Every year, many South Africans fall victim to bogus colleges—unregistered institutions that promise quick qualifications but deliver certificates that are not recognised. Understanding how the system works, and knoEvery year, thousands of young South Africans search for colleges offering quick admission, affordable fees, and guaranteed qualifications. Unfortunately, this demand has created space for bogus colleges — unregistered institutions that operate illegally and leave students with worthless qualifications.
This guide explains what bogus colleges are, how they operate, how to identify them, and what to do if you have been affected.
What Is a Bogus College?
A bogus college is an institution that:
- Is not registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Offers unaccredited qualifications
- Misleads students about recognition, accreditation, or job prospects
Studying at a bogus college means:
You may lose time, money, and opportunities
Your qualification is not recognised by universities, employers, or government
Why Bogus Colleges Are Dangerous
Bogus colleges often:
- Target matriculants and unemployed youth
- Promise “guaranteed jobs” or “fast-track diplomas”
- Disappear after fees are paid
- Leave students unable to study further or get hired
Many victims only discover the truth years later.
Common Warning Signs of a Bogus College
Be cautious if a college:
- Promises guaranteed employment
- Claims you can get a degree or diploma without matric
- Cannot provide a DHET registration number
- Pushes you to pay quickly
- Operates mainly via WhatsApp or social media
- Has no verifiable physical address
- Uses vague terms like “internationally recognised” without proof
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
How to Check If a College and Qualification Are Legitimate
1. Verify DHET Registration (Institution Check)
All private colleges must be registered with DHET.
- Ask for the DHET registration number
- Verify it on the DHET official website
- Ensure the campus and delivery mode match what’s advertised
Registration of the institution alone is not enough.
2. Check SAQA Registration (Qualification Check)
Every legitimate qualification must be registered on the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) database.
Check that:
- The qualification title appears on SAQA
- The NQF level is listed
- The qualification ID is valid
- The provider is approved to offer that qualification
If the qualification is not on SAQA, it is not recognised in South Africa.
3. Confirm the Correct Quality Council
Depending on the qualification type, accreditation must also come from:
- CHE (Council on Higher Education) – university qualifications
- QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) – occupational qualifications
- SETAs – learnerships and skills programmes
A legitimate college will clearly explain which body accredits the course and provide proof.
Common Lies Used by Bogus Colleges
Bogus colleges often claim:
- “Our qualification is internationally recognised”
- “SAQA accreditation is pending”
- “We are affiliated with a university” (without evidence)
- “You can upgrade this certificate to a degree anywhere”
⚠️ Pending accreditation means you should not enrol.
What to Do If You’ve Enrolled at a Bogus College
If you suspect a college is bogus:
- Stop payments immediately
- Collect all evidence (receipts, contracts, messages)
- Report the institution to DHET
- Verify the qualification status on SAQA
- Seek advice from a legal clinic or consumer protection office
Acting early can limit your losses.
Safe Alternatives to Bogus Colleges
Instead, consider:
- Public TVET colleges
- Registered private colleges verified with DHET and SAQA
- Learnerships and apprenticeships through SETAs
- Bridging and access programmes
There are legitimate pathways for every learner.
Final Advice to Students and Parents
Before enrolling:
- Always check DHET registration
- Always verify the qualification on SAQA
- Never rush payments
- Ask for written proof
- Involve a parent or guardian
Education is a long-term investment—protect it.
Final Thoughts
Bogus colleges thrive on misinformation. By checking DHET for the institution and SAQA for the qualification, you can avoid scams and make informed choices. Share this information to help protect others.