I have been corresponding with some of the people in charge of doctorate programs at a few South African schools. One school told me that because my degrees are not local to South Africa that I would need to get them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority(SAQA). Is this what others have had to do to begin a program in South Africa?
Not in my case! In applying for the Ph.D. at Potchefstroom University (GST program) I had to send official transcripts (from 3 US RA schools) to the school, and PU/GST then evaluated them. SAQA wasn't involved at all. Russell
I have been corresponding with some of the people in charge of doctorate programs at a few South African schools. One school told me that because my degrees are not local to South Africa that I would need to get them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority(SAQA). Is this what others have had to do to begin a program in South Africa? I've been in touch with The University of Pretoria who advised that my USA RA graduate degrees would have to be evaluated by SAQA.
My housemate has just recently applied and been accepted for a Masters in Information Management at Rand Afrikaans University. Her bachelors degree in education from a foreign but recognised university has been accepted by Rand without further ado. How your previous studies are evaluated seems to be dependent on individual institutions, faculties and professors that will be handling your application.
Russell, I just received a letter from Potch. U. and it says that I have to go through SAQA for an evaluation. Maybe it differs on the program.
Bing: It could be that after receiving my official transcripts Potch had them evaluated by SAQA. If they did I am not aware of it, however, it is a possibility. I was only required to have them sent to the school. Also, this was for a Ph.D. in theology. I'm not sure if each faculty department conducts their own verification of credentials, or if the school itself (e.g., admissions department) verifies all applicant's credentials. So in terms of SAQA, if they were involved, it was not with me directly. Hope this helps! Russell
Russell, My questions focused on a business doctorate. I don't know. It probably does matter which faculty you are applying to.
Bing: I received further material from Potch today and it does indeed state that one's credentials, if applying for postgraduate study, must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). So you are correct in your original postings regarding this issue. It seems that for those students pursuing degrees in theology (postgrad) via GST, credentials are evaluated by SAQA, but not directly via the student. I did, however, have to forward official transcripts, CV, research proposal, etc. Russell
