What Do Qualification Levels Mean?

In the UK, most qualifications taken through work, school, college or university, fit into one of nine levels (12 in Scotland). The higher the level, the harder the qualification. The levels are based on the standards of knowledge, skill and competence needed for each qualification. Qualifications at the same level can be very different in terms of content and the length of time they take to complete.

Knowing about the different levels means that you can compare qualifications and identify what you need for your chosen career.

Four qualifications frameworks are in use within the UK:

• Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland
• Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW)
• Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ)

Qualification levels overview:

• Entry: Basic knowledge and skills, entry-level awards
• Level 1: GCSEs D-G, Level 1 awards, NVQs
• Level 2: GCSEs A*-C, Intermediate apprenticeships, Level 2 diplomas
• Level 3: A Levels, Access to HE diploma, BTEC Nationals
• Level 4: HNCs, CertHE, NVQs, Higher apprenticeships
• Level 5: HNDs, Foundation degrees, DipHE
• Level 6: Bachelor’s degrees, Graduate diplomas
• Level 7: Master’s degrees, PGCEs
• Level 8: Doctoral degrees

These levels help structure the UK's education and training system and are widely used by employers and education providers to determine equivalency and progression routes.

Vocational Qualifications

Vocational Qualifications are offered at different levels and in a range of subject areas from Engineering and Construction through Early Years and Health and Social Care to Cyber Security and Game Development.

Higher Education Vocational Qualifications

Higher education vocational qualifications include a range of qualifications at Level 4 and 5. These qualifications can lead directly into employment or on to further study, including to undergraduate degrees.

Level 4 and 5 vocational qualifications include:

• Foundation Degrees
• HNC (Higher National Certificate)
• HND (Higher National Diploma)
• Professional and technical qualifications

Understanding EuroPolytech’s Flexible Intake System

At EuroPolytech Academy, we follow a flexible British-style academic model designed to fit around students’ lives, not the other way around. This approach allows for multiple entry points throughout the year, giving students the freedom to start their academic journey when the time is right.

We offer four main intakes per year:

• January Intake – Ideal for those who need more time to prepare after the new year or missed the autumn cycle.
• April Intake – A spring-start option that gives learners a fresh opportunity before summer.
• July Intake – Perfect for students who wish to study intensively over the summer or align with southern hemisphere calendars.
• October Intake – Our most popular intake, aligned with traditional academic cycles across Europe and the UK.

Why We Do This

Flexibility is at the heart of vocational and career-oriented education. Whether you're working, changing direction, or relocating, our multiple intake model ensures that you won’t have to wait a full year to begin your qualification.

Each intake offers:

• Full access to accredited programmes
• The same academic quality and outcomes
• Seamless progression between levels

Can I Work While Studying in Portugal?

Yes, international students studying in Portugal are legally allowed to work while pursuing their education — with some important conditions. Portugal recognises the value of integrating students into its economy and allows part-time employment under immigration law.

📜 Legal Basis

According to Article 91 of Law 23/2007 (the Portuguese Immigration Act), foreign students enrolled in higher education institutions with a valid residence permit are authorised to engage in work activities — either as employees or as self-employed professionals — provided they notify SEF (Immigration and Borders Service).

🕒 How Many Hours Can I Work?

• Part-time: Up to 20 hours per week during the academic term
• Full-time: During , students may work full-time

📝 Conditions You Must Meet

• You must be enrolled in a licensed higher education institution (like EuroPolytech)
• You must hold a valid student residence permit
• You must inform SEF if you start employment
• Your work must not interfere with your academic obligations

💡 Common Student Jobs in Portugal

• Customer service and call centres (English-speaking roles)
• Retail and hospitality (cafés, restaurants, events)
• Internships or part-time jobs within your academic field
• Online or freelance work (permissible if declared)

Portugal offers international students a welcoming environment with the opportunity to work part-time, gain local experience, and support themselves financially — all while earning a British-accredited qualification with EuroPolytech Academy.

What Makes EuroPolytech Different?

EuroPolytech Academy was created with a single vision in mind: to provide affordable, internationally recognised, and career-ready education in some of the most dynamic, opportunity-rich locations in the world.

🎯 Our Unique Positioning

• British-accredited qualifications: Delivered in emerging yet accessible destinations.
• Flexible intakes: Four entry points per year so students can start when they’re ready.
• Compact pathways: Study from Level 3 to Level 7 without wasting years or money.

🌍 Where Others Offer Hype, We Offer Impact

• Lower living costs in locations like Portugal, and soon in Brazil, and Eastern Europe
• Permanent residency pathways integrated into the student experience
• Practical, career-aligned diplomas tailored to the global job market
• Truly affordable tuition fees: We don't charge extortionate sums like many UK universities or private colleges in Europe. At EuroPolytech, affordability is a principle, not a marketing slogan. We believe education should open doors, not lock you into debt.

🔗 Recognition Without Bureaucracy

Our programmes are awarded by respected UK awarding bodies like OTHM, CMI, and BCS to ensure your qualifications are recognised globally.

🤝 A Real-World Academic Culture

• Student-focused support team that actually responds
• Mentoring and career coaching beyond the classroom
• Hybrid learning models that prioritise results, not red tape

EuroPolytech isn’t just another institution, it’s a bold academic alternative for people who think globally, act locally, and learn purposefully.