SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Trust and Estate Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97594  Advanced Diploma in Trust and Estate Administration 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of Advanced Diploma (AdvDip) in Estate and Trust Administration is to provide individuals with the necessary entry-level academic qualification and skills to become fiduciary practitioners who will be able to provide advice on a multitude of platforms such as administration of trusts, estate planning, administration of deceased estates, drafting of wills and legislative issues surrounding the fiduciary services industry.

On completion of the qualification the learner will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to provide advice with regards to fiduciary services for the benefit of individuals or business entities. The learner will be able to demonstrate the following:
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical framework, key concepts and core legal rules and principles of all areas of the Fiduciary Services industry.
  • Explain and apply relevant legislation and the principle of ethics in the Fiduciary Services Industry, specifically with regard to Estate and Trust Management.
  • Understand and apply all the legislative and fiduciary requirements to effectively draft all documentation relevant to the Fiduciary Services industry, specifically with regard to Estate and Trust Management.
  • Apply the theoretical legal knowledge and skills to practical Estate and Trust Administration processes.

    Rationale:
    The Fiduciary Institute of South Africa (FISA) identified the lack of skills and expertise in the field of estate and trust administration and subsequently regards the training and development of experts who can support fiduciary services in the country as a strategic priority. The development of the Advanced Diploma in Estate and Trust Administration [AdvDip (Estate and Trust Administration)] responds to a request by FISA for the establishment of a relevant qualification to upgrade skills and establish expertise in fiduciary services.

    The aim of this qualification is to provide individuals with the necessary academic qualification and skills to become fiduciary practitioners who will be able to provide advice on a multitude of platforms such as administration of trusts, estate planning, administration of deceased estates, drafting of wills and legislative issues surrounding the fiduciary services industry. Based upon its long-standing and respected expertise in tertiary education and training, its academic capacity, capability and infrastructure, the Centre for Financial Planning Law (CFPL) at the institution was approached by FISA to develop this qualification. CFPL are currently handling the admittance examinations for FISA members who want to obtain the FPSA designation and as such this academic qualification will be an extension of the much needed academic training for the members. This grants the institution excellent position to fill a gap that has been identified in this education and training arena. The CFPL of the institution is uniquely positioned to be able to provide such a qualification to its position in the market, current standing with FISA and the experience and skill that are available.

    Learners that obtain this qualification will be able to further their studies by registering for the current LLB Degree and thereafter obtaining the LLM Degree in Financial Planning. Learners will also be able to register for any of the three recently CHE accredited Postgraduate Diplomas in any of Estate Planning, Employee Benefits or Investment Planning. Learners with this qualification will be able to give advice with regard to the administration of estates, administration of trusts and estate planning, either as attorneys or as employees of trust companies.

    The qualification will be available for people already active in the fiduciary services and also to learners who want to make the fiduciary services their profession. The qualification will specifically provide the academic training for people who want to obtain the professional Fiduciary Practitioner SA (FPSA) designation.

    This AdvDip (Estate and Trust Administration) may also provide an alternate route into formal Law studies for learners who do not comply with the LLB admission requirements, further widening access. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    In exceptional cases where the applicant does not meet the minimum admission requirements, a special justification for admission, based on the RPL, may be submitted. RPL will be applied in compliance with institutional RPL policy. Applicants are therefore provided an opportunity to demonstrate competence in the field of intended study at the appropriate entry level of the target qualification.

    The assessment of prior learning are governed by the regulations of the institution and supported by the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Centre, in collaboration with heads of departments and programme directors. Assessment of prior learning concerns the recognition of formal learning successfully attained at other institutions or in other institution's qualifications programmes (learning that has already been assessed and accredited), as well as the recognition of prior learning acquired in other contexts (by means of work experience or other formal training) within the sustainable agriculture and rural development environment. The qualification can therefore be achieved in part or in whole by means of the RPL process.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission requirements:
  • An Advanced Certificate.
    Or
  • A 240 or 360 Credit Diploma at NQF Level 6, or its equivalent.
    Or
  • Bachelor in Commerce Degree at NQF Level 7, or an equivalent qualification in a cognate field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7, 120 Credits.
  • Regulatory Environment, 30 Credits.
  • Estate Planning and Drafting of Wills, 30 Credits.
  • Administration of Deceased Estates, 30 Credits.
  • Trust Administration, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical framework, key concepts and core legal rules and principles of all areas of the Fiduciary Services industry.
    2. Explain and apply relevant legislation and the principle of ethics in the Fiduciary Services Industry, specifically with regard to Estate and Trust Management.
    3. Understand and apply all the legislative and fiduciary requirements to effectively draft all documentation relevant to the Fiduciary Services industry, specifically with regard to Estate and Trust Management.
    4. Apply the theoretical legal knowledge and skills to practical Estate and Trust Administration processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Relevant and important concepts applicable to the Fiduciary Services Industry are applied.
  • The roles of the various role players, as well as the statutory and non-statutory bodies (for example FISA), in the fiduciary services industry are differentiated.
  • The main regulatory bodies (for example Masters Office) applicable to fiduciary services are identified and distinguished.
  • The functions and structure of the office of the Master of the Supreme court are listed and discussed.
  • Various statutory regulations in the prevention and prosecution of money laundering crimes are applied.
  • Legislation on consumer protection is applied.
  • Relevant and important sections in the given legislation applicable to the delivery of fiduciary services are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Ethical behaviour in the Fiduciary Services Environment is evaluated.
  • The relevance and application of compliance legislation including the subordinate legislation is explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Legislative formalities applicable to deceased estates, Wills and the administration of Trusts are applied.
  • All applicable authority e.g. Case Law and legislation applicable to the Fiduciary Services Industry are identified and distinguished.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Various types of trusts are differentiated.
  • The role, powers and duties, rights and obligations of the various parties to a trust are distinguished.
  • A trust is evaluated for validity.
  • Section 6 of the Trust Property Control Act with regard to the appointment and power of Trustees is applied.
  • Legal principles pertaining to the taxation of trusts and their implications are explained.
  • Anomalies in the SA law of trusts are critically interpreted.
  • Principles underlying the administration of a trust are practically applied.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A variety of assessment methods are used to assess applied competence. The assessment purposes are formative and summative and the competences to be assessed are clearly articulated in terms of relevant learning outcomes of the qualification and each module. The assessment strategy and activities selected, designed and implemented are constructively aligned with the assessment purpose, competencies, context, knowledge, skills, attitudes, learning outcomes, Assessment Criteria, the requirements for a NQF Level 7 qualification, context and content of the relevant programme/module and the learning facilitation/mode of delivery being offered. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparison for the Advanced Diploma in Trust and Estate Administration NQF Level 7 was conducted against international countries using best practice in trust and estate planning such as: England, Wales, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada and Scotland.

    The Diploma in Tax and Estate Planning offered in England and Wales is a qualification introduced in April 2015 for those wishing to gain a specialist STEP qualification. This qualification is offered in affiliation with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). The purpose of the qualification is to equip learners with knowledge and skills relevant in order to advice on the law and procedures involved in tax and estate administration. STEP is the worldwide professional association for practitioners dealing with trusts, estates and asset planning. This Diploma has particular relevance to people whose working life touches on, or who are involved with trusts and estates:
  • General Practitioner Lawyers.
  • Legal Executives.
  • Accountants.
  • Insurance Advisors.
  • Investment Advisors.
  • Trust Specialists.
  • Trustee Company Employees and Managers.
  • Law and Business Students.

    The Advanced Certificate provides you with credits towards STEP Membership, enabling you to become either a STEP Affiliate or Technician. Completion of the Diploma will provide 120 Credits towards membership of STEP, which when combined with prior qualifications and work experience, allows a learner to become a Full Member of STEP and use the coveted designation TEP.

    The successful completion of the Diploma is a pre-requisite to becoming a full member of STEP. Each Advanced Certificate will be between 3 and 6 months long. The Diploma is a practical and hands-on course. It is specifically designed by leading New Zealand trust and estate practitioners. The course content of each Advanced Certificate will be delivered by trust and estate practitioners. Other countries offering this qualification are Ireland and Northern Ireland, Canada, England and Wales, and Scotland.

    The Diploma comprises four Advanced Certificates with 30 credits each:
  • Creation of trusts.
  • Administration of trusts.
  • Administration of Estates.
  • Taxation and Accounting for Trusts and Estates.

    The assessment structure for this qualification is 100% examination. Completing a Diploma allows you to become a Full STEP Member, providing you have a minimum of two years' experience.

    Conclusion:
    It is clear from the comparison done that the current qualification compares very well with international ones in terms of best practice. A tax and estate planning related qualification obtained from the cited countries would be recognised worldwide. Similarities found between the two qualifications were in terms of credit allocations. Both qualifications have a total of 120 Credits upon full completion of study. In addition, similarities were found on the aspect of having individuals who would be knowledgeable in gaining advice in different platforms related to tax and estate planning. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification articulates vertically and horizontally as follows:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Any Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 7 is possible, depending on disciplinary and institutional requirements.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning, at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning and Administration, at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Planning, at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of the Free State 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.