SAQA Evaluation in South Africa
What the Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications is, who asks for it and how to get it, from the official pages. Issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
✓ From official pages✓ Each fact says where we read it
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What it is
A SAQA evaluation checks that a qualification you earned outside South Africa is genuine, then compares it with South African qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). (saqa.org.za)
In South Africa only SAQA can evaluate a foreign qualification and decide how it is recognised. (saqa.org.za)
SAQA evaluates school leaving certificates, degrees, diplomas, national certificates and vocational qualifications. It does not evaluate professional designations, short courses, workshops or licensing certificates. (saqa.org.za)
The SAQA Certificate of Evaluation (SCoE) states SAQA's recognition decision and which South African qualification on the NQF yours is comparable to. (saqa.org.za)
Since 1 July 2021 the certificate is electronic only. You find it in your account on SAQA's application portal and can download it as a PDF to share. (saqa.org.za)
Who asks for it
Public Service job adverts ask for it. In the Public Service Vacancy Circular of 24 July 2026, one department told candidates with a foreign qualification to provide a SAQA evaluation certificate at their own expense. (dpsa.gov.za)
Another advert in the same circular asks non-South African citizens and permanent residents with foreign qualifications for a SAQA evaluation report once they are shortlisted. (dpsa.gov.za)
How to get it
Apply online: on SAQA's site choose Apply for an evaluation, register as a user and lodge your application. (saqa.org.za)
Only the person who holds the qualification may apply, using their own contact details. A parent or legal guardian may be involved; agents and other third parties are not part of SAQA's process. (saqa.org.za)
Upload the signed and dated online application form, a consent form hand signed by you, and a clear copy of a valid passport, asylum seeker permit or national ID. (saqa.org.za)
Add your final graduation certificates and full academic transcripts, including the transcript legend printed on the back. Documents not in English need a sworn translation. (saqa.org.za)
What it costs
The fee depends on how many qualifications you ask SAQA to evaluate, and it is paid online through the payment system in your SAQA account. (saqa.org.za)
Some universities or schools charge their own fee to confirm that your documents are genuine. That fee is separate from SAQA's evaluation fee. (saqa.org.za)
How long it takes
SAQA says an evaluation takes 3 months from the day it receives and registers a complete application. (saqa.org.za)
It can take longer while SAQA waits for the institution that awarded the qualification to confirm it. (saqa.org.za)
How long it lasts
SAQA can revoke a certificate if evidence comes to light that compromises its integrity. (saqa.org.za)
If something on it is wrong
If you disagree with the outcome you can appeal within 90 calendar days of the email with your results. Only the qualification holder can appeal, not an agent, employer or lawyer. (saqa.org.za)
An appeal takes 60 days once a complete appeal is received. (saqa.org.za)
How an employer checks it
An employer can scan the QR code on your electronic certificate with a smartphone to see the evaluation outcome as it stands today. (saqa.org.za)
Organisations and government departments can also ask SAQA to verify a certificate by email. It costs R105 per certificate and takes 48 hours after payment is confirmed. You cannot ask for verification of your own certificate. (saqa.org.za)
South African qualifications are not evaluated. Employers verify them with SAQA against the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD). (saqa.org.za)
Be careful
Register with your own contact details. SAQA is not responsible for help from agents or other third parties, paid or not. (saqa.org.za)
Who to call
Questions about foreign evaluations go to [email protected]. SAQA's phone number is +27 12 431 5000. (saqa.org.za)
SAQA's office is at Lourie Place, 189 Lunnon Road, Hillcrest Office Park, Pretoria. (saqa.org.za)
Where this comes from
Every fact above was read on an official page, linked beside it; we last checked them on October 27, 2026. Fees and times change: the official site has the final word. We are not the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and cannot apply for you, see your application or speed it up.
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