This article explains the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to employers seeking to understand the NQF education levels when hiring graduates. We know it can be challenging for employers, and want you to make informed hiring decisions. The NQF helps categorise educational levels, making it easier to identify the qualifications and capabilities of potential hires.
Whether you're looking for experienced or inexperienced graduates, knowing how to utilise the NQF framework effectively makes all the difference in building a competent workforce.
What is the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and Why It Matters
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a system used in South Africa to organise qualifications based on their complexity and level of learning achieved. The NQF consists of 10 levels, each representing a different stage of education and training.
Students can opt for the National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Qualification after completing Grade 9. The NCV provides workplace-based skill sets in various career fields that are in demand in South Africa. For the purpose of this article we will only focus on NQF.
What is the objective of NQF Framework?
- to apply a single integrated national framework for learning achievements,
- facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within, education, training and career paths,
- enhance the quality of education and training, and
- accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. Source
Here is the guide to the 10 NQF Education Levels:
- NQF Level 1: Is achieved upon completion of Grade 9
- NQF Level 2: Is achieved once students complete Grade 10 including NCV Qualifications 2.
- NQF Level 3: Is achieved once students complete Grade 11 or N2 including NCV Qualifications 3.
- NQF Level 4: Is achieved once students complete Grade 12 (Matric), including NCV Qualifications 4.
- NQF Level 5: Is achieved upon completion of a Higher Certificate, Advanced (NVC) or an N4-N6 National Qualification, mainly offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
- NQF Level 6: This is achieved once students complete a National Diploma or an Advanced Certificate.
- NQF Level 7: Is achieved once students complete a Bachelor's Degree, Advanced Diploma, Post Graduate Certificate, or a Bachelor of Technology
- NQF Level 8: Is achieved upon completing an Honours Degree, Post Graduate Diploma, or Professional Qualification.
- NQF Level 9: Is achieved upon completion of a Master's Degree.
- NQF Level 10: Is achieved upon completion of a Doctor's Degree.
Understanding the NQF level of a candidate's qualification helps employers hiring inexperienced graduates gauge their level of expertise and the types of tasks they are likely to handle.
The RecruitAGraduate Advantage
When hiring graduates, matching attitude, aptitude, qualifications and culture to the job and organisation is vital. RecruitAGraduate, a specialist graduate (NQF6-10) employment agency, understands the intricacies of the NQF qualifications from colleges and universities and connects companies with experienced and inexperienced graduates.
Experienced Graduates: A Fast Track to SME Growth
Graduates with work experience, such as internships, volunteering or part-time jobs, are valuable assets to SMEs looking for candidates who can quickly add value to a new role. RecruitAGraduate assesses more than just qualifications—they ensure that graduates with real-world experience are hired in positions where they can immediately contribute to your business.
Whether it's a graduate with an NQF Level 7 qualification and a year's worth of practical experience in finance, or a candidate with an NQF Level 6 diploma in IT who has completed an internship, or a graduate with five years experience looking to move into middle management, RecruitAGraduate ensures that you get the right match for your unique needs.
Inexperienced Graduates Bring Fresh Thinking and Innovation
Hiring inexperienced, fresh graduates can be a strategic move for companies that want to inject fresh ideas and diverse, innovative thinking into their teams. RecruitAGraduate specialises in identifying high-potential, inexperienced graduates and aligning them with employers who can offer growth opportunities. Inexperienced candidates, especially those with higher NQF qualifications (Level 8 or 9), often bring a solid academic foundation that can be shaped into expertise with the right mentorship.
By hiring a graduate through RecruitAGraduate, you're not just filling a position—you're investing in a candidate who has the potential to grow alongside your business. RecruitAGraduate offers data supported skills testing, psychometric testing and character testing for graduates.
Why Understanding NQF Levels is Essential for Hiring
For an SME founder or start-up, making informed decisions on who to hire is crucial to derisking hiring spend and ensuring operational efficiency and future growth. Here's how understanding NQF levels can improve your hiring process:
- Role Fit: Knowing a graduate's NQF level helps you align their qualifications with your business needs. For example, a graduate with an NQF Level 6 diploma in project management may be ideal for entry-level project coordination, while an NQF Level 8 graduate with an honours degree might excel in more analytical or research-based roles.
- Training and Development: Understanding NQF levels enables you to tailor your training programs accordingly. An NQF Level 5 graduate may require more technical training, while an NQF Level 7 graduate could be groomed for leadership.
- Clear Career Path Planning: SME owners who understand the educational backgrounds of their hires can create clearer career pathways within their organisations. Demonstrating clear career pathways leads to better retention rates as employees see growth opportunities based on their qualifications.
Partnering with RecruitAGraduate: Your Graduate Employment Solution
As a specialist graduate employment agency, RecruitAGraduate is best at supporting employers in South Africa in hiring graduates across NQF6-10 levels. Our deep understanding of the NQF framework and graduate recruitment ensures that we match candidates to jobs and careers where they can impact the industry.
With access to a vast database of both experienced and inexperienced graduates, RecruitAGraduate can provide your business with tailored solutions. We focus on ensuring that every candidate is a strong fit for the specific needs of your SME, whether it's for contract roles, internships, or full-time permanent jobs.
Understanding South Africa's NQF levels is essential for making informed hiring decisions, particularly when it comes to graduate recruitment. Whether you are looking for experienced or inexperienced graduates, RecruitAGraduate is here to simplify the process and ensure you find the perfect fit for your SME.
By leveraging RecruitAGraduate's expertise, you'll save time in the hiring process and ensure that the graduates you bring on board will drive your business forward.