Overarching Frameworks
The NQAI is the National Coordination Point for the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF). This overarching Framework acts as a translation device, making it easier to compare further, higher and school qualifications across Europe. The higher education levels of the EQF (6-8) are compatible with the cycles of the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA) or the ‘Bologna’ Framework. Ireland verified the compatibility of its NFQ to the Bologna Framework in 2006 while the process of referencing the Irish NFQ to the EQF was completed in June 2009. These ‘meta-frameworks’ make it possible to compare national qualifications frameworks to each other in terms of learning outcomes and competences, thus, making it easier to recognise qualifications and periods of study and improving the mobility of learners and workers. Further information on the Bologna Process and the EQF is available on our website, www.qualrec.ie and the NQAI website, www.nqai.ie.
EQF Level** |
EHEA Framework (Bologna)* |
National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level |
NFQ Major Award-Types |
|---|---|---|---|
EQF Level 1 |
|
NFQ Level 1 |
Level 1 Certificate |
NFQ Level 2 |
Level 2 Certificate |
||
EQF Level 2 |
NFQ Level 3 |
Level 3 Certificate; Junior Certificate |
|
EQF Level 3 |
NFQ Level 4 |
Level 4 Certificate; Leaving Certificate |
|
EQF Level 4 |
NFQ Level 5 |
Level 5 Certificate; Leaving Certificate |
|
EQF Level 5 |
Short Cycle within First Cycle |
NFQ Level 6 |
Advanced Certificate (FET award); Higher Certificate (HET award) |
EQF Level 6 |
First Cycle |
NFQ Level 7 |
Ordinary Bachelor Degree |
NFQ Level 8 |
Honours Bachelor Degree; Higher Diploma |
||
EQF Level 7 |
Second Cycle |
NFQ Level 9 |
Masters Degree; Post-Graduate Diploma |
EQF Level 8 |
Third Cycle |
NFQ Level 10 |
Doctoral Degree; Higher Doctorate |
