In short
Employers and public-service adverts may ask candidates with foreign qualifications to provide a SAQA evaluation. The applicant is commonly responsible for starting that process.
Check the advert early
Evaluation can take time, so do not wait until the closing date to investigate. Use SAQA’s official information for the current application method, evidence and fees.
Keep the original qualification name on your CV and state that evaluation is complete or in progress only when that is true.
Protect your documents
Upload records only through the official process or a channel specifically named by the employer. Be cautious of agents promising guaranteed results.
An evaluation explains how a foreign qualification compares in the South African framework; it does not guarantee appointment or professional registration.
Know what SAQA’s decision does—and does not do
SAQA explains foreign evaluation as verification of the issuing body and award, followed by comparison and location within the South African NQF. The resulting certificate records the recognition decision.
That evaluation does not replace an employer’s selection rules, admission decision or professional licensing. A recognised foreign qualification may still need to meet the separate requirements of the institution, professional body or employer.
Separate evaluation from job eligibility
SAQA evaluation can establish recognition and comparison, but a second authority may still decide admission, licensing or employment.
Is the award a foreign qualification covered by the evaluation service rather than a short course or membership?
Are you using your own details and the current official SAQA system instead of an unofficial agent?
Have you checked the live document, authentication, tariff and processing guidance before making time-sensitive plans?
Does the employer or professional body require an additional registration, licence or discipline-specific decision?
Your practical action plan
- 1
Confirm that the award is a foreign qualification within SAQA’s definition rather than a short course or professional membership.
- 2
Use your own contact details and the current SAQA authentication system; SAQA says qualification holders lodge their own applications.
- 3
Follow the live document, tariff and payment guidance in the application system because these can change.
- 4
Keep the application reference and electronic certificate secure, then provide it only through legitimate study, licensing or employment processes.
Mistakes to avoid
Using a third-party account
SAQA’s current guidance requires qualification holders to apply using their own unique contact details.
Submitting the wrong award type
Short courses, workshops and professional designations are not treated as foreign qualifications for this service.
Assuming evaluation grants a job or licence
The employer, institution or professional body still applies its own requirements.
Application checklist
- Official SAQA route
- Complete qualification records
- Identity documents
- Translations where required
- Employer deadline
- Separate professional registration requirements
Questions people ask
Who can apply for the evaluation?
SAQA states that qualification holders lodge applications using their own unique contact details, with limited guardian involvement where relevant.
What does SAQA check?
The process verifies the status and authenticity of the institution, qualification and documents, then compares the award within the South African NQF.
Will I receive a printed certificate?
SAQA’s current service information says certificates of evaluation are electronic. Check the live system for any updated delivery instructions.
Where can I find current fees and documents?
Use SAQA’s official evaluation page and application system. Avoid old tariff PDFs or unofficial agents because the requirements can change.
Does a SAQA certificate make a foreign qualification identical to a South African one?
It records SAQA’s recognition and comparison outcome; it does not rewrite the original award or force every employer, institution or professional body to accept it for a specific purpose.
Official sources
Rules, fees and processes can change. Use these primary sources for the current position:
