If you are a foreign national planning to work or study in South Africa, you will quickly become familiar with four important letters: SAQA.
For many, the SAQA verification process is a non-negotiable first step. It can also be a significant bottleneck if not handled correctly. As immigration experts, we’ve seen countless applications delayed at this stage.
Here is a clear guide to what SAQA is, why you need it, and how to get it done.
What is SAQA?
SAQA stands for the South African Qualifications Authority. Its job is to evaluate foreign qualifications (like a degree from a university in Zimbabwe, the UK, or India) and determine their equivalent value within the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
For example, SAQA will assess your Bachelor's degree and issue a "Certificate of Evaluation" stating that it is comparable to a South African NQF Level 7 (the local equivalent of a Bachelor's degree).
Why Do I Need a SAQA Certificate?
You cannot simply present your foreign degree to a South African employer or the Department of Home Affairs. You need this official certificate for several critical reasons:
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Visas and Immigration: It is a mandatory requirement for the South African Critical Skills Visa. It is also required for many General Work Visa applications.
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Employment: Most South African employers will require a SAQA certificate to verify your qualifications and ensure you are a suitable candidate for a professional role.
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Further Study: If you plan to enroll in a South African university for a Master’s or PhD, the institution will require a SAQA evaluation of your foreign undergraduate degree.
The SAQA Verification Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process is managed online through the official SAQA website.
Gather Your Documents: This is the most crucial step. You will need clear, certified copies of your final qualification (your degree or diploma), your complete academic transcripts (records of all subjects taken and grades received), and your valid passport.
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Submit the Online Application: You must create a profile on the SAQA website and upload your documents to the correct portal.
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Pay the Application Fee: There is a non-refundable fee that must be paid to SAQA for the evaluation service.
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Wait for Your "Certificate of Evaluation": This is the most difficult part for most applicants. SAQA verification is not a fast process. The official turnaround time can be up to 90 working days (4+ months) from the time a compliant application is registered, and this does not include the time it takes for SAQA to get a response from your foreign institution.
Based on our experience, it is wise to budget between 2 and 6 months for the entire process.
The Most Common (and Costly) Mistake
The biggest delay in the SAQA process is a non-compliant application.
If your documents are not certified correctly, if your transcripts are missing, or if any information is incomplete, SAQA will reject your application. This means you must fix the error and start the entire waiting period all over again, potentially delaying your visa or job offer by months.
How NAC Travel Manages the Process for You
The SAQA verification is a common bottleneck that holds up an entire immigration application. The immigration specialists at savisa.nac-travel.org are experts in this process and manage it for you.
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Document Perfection: We ensure your documents are gathered, certified, and submitted correctly the very first time.
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Process Management: We handle the online submission and conduct all necessary follow-ups on your behalf.
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Avoid Delays: Our goal is to prevent the common mistakes that lead to rejections, ensuring your SAQA Certificate of Evaluation is ready for your visa application with no unnecessary delays.
Don't let a paperwork delay put your South African career on hold. Let our team secure your SAQA verification efficiently and professionally.