National qualifications at college provide job-focused skills over 1-4 years and lead to careers like bookkeepers or administrators. Undergraduate degrees at university take a minimum of 3 years and provide theoretical understanding for careers like doctors, engineers, or teachers. National qualifications are more affordable but degrees open options for postgraduate study and higher level careers.

1. what’s the difference between:
a National Qualification
at College:
an Undergraduate Degree
at University:
Duration: year per N-level.1
Accreditation: NQF Level 6.NQF
Qualification issued: After each N-level.
NQF Level 5and under.
Minimum 3 - 4 years.
After completing the full degree
programme.
cost:
Affordable: R10 400
at Oxbridge Academy
(including textbooks).
per N-level Expensive: R30 000+ per year
(excluding textbooks).
Job-focused
Equips you with practical work-
place skills and prepares you for
specific job roles.
Skills and training:
Academic & research-focused
Gives you a theoretical
understanding of your
chosen field.
matric
(or bridging course).Admission requirements:
Matric with Bachelor’s Pass
at minimum
Additional criteria will apply for
certain courses.
undergraduate
degree programmes at certain
universities (if you complete
your N6 Diploma) or professional
qualifications.
Options for further study:
postgraduate
degrees or professional
qualifications.
Career prospects:
Studying a national qualification
may be a good option if you
want to work in the following
types of job roles:
• Bookkeeper
• Business Administrator
• ECD Practitioner / Childcare
Worker
• Engineering Technician (Mill-
wright, Mechanic, Electrician,
Fitter and Turner, etc.)
• Entrepreneur
• Hotel or Restaurant Manager
• HR Manager
• Marketing Co-Ordinator
• Office Manager
• Public Sector Administrator
Studying a degree will be
necessary if you want to work in
the following job roles:
• Doctor
• Engineer
• Lawyer
• Mathematician
• Psychologist
• Scientist
• Social Worker
• Teacher or Lecturer
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