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
• 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 by SAQA to:

• Verify foreign qualifications by ensuring the following
  1. Issuing bodies are accredited/ recognised in the national systems they operate in
  2. Qualifications are legitimately issued by those issuing bodies and part of the national qualifications of that country
  3. Qualifications documents are in order and awards claimed by individuals are genuine
• 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 applications can low lodge online applications at www.saqa.org.za Evaluation of Foreign Qualification>Apply for an evaluation. Qualification holders must apply for their own evaluations and not use third parties for this purpose.