You have worked hard to earn your degree and are now ready to explore new academic or career opportunities in South Africa. Foreign degree recognition in South Africa ensures that your international education, skills and work experience meet South African standards.
Education systems around the world can differ significantly. Grading systems, course structures and degree types vary, which makes it difficult for South African institutions to accurately assess international academic records. Consequently, they rely on foreign degree recognition processes to interpret foreign qualifications in a clear and standardised way.
Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional, it is important to understand how the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluates and recognises foreign qualifications.
Foreign degree recognition by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is the official body responsible for overseeing the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa. One of its key functions is foreign degree recognition in South Africa and to determine their equivalence with South African qualifications.
SAQA helps individuals who were educated abroad to have their degrees and transcripts recognised in South Africa. SAQA provides credential evaluation reports that translate foreign qualifications into South African equivalents, making it easier for employers, educational institutions, and licensing bodies to understand your qualifications.
Based in Pretoria, SAQA is the only government agency mandated with foreign degree recognition in South Africa.
Cost of SAQA Foreign Degree Evaluation
One of the first questions on everyone’s mind is, “How much will this cost?” Currently, the evaluation fee for a foreign qualification is typically around R1,050 to R1,200. This fee covers the assessment service itself and must be paid when you submit your application.
Additional costs may arise depending on whether you need sworn translation or courier service. Therefore, it is wise to budget a little extra for these possible expenses.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Patience is key here. SAQA usually takes between 15 and 20 working days to evaluate foreign qualifications. The turnaround is guaranteed if they receive all the required documents. However, delays may occur if your qualifications are from institutions with more complex verification requirements.
Pro tip: submit your application with all the original documents and certified copies, and follow SAQA’s checklist to avoid unnecessary delays.
Validity of SAQA Recognition
Once your foreign qualification has been recognised by SAQA, the institution gives you a Statement of Evaluation that confirms its South African equivalence. This document does not have an expiry date and remains valid indefinitely, as long as the qualification itself remains relevant.
However, if significant changes occur in your field of study, or if you apply for professional registration, some institutions or professional bodies may require an updated evaluation. Therefore, while SAQA recognition itself does not expire, it is a good idea to stay informed about any sector-specific requirements.
The importance of translation for foreign degree recognition in South Africa
South African credential evaluators need to understand several things about your qualifications. This includes the courses you took, the grades you achieved and how your degree compares to South African educational standards. Without accurate English translations, they cannot do their job.
The original degree and its English translation must be submitted together. The original document proves authenticity, while the English translation makes the content accessible for proper degree evaluation.
SAQA authorities typically require the translation to be a complete and accurate representation of the original document.
Certified professional translator perfoms the translation and must formally attest to their qualifications and the accuracy of their work.
Certified translations for SAQA
At Frenchside, we offer certified translations prepared specifically for foreign degree recognition. Our work adheres to the formatting and accuracy standards required by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Contact us today for more information.
Tel: 012 348 3134 | Mobile: 081 347 6060 | Email: info@frenchside.co.za