NQF Level 10 in South Africa: Doctoral Qualification Framework, Requirements, and Career Pathways

NQF Level 10 is the highest qualification level on South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework and applies exclusively to doctoral degrees that require original research contributions.

This level represents the apex of academic achievement within the framework administered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and governed by the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) under the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

Doctoral qualifications at NQF Level 10 require candidates to produce original research that advances knowledge in a specific field.

The most common qualification is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), though professional doctorates such as the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Education (EdD) also fall under this classification.

Entry into NQF Level 10 requires completion of a Master’s degree at NQF Level 9, typically with a research component scoring 65% or higher.

The framework positions NQF Level 10 above all other qualification levels in South Africa. Level 7 encompasses Bachelor’s degrees, Level 8 includes Honours degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas, and Level 9 covers Master’s degrees. NQF Level 10 stands alone as the terminal credential, distinguished by its emphasis on independent research capability and scholarly leadership.

SAQA’s level descriptors specify that NQF Level 10 graduates must demonstrate theoretical innovation, intellectual integrity, full responsibility for independent research, and the capacity to contribute to the frontiers of their field.

These descriptors form the basis for quality assurance across all South African universities offering doctoral programs.

Understanding the National Qualifications Framework Levels

The National Qualifications Framework is a ten-level classification system that organizes all South African qualifications by complexity, learning outcomes, and depth of knowledge. The framework enables consistent comparison across education sectors and supports both local and international credential recognition.

How the NQF Framework Is Structured

The NQF spans from Level 1 to Level 10, with each level representing increased cognitive demand and autonomy. Levels 1 through 4 cover basic education and vocational training. Levels 5 and 6 encompass Further Education and Training (FET) certificates and National Diplomas. Levels 7 through 10 constitute higher education qualifications.

Higher education levels break down as follows:

• NQF Level 7: Bachelor’s degrees requiring 360 to 480 credits over three to four years
• NQF Level 8: Honours degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas requiring 120 credits beyond a Bachelor’s degree
• NQF Level 9: Master’s degrees requiring 180 credits beyond an Honours degree
• NQF Level 10: Doctoral degrees requiring 360 credits focused on original research

NQF Level 10 Compared to NQF Level 9

NQF Level 10 differs from Level 9 by requiring original research that generates new knowledge rather than advanced application of existing knowledge.

A Master’s degree at Level 9 demonstrates research competence through a dissertation that typically synthesizes existing literature and applies established methodologies.

A doctoral degree at Level 10 demands theoretical innovation, methodological advancement, or empirical discoveries that contribute original insights to a discipline.

The HEQSF specifies that Level 9 qualifications develop “specialized knowledge” and “research capability,” while Level 10 qualifications require “highly specialized knowledge” and “the creation of new knowledge through original research.”

This distinction appears in thesis examination criteria, where doctoral examiners assess whether the work makes a sufficient original contribution to warrant the degree.

Research at NQF Level 10 must address a defined research problem, apply rigorous methodologies appropriate to the discipline, and produce findings suitable for peer review in academic journals or scholarly books.

Universities enforce these standards through examination processes involving at least two external examiners who are recognized experts in the candidate’s field.

Doctoral Qualifications at NQF Level 10

All doctoral qualifications in South Africa are classified at NQF Level 10, including research-focused PhDs and practice-oriented professional doctorates. SAQA recognizes three main types of doctoral credentials at this level.

Research Doctorates (PhD and DPhil)

Research doctorates focus entirely on producing original research documented in a doctoral thesis. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) are equivalent designations used by different South African universities. These qualifications contain minimal or no coursework beyond research methodology training in the first year.

Common research doctorate programs include:

• PhD in Engineering Sciences at Stellenbosch University
• PhD in Education at the University of the Witwatersrand
• DPhil in Law at the University of Pretoria
• PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Cape Town

Assessment centers on a thesis typically ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 words, depending on disciplinary conventions. Examination involves at least two external examiners who independently evaluate whether the research meets NQF Level 10 standards. Some universities require a viva voce (oral examination) where candidates defend their research before an examination panel.

Professional Doctorates

Professional doctorates integrate advanced research with professional practice in fields such as business, education, and public administration. These qualifications maintain the same NQF Level 10 research standards as traditional PhDs but apply scholarly inquiry to real-world organizational or professional contexts.

Recognized professional doctorates include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Johannesburg
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) at the University of South Africa
• Doctor of Education (EdD) at North-West University
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Professional doctorates often include structured coursework in advanced research methods and professional theory during the first 12 to 18 months, followed by independent research leading to a thesis. The research component addresses practical problems in professional settings while maintaining academic rigor and contributing to both theoretical and applied knowledge.

Higher Doctorates and Honorary Degrees

Higher doctorates recognize sustained scholarly achievement beyond a PhD through a substantial body of published research. Examples include the Doctor of Science (DSc), Doctor of Laws (LLD), and Doctor of Literature (DLitt). South African universities award these qualifications based on peer-reviewed publications, books, and recognized contributions to a discipline over many years.

Honorary doctorates recognize exceptional achievement in fields such as public service, arts, or humanitarian work. While honorary degrees carry the title “Doctor,” they do not meet SAQA’s NQF Level 10 learning outcomes and are not registered as formal qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework.

Credit Requirements and Learning Outcomes for NQF Level 10

NQF Level 10 qualifications carry a benchmark of 360 credits, representing approximately 3,600 notional learning hours focused on advanced research. SAQA defines one credit as 10 notional hours of learning, which includes research activity, writing, data collection, analysis, literature review, and thesis preparation.

Credit Allocation in Doctoral Programs

The 360-credit requirement for NQF Level 10 reflects the research intensity and duration of doctoral studies. Unlike undergraduate and Master’s qualifications, where credits are distributed across multiple modules, doctoral credits are typically allocated to a single research project documented in the thesis.

Some universities structure doctoral programs with initial coursework credits:

Program Component	Credits	Duration
Research methodology modules	30-60 credits	First 6-12 months
Doctoral thesis research	300-330 credits	2-5 years
Total	360 credits	3-6 years

The majority of credits remain allocated to independent research regardless of program structure. SAQA requires that all 360 credits meet Level 10 learning outcomes, distinguishing doctoral work from Master’s research at Level 9.

Exit-Level Outcomes at NQF Level 10

SAQA’s level descriptors specify that NQF Level 10 graduates must demonstrate independent research capability, mastery of research methodologies, and original contribution to knowledge in their field. These exit-level outcomes appear in the HEQSF policy document published by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in August 2013.

Specific exit-level outcomes include:

1. Scope of Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding at the most advanced frontier of a field of knowledge and an area of professional practice
2. Knowledge Literacy: Challenge current research and scholarship through the development of new concepts, processes, or methodologies
3. Method and Procedure: Design and apply appropriate research methodologies to investigate complex theoretical and practical problems
4. Problem Solving: Identify, formulate, and solve complex problems that contribute to new insights and professional advancement
5. Ethics and Professional Practice: Operate independently and ethically within the relevant codes of conduct and practice
6. Accessing, Processing, and Managing Information: Independently design, undertake, and present research that contributes to professional practice
7. Producing and Communicating Information: Generate and communicate new knowledge through publication in peer-reviewed outlets
8. Context and Systems: Demonstrate systemic understanding of the field and ability to position one’s research within national and international contexts
9. Management of Learning: Take complete responsibility for managing one’s own learning and professional development
10. Accountability: Accept accountability for determining and achieving personal and group outcomes while contributing to scholarly communities

These outcomes guide thesis examination, with examiners assessing whether candidates have met Level 10 standards across all descriptor categories.

Thesis Requirements and Examination

Doctoral candidates submit a thesis demonstrating original research that advances knowledge in their discipline. Thesis length varies by field, with sciences typically requiring 60,000 to 80,000 words and humanities often extending to 80,000 to 100,000 words. Some universities accept theses in publication formats where candidates compile three to five peer-reviewed journal articles with linking commentary.

Examination involves:

• At least two external examiners appointed from universities other than the candidate’s institution
• Independent examiner reports assessing originality, methodology, contribution to knowledge, and scholarly writing
• Possible revisions ranging from minor corrections to substantial rewriting
• Viva voce examination at some institutions, where candidates defend their research orally

The CHE’s 2016 research impact assessment framework encourages universities to evaluate the potential impact of doctoral research beyond academic circles, though examination criteria still center on scholarly contribution and methodological rigor.

Entry Requirements for NQF Level 10 Programs

Admission to NQF Level 10 requires a completed Master’s degree at NQF Level 9 with demonstrated research competence, typically evidenced by a research dissertation scoring 65% or higher. Universities assess both academic performance and research readiness when evaluating doctoral applications.

Academic Prerequisites

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree from a SAQA-recognized institution or provide evidence of an equivalent qualification. The Master’s degree must include a substantial research component, usually constituting at least 50% of the qualification. Coursework-only Master’s degrees generally do not provide sufficient research preparation for doctoral study.

Minimum academic performance standards include:

• Master’s dissertation or thesis mark of 65% to 70% or higher
• Overall Master’s qualification average of 60% to 65% or higher
• Evidence of research methodology training
• Demonstrated ability to work independently

Some universities consider exceptional candidates with Honours degrees (NQF Level 8) if they possess extensive research experience or have published peer-reviewed research. These cases require special motivation and approval from faculty research committees.

Research Proposal Requirements

All doctoral applications require a research proposal outlining the intended research problem, theoretical framework, methodology, and expected contribution to knowledge. Proposals typically range from 3,000 to 5,000 words and demonstrate the candidate’s understanding of the field and research design capability.

Essential proposal components include:

1. Research Problem: A clear statement of the research question or hypothesis addressing a gap in existing knowledge
2. Literature Review: Synthesis of current scholarship demonstrating familiarity with the field and identifying research opportunities
3. Theoretical Framework: Explanation of the conceptual lens guiding the research design and analysis
4. Methodology: Detailed description of research methods, data collection procedures, and analytical approaches appropriate to the discipline
5. Ethical Considerations: Discussion of ethical issues and how the research will comply with university and national ethics standards
6. Timeline: Realistic schedule outlining research phases and expected completion dates
7. References: Bibliography demonstrating engagement with current scholarly literature

Universities evaluate proposals on research feasibility, originality, methodological soundness, and alignment with available supervisory expertise. Weak proposals receive rejection even if applicants meet academic prerequisites.

Supervisor Availability and Institutional Capacity

Doctoral admission depends on the availability of qualified supervisors with expertise in the proposed research area. SAQA and CHE regulations require doctoral supervisors to hold doctoral degrees themselves and demonstrate active research engagement through recent publications or funded research projects.

Universities assess institutional capacity to support the proposed research, including:

• Laboratory facilities for experimental sciences
• Access to research sites or archives
• Funding for fieldwork or data collection
• Library resources and database subscriptions
• Technical support for specialized research methods

Applicants should identify potential supervisors before applying and confirm their willingness to supervise the proposed research. Many universities require a supervisor’s sign-off as part of the application process.

Funding Sources and Financial Support for NQF Level 10 Studies

Doctoral funding in South Africa comes from national research councils, university bursaries, international scholarships, and increasingly from industry partnerships tied to critical skills development. Financial support varies significantly by discipline, with priority given to fields aligned with national development priorities.

National Research Foundation Funding

The National Research Foundation (NRF) provides the largest source of doctoral funding in South Africa through several scholarship programs. The NRF allocated approximately R1.8 billion to postgraduate and postdoctoral funding in the 2024-2025 financial year.

Key NRF funding programs include:

Scarce Skills Scholarships: Target doctoral research in critical skills areas, including artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, genomics, data science, and renewable energy. Awards range from R120,000 to R150,000 per year for up to four years. The NRF prioritized these fields following the December 2025 update to DHET’s Critical Skills List.

Equity Scholarships: Support historically disadvantaged students pursuing doctoral research across all disciplines. Awards provide R90,000 to R110,000 per year with priority for Black African, Coloured, and Indian students, as well as students with disabilities.

Thuthuka Grants: Fund doctoral researchers at historically disadvantaged institutions to strengthen research capacity at these universities. Awards provide R100,000 per year plus research support funding.

NRF funding applications typically open in March each year, with announcements in August or September. Success rates vary by program and discipline, ranging from 15% to 35% depending on available funding and application quality.

University Doctoral Bursaries

South African universities offer institutional bursaries funded through research grants, donor contributions, and operating budgets. Bursary amounts and availability vary considerably across institutions.

Examples of university funding include:

• University of Cape Town: Doctoral Research Scholarships providing R90,000 to R120,000 per year for up to three years
• Stellenbosch University: Vice-Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarships offering R110,000 per year with additional research support
• University of the Witwatersrand: Postgraduate Merit Awards ranging from R70,000 to R100,000 per year
• University of Pretoria: Doctoral Bursaries providing R80,000 to R120,000 depending on academic performance

Most university bursaries require full-time enrollment and maintain minimum progress standards, including annual progress reports and completion of required research milestones.

International and Corporate Funding

International scholarship programs provide additional funding sources for South African doctoral candidates:

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): Offers scholarships for research in Germany or joint South African-German doctoral programs, providing €1,200 to €1,400 per month plus travel and research allowances.

Commonwealth Scholarships: Fund doctoral research at United Kingdom universities for students from Commonwealth countries, including South Africa, covering full fees plus living expenses.

Mandela Rhodes Scholarships: Provide R150,000 per year for leadership-focused doctoral research with mentorship and networking opportunities.

Corporate-funded doctoral programs have expanded significantly since 2024, with companies sponsoring research aligned with business needs:

• MTN sponsors doctoral research in telecommunications and artificial intelligence
• Sasol funds doctoral research in chemical engineering and sustainable chemistry
• Eskom supports doctoral research in electrical grid technology and renewable energy integration
• Anglo American sponsors mining technology and minerals processing research

These industry partnerships typically require 50% co-funding from the company and often include placement opportunities or research site access.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Study

Doctoral tuition fees at South African universities range from R20,000 to R65,000 per year for South African citizens and permanent residents. International students typically pay higher fees ranging from R40,000 to R100,000 per year, depending on the institution and field of study.

University	South African Students (Annual)	International Students (Annual)
University of Cape Town	R35,000 – R45,000	R55,000 – R85,000
University of the Witwatersrand	R30,000 – R40,000	R60,000 – R90,000
Stellenbosch University	R28,000 – R38,000	R50,000 – R80,000
University of Pretoria	R25,000 – R35,000	R45,000 – R75,000
University of South Africa	R20,000 – R30,000	R40,000 – R60,000

Additional research costs, including fieldwork, laboratory materials, conference attendance, and research equipment, vary widely by discipline. Science and engineering doctoral research may require R50,000 to R200,000 in research expenses over the degree duration, while humanities and social science research typically costs R20,000 to R80,000.

Time to Completion and Funding Duration

Most South African doctoral candidates complete NQF Level 10 qualifications within three to six years of full-time study. The HEQSF specifies a minimum duration of two years for doctoral degrees, though most universities require at least three years of registration before thesis submission.

Funding typically covers three to four years, creating financial pressure for students who require longer completion times. The 2025 DHET Skills Report found that the median completion time for doctoral degrees in South Africa was 4.8 years, with significant variation across disciplines:

• Natural sciences: 4.2 years median
• Engineering: 4.5 years median
• Health sciences: 4.8 years median
• Humanities: 5.4 years median
• Social sciences: 5.2 years median

Delayed completion often results from inadequate supervision, scope changes, data collection challenges, or funding interruptions. Universities increasingly monitor completion rates and provide structured support, including writing retreats, peer review groups, and thesis completion workshops.

International Equivalence and Recognition of NQF Level 10

NQF Level 10 is internationally equivalent to doctoral qualifications in major higher education systems, including the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and Australia.

SAQA maintains equivalence frameworks supporting global academic and professional mobility for South African doctoral graduates.

Global Qualification Framework Comparisons

International equivalence enables South African doctoral graduates to compete for postdoctoral positions, academic appointments, and research roles worldwide. SAQA aligns NQF Level 10 with international frameworks through bilateral agreements and participation in global qualification networks.

Country/Region	Equivalent Level	Qualification Framework
United Kingdom	Level 8	Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
European Union	Level 8	European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
United States	Doctoral Degree	Carnegie Classification (no numbered levels)
Australia	Level 10	Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
New Zealand	Level 10	New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)

These equivalencies reflect shared characteristics, including original research requirements, thesis examination by external experts, and demonstration of independent research capability. Employers and universities in these countries generally recognize South African doctoral degrees without requiring additional qualifications.

SAQA Verification for International Recognition

SAQA provides official verification services for South African qualifications presented to foreign employers, universities, or professional bodies. The SAQA NQF Register contains all registered qualifications and enables third parties to confirm that a doctoral degree meets NQF Level 10 standards.

SAQA’s blockchain-based verification system launched in March 2025 and reduced credential fraud by 98%, according to SAQA’s June 2025 impact report. Employers and institutions worldwide can verify South African qualifications through the online portal at saqa.org.za/verification with 24-hour turnaround times.

International applicants to South African doctoral programs must obtain an SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications to establish equivalence. SAQA assesses the level, credits, and learning outcomes of international degrees to determine if they meet entry requirements for NQF Level 10 programs.

Recognition of Prior Learning for NQF Level 10

Some universities offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathways, allowing experienced professionals to access NQF Level 10 programs without traditional Master’s degrees. RPL assesses whether candidates possess equivalent knowledge and research competence through professional experience, publications, or other achievements.

RPL for doctoral admission typically requires:

• At least 15 years of senior professional experience in a relevant field
• Published research in peer-reviewed outlets or equivalent professional contributions
• Portfolio demonstrating research capability and advanced expertise
• Comprehensive assessment, including interviews and examination of professional work

The University of South Africa and several other institutions have expanded RPL pathways for professional doctorates following DHET guidelines published in November 2024. These pathways particularly target senior executives seeking a Doctor of Business Administration or similar professional doctorates.

Career Outcomes and Professional Impact of NQF Level 10

Graduates of NQF Level 10 qualifications qualify for senior research positions, academic leadership roles, and advanced professional appointments across public and private sectors. The 2025 DHET Skills Report documented substantial salary premiums and career advancement for doctoral degree holders.

Academic and Research Career Pathways

Doctoral qualifications provide essential credentials for university faculty positions and research leadership roles. The CHE requires all South African universities to maintain minimum proportions of doctoral-qualified academic staff, creating sustained demand for PhD graduates in higher education.

Common academic positions for NQF Level 10 graduates include:

Lecturer: Entry-level academic position requiring a doctoral degree at most research-intensive universities. Annual salaries range from R450,000 to R650,000 depending on institution and experience.

Senior Lecturer: Mid-career academic position combining teaching, research, and postgraduate supervision. Salaries range from R650,000 to R850,000 annually.

Associate Professor: Senior academic position requiring sustained research output and an established supervisory track record. Compensation ranges from R850,000 to R1,200,000 per year.

Full Professor: Top academic rank requiring national or international research recognition, usually measured through NRF rating or equivalent peer recognition. Salaries range from R1,400,000 to R2,500,000 annually at major research universities.

Research positions outside universities include:

• Research fellows at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) earning R550,000 to R900,000 annually
• Senior researchers at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) with salaries from R600,000 to R950,000
• Principal investigators at medical research institutes earning R700,000 to R1,200,000
• Research directors at science councils and government research entities earning R1,100,000 to R1,800,000

Industry and Professional Sector Roles

Doctoral degree holders increasingly work in industry research and development, strategic analysis, and senior management positions. The 2025 Stats SA Earnings Survey found that workers with NQF Level 10 qualifications earned a median salary of R1,850,000, representing a 62% premium over NQF Level 9 (Master’s degree) holders who earned a median of R1,140,000.

Industry positions for doctoral graduates include:

Research and Development: Chemical companies such as Sasol employ doctoral chemists and engineers as principal scientists with salaries from R1,200,000 to R2,200,000. Mining companies, including Anglo American and Harmony Gold, hire doctoral geologists and engineers as chief scientists earning R1,400,000 to R2,500,000.

Data Science and Analytics: Telecommunications companies, including MTN and Vodacom, recruit doctoral graduates in computer science and statistics for advanced analytics roles paying R1,100,000 to R1,900,000 annually.

Consulting and Strategy: Management consulting firms increasingly value doctoral qualifications for complex problem-solving and research-based consulting. Senior consultants with doctorates earn R1,300,000 to R2,200,000 at firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and Deloitte.

Public Sector and Policy Roles

Government departments and regulatory bodies require doctoral expertise for policy development, program evaluation, and strategic planning:

National Treasury: Employs doctoral economists and policy analysts in positions earning R850,000 to R1,500,000 annually

Department of Health: Hires doctoral public health specialists and epidemiologists with salaries from R750,000 to R1,400,000

South African Reserve Bank: Recruits doctoral economists for research and monetary policy roles, paying R900,000 to R1,700,000

Regulatory Bodies: Entities, including the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and National Energy Regulator, employ doctoral specialists earning R800,000 to R1,500,000

The Senior Management Service (SMS) in national and provincial government requires doctoral qualifications for certain director and chief director positions at salary levels 13 and 14, which range from R1,200,000 to R2,100,000 annually.

Frequently Asked Questions About NQF Level 10 in South Africa

Resources for NQF Level 10 Applicants and Researchers

Prospective doctoral candidates should consult official regulatory sources and university program information when researching NQF Level 10 opportunities. The following resources provide authoritative information on qualifications, funding, and application processes.

Official Regulatory Bodies

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA): Maintains the NQF Register of all registered qualifications and provides verification services at saqa.org.za. The SAQA website includes level descriptors, qualification search tools, and foreign qualification evaluation procedures.

Council on Higher Education (CHE): Oversees quality assurance for higher education and publishes research standards at che.ac.za. The CHE website provides access to the HEQSF policy framework and doctoral program accreditation information.

Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): Publishes policy documents, including the Critical Skills List identifying priority research areas at dhet.gov.za. The department’s website includes funding announcements and higher education statistics.

Funding and Scholarship Information

National Research Foundation: Provides comprehensive information on doctoral scholarships and application procedures at nrf.ac.za. The NRF online system enables scholarship applications and tracks funding disbursements.

DAAD South Africa: Offers information on German academic exchange programs and research funding at daad.de/southafrica. The website includes scholarship databases and application guidelines for joint South African-German doctoral programs.

University Doctoral Programs

Major research universities maintain dedicated doctoral program websites with information on admission requirements, research areas, supervisory expertise, and funding opportunities:

• University of Cape Town
• University of the Witwatersrand:
• Stellenbosch University
• University of Pretoria
• University of South Africa

These institutional websites provide discipline-specific program details, supervisor directories, and application forms for doctoral study.