Students seeking study opportunities at various higher education institutions must beware of unaccredited or fly-by-night private institutions in South Africa.
Before enrolling at any private colleges, students must first check the registration status of such private colleges with the Department of Higher Education and Training through its toll-free number 0800-872-222.
Alternatively, students can log on to the website of the department where the ‘Register of Private Colleges’ is published and updated on a regular basis. The website address is www.dhet.gov.za/resources/registers.
How to check on “Fly-by-night” colleges:
- Before enrolling with a private higher education institution, ask for evidence that the institution and its programmes are registered. This evidence is the certificate of registration and the registration number issued by the department.
- Before enrolling, make sure that the institution offers learning programmes and qualifications at the level at which you want to qualify.
- All qualifications must be registered on the NQF by SAQA and students should ask for the SAQA NQF identity numbers. Call SAQA help-desk, 0860 111 673 to confirm if the qualification they offering is registered.
- Claims by an institution that it is offering internationally recognised higher education programmes, while not registered to operate in South Africa, are misleading. Get the right information from the department.
