SAQA — South African Qualifications Authority

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is responsible for the development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). For immigration purposes, SAQA evaluates foreign qualifications to determine their equivalence to South African standards.

Why SAQA Evaluation Matters

A SAQA evaluation certificate is required for most work visa applications, including Critical Skills Work Visas and General Work Visas. It confirms that your foreign qualification is recognised in South Africa.

The Evaluation Process

1. Submit your qualification documents through the SAQA website
2. SAQA contacts the issuing institution to verify authenticity
3. An evaluation certificate is issued, stating the NQF level equivalent
4. Processing takes approximately 8-12 weeks

Fees

The SAQA evaluation fee is approximately R1,280. Additional fees may apply for urgent processing or additional qualifications.

Common Issues

• Qualifications from unrecognised institutions may not be evaluated
• Professional qualifications may also require registration with a South African professional body (e.g., HPCSA, ECSA)