About
What you should do
How long does it take
How much does it cost
Forms to complete
Who to contact
About evaluation of foreign qualifications
If you have foreign qualifications and wish to study or work in South Africa, you might have to apply to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to have your qualifications evaluated. When you apply for some work permits in South Africa, immigration policy requires you to submit a Saqa certificate of evaluation as part of your application.
If you wish to attend a South African educational institution, you will need the Saqa to evaluate your qualification if the institution you have applied to requires you to do so.
Professional bodies may also require you to get a Saqa evaluation of your foreign qualification before you are allowed to practice your profession.
The purpose of the Saqa evaluation is to determine the level of the National Qualifications Framework at which foreign qualifications should be recognised.
This service is offered by the Directorate of Foreign Qualifications Evaluation and Advisory Services (DFQEAS) at the SAQA.
Note: To apply for the evaluation of foreign qualifications, study the procedural guidelines and tariff structure contained in the application form.
What you should do
- Obtain the application form from Saqa, or complete your application online (recommended).
- Complete all the sections of the application form.
- Ensure that proof of the necessary payment (always to be made in ZAR currency) accompanies the application.
- Provide legible and certified true copies of all documents required.
- Provide a copy of a legitimate identification document (ID).
Certificates in foreign languages must be accompanied by sworn translations into English.
Note: The Saqa needs both the document in the original language and the sworn translation.
How long does it take
- Normal application: 30 working days.
- Urgent application: 20 working days.
- Priority application: 10 working days.
- Special application: 48 hours (send a notification to specialrequests@saqa.org.za).
How much does it cost
The cost is available on the Saqa website.
Forms to complete
Evaluation of foreign qualifications form is available South African Qualifications Authority.
| National office | |
| Tel | 012 431 5070 |
| Fax | 012 431 5147 |
| verifications@saqa.co.za | |
| City/town | Pretoria |
| Province | Gauteng |
| Physical address | South African Qualifications Authority, Quality Assurance and Development, Hatfield Forum West, 1067 Arcardia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria |
| Postal address | Postnet Suite 248, Private Bag X06, Waterkloof, 014 |
| Website | https://www.saqa.org.za/ |
