levels.
| NQF level | Vocational | Professional | General |
| 10 | Doctoral degree | Doctoral degree | |
| 9 | Master’s degree | Master’s degree | |
| 8 |
Postgraduate diploma | Postgraduate diploma Bachelor’s degree |
Honours degree Bachelor’s degree |
| 7 | Advanced diploma | Bachelor’s degree Advanced diploma |
Bachelor’s degree |
| 6 | Diploma (240 credits) | Diploma (360 credits) | |
| 6 | Advanced certificate (120 credits) | ||
| 5 | Higher certificate (120 credits) |