UK ENIC Band Framework
Overview
UK ENIC uses the Band Framework when evaluating international qualifications for a Statement of Comparability.
When UK ENIC determines the comparable UK level of an international qualification, we then identify the closest UK counterpart qualifications.
The UK ENIC Band Framework has 16 bands that reference UK frameworks and qualifications, increasing in level of learning outcomes, from entry level qualifications to advanced degrees. This gives maximum detail and context when comparing qualifications, allowing UK ENIC to identify the UK qualifications that the international award best compares to.
Information about the bands
Bands 0 to 15 have information about UK frameworks. The bands refer to levels within these frameworks (links open in new tabs):
- Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) – framework for qualifications in England and Northern Ireland
- Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) – framework for qualifications in Scotland
- Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) – framework for qualifications in Wales
Academic, vocational and occupational qualifications
The bands also reference academic, vocational and occupational qualifications. Most bands include all of them.
Academic
Qualifications based on intellectual study to prepare an individual for further study or a professional career, usually awarded by a school, college or university.
Vocational
Practical qualifications that prepare an individual for a specific trade or career, usually involving hands-on learning.
Occupational
Competency-based qualifications linked to industry standards that show that an individual has the skills and knowledge to do a specific job.
Band Framework levels and qualifications
Each band represents a different level of educational achievement, from entry-level qualifications to advanced degrees.
Where a comparable UK qualification cannot be identified, an international award may be compared to a framework level only.
This is not an exhaustive list. For a complete overview of the bands, please refer to each band’s webpage.
| Band | Qualification |
|---|---|
| 0 | Entry level, below GCSE |
| 1 | Entry level, below GCSE |
| 2 | GCSE grades D to G / 3 to 1, Scottish National 4, Level 1 NVQ |
| 3 | GCSE grades A* to C / 9 to 4, Scottish National 5, BTEC Firsts, Level 2 NVQ |
| 4 | Between GCSE and AS level, between BTEC Firsts and Nationals, between Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ |
| 5 | AS level, Scottish Higher, BTEC Nationals |
| 6 | A level, Scottish Advanced Higher, T level, BTEC Nationals, Level 3 NVQ |
| 7 | Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), Higher National Certificate (HNC) |
| 8 | Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), Higher National Diploma (HND) |
| 9 | Bachelor (Ordinary) degree |
| 10 | Bachelor (Honours) degree, Graduate Certificate / Diploma |
| 11 | Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma |
| 12 | Master’s degree |
| 13 | Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Research (MRes) |
| 14 | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professional Doctorate |
| 15 | Higher Doctorate |