DHET Amends OQSF Policy Reregistration Deadline (South Africa, June 2026)
The Department of Higher Education and Training amended the OQSF Policy to move the revision and reregistration deadline for existing occupational certificates to 2027. The amendment took effect on the gazette publication date.
The Department of Higher Education and Training amended the OQSF Policy to move the revision and reregistration deadline for existing occupational certificates to 2027. The amendment took effect on the gazette publication date.
What Changed?
Clause 23(8) was amended so that existing OQSF occupational certificates will be revised and reregistered with qualification types aligned to the OQSF Policy by 2027.
Old System vs New System
The 2021 OQSF Policy wording referred to a new ministerial determination by 2025 for revising and reregistering existing occupational certificates.
The revised clause sets 2027 as the deadline and keeps the reregistration tied to qualification types under the OQSF Policy.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Learners in occupational certificate programmes may see fewer abrupt registration changes while authorities and providers complete the revision and reregistration process by the revised deadline.
Parent / Family Impact
Families can ask providers whether a programme is an existing occupational certificate under the amended deadline and whether learner enrolment remains valid.
School / Institution Impact
Occupational training providers, TVET-linked programmes and quality bodies must adjust registration planning, programme records and communication to the 2027 deadline.
Teacher / Staff Impact
No direct school-teacher-specific change was identified; vocational trainers and assessors may need to update programme documentation and assessment planning as certificates are revised.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-12: amendment signed
- 2026-06-17: Government Gazette No. 54859 published and amendment became active
- 2027: revised reregistration deadline.
What To Do
- Providers should review affected occupational certificates
- align internal planning with the 2027 deadline
- and keep learners informed about programme registration status.
What To Watch Next
Watch for reregistration notices, QCTO and SAQA implementation updates, and provider communication on revised occupational certificate status.
Global Context
The update helps explain South Africa's occupational qualification transition timetable for international providers, employers and researchers comparing vocational qualification systems.
Source Record
Source type: Official gazette
Source name: Department of Higher Education and Training, Government Gazette No. 54859