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Irish NFQ vs EQF: Level-by-Level Comparison & Mapping Guide (2026)
The Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) are two systems used to classify and compare education levels — the NFQ for Ireland, and the EQF across all EU member states. Since Ireland referenced the NFQ to the EQF in 2009, the two frameworks are directly aligned at every level from 1 to 10. This means an Irish NFQ Level 6 (Higher Certificate) is automatically recognised as EQF Level 6 across Europe, making it easier to study, work, or have qualifications recognised abroad.
NFQ vs EQF: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | NFQ (Ireland) | EQF (Europe) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | National Framework of Qualifications | European Qualifications Framework |
| Scope | Ireland only | All EU/EEA member states |
| Levels | 10 levels (1–10) | 8 levels (1–8) |
| Managed by | Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) | European Commission |
| Established | 2003 | 2008 |
| Referenced to EQF | Yes (since 2009) | N/A (is the reference framework) |
Complete NFQ to EQF Level Mapping
The table below shows how every Irish NFQ level maps to its EQF equivalent. Note that the NFQ has 10 levels while the EQF has 8, so NFQ Levels 1–2 both map to EQF Level 1, and NFQ Levels 9–10 both correspond to EQF Level 8.
| NFQ Level | Irish Qualification | EQF Level |
|---|---|---|
| NFQ 1 | Level 1 Certificate | EQF 1 |
| NFQ 2 | Level 2 Certificate | EQF 1 |
| NFQ 3 | Level 3 Certificate / Junior Certificate | EQF 2 |
| NFQ 4 | Leaving Certificate | EQF 3 |
| NFQ 5 | Level 5 Certificate / Leaving Cert Applied | EQF 4 |
| NFQ 6 | Higher Certificate / Advanced Certificate | EQF 5 |
| NFQ 7 | Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree | EQF 6 |
| NFQ 8 | Honours Bachelor’s Degree / Higher Diploma | EQF 6 |
| NFQ 9 | Master’s Degree / Postgraduate Diploma | EQF 7 |
| NFQ 10 | Doctoral Degree (PhD) | EQF 8 |
Why Does the NFQ-to-EQF Mapping Matter?
Understanding how your Irish qualification maps to the EQF is important for several reasons: applying for jobs in other EU countries where employers use the EQF as a reference, enrolling in further education at European institutions, having your qualification formally recognised in another EU member state (including Malta via MQRIC), and applying for funding schemes like Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme which requires qualifications to be mapped to the MQF/EQF framework.
How Does the Irish NFQ Compare to Malta’s MQF?
Since both the NFQ and the MQF (Malta Qualifications Framework) are referenced to the EQF, you can use the EQF as a bridge to compare Irish and Maltese qualifications. For example, an Irish NFQ Level 8 (Honours Bachelor’s) maps to EQF Level 6, which is the same as MQF Level 6 in Malta. Similarly, an NFQ Level 9 (Master’s) corresponds to EQF Level 7 and MQF Level 7.
How Does the NFQ Compare to the UK’s RQF?
The UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is also broadly aligned with the EQF, though the UK is no longer an EU member state. An Irish NFQ Level 8 (Honours Bachelor’s) is comparable to an RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s Degree), and an NFQ Level 9 (Master’s) is comparable to RQF Level 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NFQ and EQF levels the same?
Not exactly. The NFQ has 10 levels while the EQF has 8, so the mapping is not always one-to-one. However, every NFQ level has a corresponding EQF level, and Ireland’s NFQ has been officially referenced to the EQF since 2009.
What is an Irish NFQ Level 8 equivalent to in Europe?
An Irish NFQ Level 8 (Honours Bachelor’s Degree) is equivalent to EQF Level 6. This is the same level as a bachelor’s degree in most other European countries, including MQF Level 6 in Malta.
Can I use my Irish qualification in Malta?
Yes. Irish qualifications can be recognised in Malta through the MQRIC recognition process. Since both countries’ frameworks are referenced to the EQF, the mapping is straightforward.
Who manages the NFQ in Ireland?
The NFQ is managed by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), which is the state agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training in Ireland.
Is an Irish degree recognised across the EU?
Yes. Through the EQF referencing, Irish qualifications are recognised across all EU and EEA member states. The EQF level will typically appear on your Europass Certificate Supplement or Diploma Supplement.
Sources: Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) — qqi.ie | European Commission — EQF Portal | NFQ Referencing Report to the EQF (2009)
Last updated: March 2026
