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Foreign Qualification Evaluation

Matriculation Exemption (Undergraduate Study)

A matriculation exemption is a legal requirement for first-degree study at a South African University.  Students with non-South African qualifications must have their school qualifications evaluated by the Matriculation Board that will then issue a certificate of exemption to those who qualify.

Application forms for Matriculation Exemption should be sent to:
Student Enrolment Centre, Private Bag 4, WITS, 2050

Including the following supporting documentation:

  • Form M30E (this form is included in the application package for study at Wits)
  • Correctly certified copies of your educational qualifications certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
  • A correctly certified copy of your passport or birth certificate certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
  • The exemption fee is included in the non-refundable application fee charged to international applicants. This fee is applicable to all international applicants whether schooling in South Africa or not.
  • Sworn English translations of documents are required.

Please note:

  • Statements of results and high school transcripts are NOT accepted by the Matriculation Board
  • Certification by police or any ordinary Commissioner of Oaths is NOT accepted by the Matriculation Board.
  • Faxed and scanned copies are NOT acceptable
  • Students are advised to send two sets of certified copies of documents, one for application for Matriculation Exemption and one for application to programme (degree) studies

For additional information on Matriculation Exemption please visit http://mb.usaf.ac.za/exemption-process/

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Evaluation (Postgraduate Study)

Foreign Qualifications

A foreign qualification is issued by a nationally recognised institution and forms part of the national education and training system of a country other than South Africa.

If you hold a foreign qualification, you must submit proof of evaluation of your qualification by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

A foreign qualification is not:

  • Professional membership or a professional designation.
  • A certificate based on a short course; or in-service training, a workshop or seminar, or workplace integrated learning which does not form part of the requirements to obtain a qualification.
  • A South African qualification.

Foreign Qualifications Evaluation and Advisory Services

The purpose of the evaluation function is the recognition of foreign qualifications in terms of the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

SAQA performs the function as an integral part of a national recognition value chain. The focus of SAQA's role is on the location of foreign qualifications within the NQF. For admission to study; professional licensing; and employment the specific internal criteria and requirements of other relevant institutions must be met.

Evaluation is a two-phased process by SAQA to:

  1. Verify foreign qualifications by ensuring the following
    • Issuing bodies are accredited/recognised in the national systems they operate in
    • Qualifications are legitimately issued by those issuing bodies and part of the national qualifications of that country
    • Qualifications documents are in order and awards claimed by individuals are genuine
  2. Compare foreign qualifications with South African qualifications, considering the structure and outcomes of the foreign qualifications, to locate them within the South African NQF.

Prospective applicants can now lodge online applications at www.saqa.org.za > Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications > Apply for an evaluation. Qualification holders must apply for their own evaluations and not use third parties for this purpose.
Note the following:

  • Under normal circumstances, applicants must submit a physical application pack to SAQA after the online submission, either by handing it in at the SAQA offices or sending it by mail or courier.
  • However, current circumstances are not normal. SAQA suspended its walk-in service before the COVID-19 lockdown and courier services may deliver essential goods only.

In view of the above, SAQA has made the following arrangements to receive applications:

  1. After submitting their applications online, applicants must still put together the necessary documentation and e-mail this to foreignapplications@saqa.org.za. Note that this mailbox will be used exclusively for this purpose and no other communication received here will be entertained.
  2. The documentation to be attached to an application e-mail must include all the following:
    • A printout of the system-generated application form, signed by the qualification holder;
    • A printout of the consent form, completed in full and signed by the qualification holder;
    • A copy of the ID document of the qualification holder;
    • Proof of payment of the amount indicated on the application form, which is also a pro forma invoice, showing the online submission number (e.g. 202005135010) as payment reference; and
    • A complete set of qualification documents in line with the document “What must be submitted” that applicant can access on the online application system
  3. No documents need to be certified as true copies of originals. However, if originals are available applicants must please scan those instead of copies, to enhance legibility.
  4. Use the online submission number (e.g. 202005135010) as the subject line of the e-mail.
  5. Applicants will receive an electronic SAQA Certificate of Evaluation (eSCoE). SAQA will send out the paper SCoE only once delivery becomes possible. All applicants must therefore include the relevant courier fees in their payment.
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