Accredited qualifications
Sixteen qualifications, two awarding bodies.
Six South African occupational certificates accredited by the QCTO, and ten internationally awarded Highfield qualifications. Enrol locally, work locally, work globally.
QCTO accredited · South African NQF
Occupational certificates, NQF levels 2 to 5.
Every certificate below is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority and built from knowledge, practical skill and work experience modules. Open a record to see its full curriculum.
Module codes, NQF levels and credit values as registered with SAQA. Curriculum detail is subject to QCTO qualification updates.
Highfield International
Ten internationally awarded qualifications.
The academy is also accredited with Highfield International, so students can add qualifications that employers recognise outside South Africa — food safety and HACCP among them, which travel particularly well.
- Level 2Award in Barista Skills
- Level 2Certificate in Kitchen Assistant
- Level 2Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Food and Beverage Service)
- Level 2Diploma for Professional Cooks
- Level 2Diploma in Hospitality (Food and Beverage Service)
- Level 2International Award in Food Safety
- Level 2International Award in HACCP for Catering
- Level 2International Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Level 3Diploma for Professional Chefs
- Level 3Diploma for Patisserie, Confectionery and Baking
Two level systems, not one
Highfield levels are set on the international framework of the awarding body and are not the same as South African NQF levels. A Highfield Level 3 Diploma for Professional Chefs and a QCTO Occupational Certificate: Chef at NQF level 5 are separate qualifications on separate frameworks. Ask us and we will explain which combination suits the career you want.
- Enrol locally
- Study on the Farm Knapp campus outside Settlers, with accommodation available.
- Work locally
- Workplace placement with South African lodges, hotels, restaurants and catering operations.
- Work globally
- J1 internship placements in the United States, and work experience opportunities in New Zealand.
Not sure which to choose?
Start where your Grade 9 takes you.
Food Handler takes six months and asks the least of you on entry. Chef is a three-year, 558-credit qualification at NQF level 5. Ask us and we will map a route.