The structure, purpose and outcomes of international qualifications vary widely. No direct equivalence between awards is possible; UK ENIC instead focuses on comparisons.
Once UK ENIC reaches a recognition decision about the comparable UK level of an international qualification, we then identify the closest UK counterpart qualification(s).
Both comparable levels and comparable qualifications are referenced in our Statements of Comparability.
The UK ENIC Band Framework © is a hierarchical set of outcomes, with 16 Bands, designed to provide maximum differentiation and detail in comparing qualifications.
The Bands reference existing qualifications in the UK and also the established qualification frameworks. This is shown in the table below.
The Band Framework therefore acts as a translation mechanism for international qualifications – illustrating comparable level, and the types of UK qualification to which the international award best compares.
Band 0
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Entry Levels 1-2 / SCQF Levels 1-2 / CQFW Entry Levels 1-2
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Entry level 1-2 Certificates / Functional Skills Awards / SQA National
1-2 Courses / SQA Awards at SCQF level 1-2
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Entry Levels 1-2 / SCQF Levels 1-2 / CQFW Entry Levels 1-2
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Entry Level 1-2 Award/Certificate/Diploma / SQA National Certificate at
SCQF level 2 / SQA National Progression Award at SCQF level 2
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Entry Levels 1-3 / SCQF Levels 1-3 / CQFW Entry Levels 1-3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Entry Level 1-3 Award/Certificate/Diploma / SQA National Certificate at
SCQF level 1-3 / SQA National Progression Award at SCQF level 1-3
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Entry Levels 1-3 / SCQF Levels 1-3 / CQFW Entry Levels 1-3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
[For qualifications lower in standard, ‘No Comparability’ statement applies.]
Band 1
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Entry Level 3 / SCQF Level 3 / CQFW Entry Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Entry level 3 Certificates / Functional Skills Awards / SQA National 3
Courses / SQA Awards at SCQF level 3
|
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Entry Levels 1-3 / SCQF Levels 1-3 / CQFW Entry Levels 1-3 |
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Below GCSE |
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Entry Level 3 / SCQF Level 3 / CQFW Entry Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Entry Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma / SQA National Certificate at SCQF
level 3 / SQA National Progression Award at SCQF level 3
|
Band 2
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 1 / SCQF Level 4 / CQFW Level 1
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
GCSE (grades D-G
/ 3-1) / Scottish National 4 / Foundation Welsh Baccalaureate
|
|
Further Consideration(s)
|
English and Maths are graded on a 9 (highest) to 1 scale, with 3-1 representing
an equivalent level of performance to the grades D-G.
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 1 / SCQF Level 4 / CQFW Level 1
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
BTEC Level 1 Certificate / Diploma / Scottish National 4
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 1 / SCQF Level 4 / CQFW Level 1
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Level 1 NVQ / SVQ Level 1
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 1 / SCQF Level 4 / CQFW Level 1
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
Band 3
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 2 / SCQF Level 5 / CQFW Level 2
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
GCSE (grades A*-C
/ 9-4) / Scottish National 5 (grades A-C)
[1] / Intermediate Welsh Baccalaureate
|
|
Further Consideration(s)
|
Depending upon the pass mark and whether English is studied as a first language,
individual subjects may be considered directly comparable to their UK counterparts.
English and Maths are graded on a 9 (highest) to 1 scale, with 9-4 representing
an equivalent level of performance to the grades A*-C.
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 2 / SCQF Level 5 / CQFW Level 2
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
BTEC Firsts / SQA National Certificate at SCQF Level 5 / SQA National Progression
Award at SCQF Level 5
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 2 / SCQF Level 5 / CQFW Level 2
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Level 2 NVQ / SVQ Level 2
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 2 / SCQF Level 5 / CQFW Level 2
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
Footnotes
[1] A Scottish National 5 grade D is also considered a SCQF Level 5 qualification.
Band 4
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
Between RQF Level 2 / SCQF Level 5 / CQFW Level 2 and RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6
/ CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Between GCSE and GCE AS level
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
Between RQF Level 2 / SCQF Level 5 / CQFW Level 2 and RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6
/ CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Between BTEC First and BTEC National qualifications / SQA National Certificate at
SCQF Levels 5 and 6 / SQA National Progression Award at SCQF Levels 5 and 6
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
Between RQF Level 2 / SCQF Level 5 / CQFW Level 2 and RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6
/ CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Between Levels 2 and 3 NVQ / Between SVQ Levels 2 and 3
|
Band 5
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6 / CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level / Scottish Higher
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6 / CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
BTEC National Certificate / Extended Certificate / Foundation Diploma / Scottish
Higher / SQA National Certificate at SCQF Level 6 / SQA National Progression Award
at SCQF Level 6
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6 / CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Level 3 Awards/Certificates / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF
Level 6 / SQA Awards at SCQF Level 6
|
Band 6
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6-7 / CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Overall standard of GCE Advanced (A) level / Scottish Advanced Higher / Scottish Baccalaureate / Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate
|
|
Further Consideration(s)
|
Due to the scope of subject coverage, it may not be possible to compare individual
subjects to their UK counterparts. In this scenario, passed subjects can be considered
at least comparable to GCSE (grades A*-C) / Scottish National 5 (grades A-C).
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6-7 / CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
T Level / BTEC National Diploma / Extended Diploma
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6-7 / CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Level 3 NVQ / SVQ Level 3 / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF Levels 6
and 7
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6-7 / CQFW Level 3
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
Band 7
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 4 / SCQF Level 7 / CQFW Level 4
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 4 / SCQF Level 7 / CQFW Level 4
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
BTEC Level 4 / SQA Higher National Certificate (HNC) (SCQF Level 7)
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 4 / SCQF Level 7 / CQFW Level 4
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Level 4 NVQ / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF Level 7
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 4 / SCQF Level 7 / CQFW Level 4
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
Band 8
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 5 / SCQF Level 8 / CQFW Level 5
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 5 / SCQF Level 8 / CQFW Level 5
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Foundation degree / BTEC Level 5 / SQA Higher National Diploma (HND) (SCQF level
8)
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 5 / SCQF Level 8 / CQFW Level 5
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Level 5 NVQ / SVQ Level 4 / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF level 8
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 5 / SCQF Level 8 / CQFW Level 5
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
Band 9
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 9 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Bachelor (Ordinary) degree [2]
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 9 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Level 6 Diploma / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF Level 9
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 9 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Level 6 NVQ / SVQ Level 4 / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF Level 9
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 9 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
Footnotes
[2] This level also encompasses the Scottish
Master's (Ordinary) degrees as awarded at Scottish Ancient Universities.
Band 10
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 10 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Bachelor (Honours) degree [3]
|
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 10 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Bachelor degree
|
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 9-10 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 10 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Level 6 Diploma / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF Level 10
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 10 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Level 6 NVQ / SQA Professional Development Awards at SCQF Level 10
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 10 / CQFW Level 6
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
Footnotes
[3] This level also encompasses the Scottish
Master's (Honours) degree standard as awarded at Scottish Ancient universities and
the Master of Arts (Honours) awarded by Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
Band 11
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Postgraduate Certificate
|
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Postgraduate Diploma
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Level 7 Diploma / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF Level 11
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Level 7 NVQ / SVQ Level 5
|
Band 12
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Master's degree
|
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Integrated Master's degree (e.g. MEng, MChem, MPhys, MPharm, MArch)
|
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Primary (or first) qualifications in medicine, (e.g. BM BS), dentistry (e.g. BDS)
and veterinary science (e.g. BVSc)
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
Band 13
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Master of Philosophy degree (MPhil) / Master of Research (MRes)
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
|
Band 14
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD)
|
Vocational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Professional Doctorate (e.g. EdD, DClinPsy, DBA)
|
Occupational
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
RQF/CQFW Level 8 Diploma / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF level 12
|
Framework
|
UK Framework Levels
|
RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No direct comparison
|
Band 15
Academic
|
UK Framework Levels
|
N/A
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
Higher Doctorate (e.g. DD, DLitt, DSc, LLD, MedScD)
|
No Comparability
|
UK Framework Levels
|
N/A
|
|
Comparable UK Qualification(s)
|
No Comparability
|