Are you interested in upgrading your diploma into a degree? You can move from one level to the next and keep climbing the NQF ladder. Here are a few things you should know before you make your decision.
Benefits Of Having A Degree
There are many benefits to having a Bachelor’s Degree, such as:
- Broader career options
- Better career opportunities
- More job security
Broader Career Options
Many employers are more likely to hire someone with a Degree qualification. This means having a Bachelor’s Degree will make it more likely that you will be hired for many more jobs.
Better Career Opportunities
Having a Degree will also improve your prospects for your career. You will be more likely to receive promotions and be able to move up the ladder in your career with a Degree.
More Job Security
You will have more job stability with better qualifications. The better your qualifications, the more likely a company will be to continue your employment.
Can I Turn A Diploma Into A Degree?
Yes, with a Diploma, you can further your studies and continue to the Degree level. However, this can be complicated.
The easiest way to do this would be to register at a private tertiary education institution. There is a procedure that all qualifications in South Africa have to follow, which is guided by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Can I Convert My Diploma To A Degree?
No, you cannot convert your qualification to a higher level. You can further your studies to reach that level, but you cannot convert the qualification you have. A Diploma is an NQF level 6 qualification. A Bachelor’s Degree is an NQF level 7 qualification.
If you have a Diploma, you can further your studies to the Degree level. You can also apply for RPL (recognition of prior learning) which will grant you up to 50% of the credits needed to get your Degree. This means you will only have to do half of the required modules for your Degree programme.
What Are The NQF Levels?
NQF stands for National Qualifications Framework. This is a system designed by SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority) to determine the education level of qualifications. This is so that it is easy for educational institutions and potential employers to understand the level of your qualifications. There are 10 NQF levels:
NQF Level | Educational Level |
1 | Grade 9 |
2 | Grade 10 |
3 | Grade 11 |
4 | Matric |
5 | Higher Certificate |
6 | Diploma/Advanced Certificate |
7 | Bachelor’s Degree/Advanced Diploma |
8 | Honour’s Degree |
9 | Master’s Degree |
10 | Doctoral Degree |
What To Do If You Do Not Qualify For Degree Studies
There are many other study options that you can do if you do not qualify to study for a Degree qualification, such as:
- Complete Relevant Modules
- Do A Bridging Course
- Turn Your ICB Or CIMA Qualification Into A Degree
Complete Relevant Modules
If you are only missing a few credits to meet the requirements, have a look at the modules you need. Check with the learning institution you want to enrol at for a Degree first. Some institutions might not allow you to complete single modules or short courses to get there. So it is important you apply for a relevant course instead.
Do A Bridging Course
You can also apply to study a bridging course to meet the requirements for your Degree programme. Many universities offer bridging courses for their Degree programmes that will allow you to gain admission into the Degree through completing the bridging course.
Turn Your ICB Or CIMA Qualification Into A Degree
If you have an ICB or CIMA qualification, you can further your studies to the Degree level at any of the following reputable tertiary education institutions:
- Milpark Education
- Boston
- Damelin
Milpark Education
If you have an ICB: National Diploma Financial Accounting, you can enrol to study at Milpark Education for any of the following courses. There is an exemption fee you need to pay, and a maximum of 50% of the credits will be transferred to your next qualification.
Milpark Education
If you have an ICB: National Diploma Financial Accounting, you can enrol to study at Milpark Education for any of the following courses. There is an exemption fee you need to pay, and a maximum of 50% of the credits will be transferred to your next qualification.
Boston
Get your Bachelor of Accounting from Boston. To qualify for this program, you need to have finished the ICB: National Diploma Financial Accounting. Your qualification will be recognised, and you can study at any ICB training provider.
Damelin
Another learning institution that offers degree programmes you can enrol for with an ICB qualification is Damelin. With your ICB: National Diploma Financial Accounting, you can enrol for:
Students who have completed the ICB: Diploma Office Administration may also further their studies. They can enrol for the BCom Business Management.
CIMA
If you have a CIMA qualification, you can progress your studies towards a degree. But CIMA has also teamed up with other institutions around the world to help students progress their studies to a degree.
Therefore, if you have the ICB: National Diploma Financial Accounting, you can enrol for a degree with CIMA and get up to 6 exemptions.
Students with the ICB: Diploma Office Administration may also apply for a degree, and they only get up to 2 exemptions from CIMA.
ICB and CIMA qualifications are also both recognised worldwide. This means that getting either of these qualifications will allow you to apply for jobs in other countries. You can talk to a friendly course expert from Skills Academy to find out more:
- Call us on 0800 39 00 27
- Or fill out this contact form for a call back
Which Is Better Between A Diploma Or A Bachelor’s Degree?
On an educational level, a Bachelor’s Degree is better than a Diploma. A Bachelor’s Degree is an NQF level 7 qualification, while a Diploma is an NQF level 6 qualification.
Which Diploma Is Equivalent To A Bachelor’s Degree?
An Advanced Diploma is equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree. This is because an Advanced Diploma is also an NQF level 7 qualification.
What Have We Learned?
- There are many benefits to getting your Bachelor’s Degree
- You can further your studies from a Diploma to a Bachelor’s Degree
- There are still options to further your studies even if you do not qualify for Degree studies
- A Bachelor’s Degree is better than a Diploma
- An Advanced Diploma is equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: July 13, 2022
I’m looking forward to do bsc degree in nursing having diploma, for how many years can further my studies
I have a diploma in general nursing science and l want to upgrade to a degree in nursing science.
Hi
I have s 4 year Nursing diploma and would like to upgrade to a degree level, what can I do?
I’m also looking forward in having a degree currently I am Registered Nurse with Psyche;Com and midwifery diplomas what can I study to get a degree.
I have a diploma in education and I want to advance to a degree level online ,,which level is next ?
Hi I have a diploma in education and would like to upgrade for a degree
It all depends on the diploma you have but if you meet the requirements set by Unisa for its BEd programmes, then you should be able to qualify.
There, can I change my degree into a diploma? I was on my 3rd year with my BA communications science and due to covid and financial challenges it is difficult to proceed. Is this possible with Unisa and with whom can I communicate with?
i have a diploma in midwifery ,general nursing science,i would like to upgrade &have a degree in nursing
I have a diploma in education want to convert it to a degree
Hi i have a diploma in ECD and i want a degree in education
I have a diploma in general nursing science
a diploma in midwifery
A diploma in Nursing administration
A diploma in Community nursing science
A diploma in Psychiatry
A diploma in theatre nursing science. I really want to pursue and further my education to a degree level. Please assist.
I have DIPLOMA in education and Advanced Certificate in Management.
What is this equivalent to.
Do I qualify for NQF 7 or still NQF 6.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP FOR ME.
I have DIPLOMA in education and Advanced Certificate in Management.
What is this equivalent to.
Do I qualify for NQF 7 or still NQF 6.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP FOR ME.
I have 3years National Diploma in Marketing Management and 6 months certificate in Contact Center Practise with 10 years experience in contact centre, I want to upgrade my qualifications to Advance Diploma level 7, please advise if I qualify
I have diploma in Environmental health sciences
how do I upgrade?
I have a diploma in legal secretary and I wish to to upgrade it but don’t know how.
I have a diploma in pharmacy can I advance
Hi, I have Diploma in Medical Secretary.
What is this relevant to?
Can I study Nursing?
i have diploma is software development studied it at rosebank college. Now can I advance to bsc in Computer Science
Good day
I have a higher diploma in primary education. How can I upgrade it to a Bed degree.
I have a diploma in grade R teaching plus Advanced certificate in foundation phase teaching.
what is this equivalent to? what is next step for me? can I teach foundation phase grade 1-3 with these qualifications or may I continue to study Advanced diploma in education or may I go back to study bachelor of education
I Have a diploma in Management can i do 1 Year teaching and get my degree in the field
Which university that can allow me to further my studies to degree hence i have a National N Diploma from TVET college so i wanna enroll, which college will accredit me?
I have national diploma in Electrical engineering. How do I upgrade it into a degree?
Hy I have Diploma in Biotechnology and I do not qualify for advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, so what can i do because i want to further my studies.
At last glance, Unisa does not offer an Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology. Is there perhaps a different name that you may know the qualification by?
You may want to explore further qualifications within Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology for courses that you may qualify for
I have National Diploma in Human Resources management, Diploma in office management, Diploma in Business Frontline, Diploma in computer, Higher Diploma in Information Technology, Certificate in Project Management NQF Level 5 and 20 years working experience. Female Age 52 years. I would like to further my studies with Degree/Advance Diploma in Human Recourses Development
Hi
I have a Diploma in software development and i want to do degree in computer science. Can i apply for a Degree or what do i do to further my studies to Degree in computer science?
Hello, I hold a National Diploma in Management Assistance, and I have been working as a Project Administrator for 5 years. I am currently employed in the education sector, and I am interested in pursuing a course or degree. Can you please advise me on which course or degree I should pursue, and where I can find it?
Hi, it is possible that you can apply for a Diploma qualification such as the Diploma in Administrative Management at UNISA, for example but you will have to get in touch with the university who can help you view what study options are available to you.
Hi have a 3 year tertiary Diploma in Policing. Is it possible to do a Degree in Forensic Science and Technology or in Criminology.