24, July 2026

Suprise Fakude

9 minutes read

South Africa’s qualifications landscape is in the middle of a long, planned migration. As the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) rolls out new occupational qualifications, the older “legacy” qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) are gradually being phased out. Each one has a last date of enrolment set by SAQA, after that date, no new learners can register, no matter how well-suited the qualification is to their career.

The good news is that SAQA has recently amended the enrolment deadlines for a number of these qualifications, giving prospective students significantly more runway. For some programmes, that means an extra 18 months. For others, it stretches out to mid-2028. But not every qualification received this reprieve, and two on iFundi’s legacy list have already reached their final enrolment date. Understanding exactly where each qualification stands now is the difference between enrolling with confidence and missing a closing door.

The Qualifications With Extended Enrolment Windows

Five of iFundi’s legacy qualifications now carry amended, later enrolment deadlines. These remain open for new learners today, and each is still fully accredited and NQF-registered for the duration of the extension.

FETC: Information Technology: Technical Support (NQF 4)

Originally set to close for enrolment at the end of June 2026, this qualification has been extended to 30 December 2026. It remains one of the most practical entry points into an IT career, covering hardware and software support, networking fundamentals and end-user troubleshooting the exact skill set employers look for when hiring junior IT support staff.

FETC: Information Technology: Systems Development (NQF 4)

Also extended from June to 30 December 2026, this qualification is built for learners who want to move into software and systems development. It lays the groundwork in programming logic, systems analysis and development methodologies that feeds directly into further study or junior developer roles.

National Certificate: Business Administration Services (NQF 3)

This qualification received one of the most generous extensions on the list, moving from July 2026 out to 30 June 2028. It’s designed for learners to build a career in office administration and business support, covering the core competencies that underpin virtually every department in a modern organisation.

FETC: Generic Management (NQF 4)

First-line and supervisory staff looking to formalise their management capability now have until 30 June 2028 to enrol, extended from the original June 2026 cut-off. The qualification covers the fundamentals of managing people, projects and resources, and is a natural stepping stone toward higher-level management study.

National Certificate: Generic Management (NQF 5)

For learners already in, or moving into, middle management, this NQF 5 qualification has also been extended to 30 June 2028. It builds on generic management principles with a stronger focus on strategic thinking, team leadership and operational decision-making credentials that carry real weight when applying for management roles.

Why Enrolling Now, Rather Than Waiting, Makes Sense

An extended deadline is a second chance, not a permanent one. These legacy qualifications will still close eventually, and once a last date of enrolment passes, it doesn’t reopen. Enrolling now means you lock in your registration on a qualification you already know is a strong fit, rather than waiting and finding out later that the window has shut.

There’s also a practical advantage to acting early within the extension period rather than at the last minute. Learners who enrol sooner have more time to complete the qualification comfortably, more flexibility if they need to pause and resume study around work commitments, and earlier access to the credit they’ll carry into further NQF-aligned study or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applications down the line.

Each of these qualifications remains fully registered with SAQA and, where applicable, QCTO-accredited, so the certificate you earn carries the same national recognition it always has. iFundi’s role is simply to make sure you’re enrolled, supported and progressing well before that door closes.

Start Your Journey

If one of these five qualifications lines up with where you want to take your career, the smartest move is to start the enrolment conversation now rather than closer to the deadline. iFundi’s team can talk you through entry requirements, study format and how the qualification fits into your longer-term learning path, whether that’s your first step into IT, a move into business administration, or building toward a management role.

PEOPLE ALSO ASK (FAQ)