The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has warned matriculants and parents to be cautious of unregistered institutions that exploit desperation
Image: File Picture: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has warned matriculants and parents to be cautious of unregistered institutions that exploit desperation by offering fake qualifications and false promises of admission across the country.
The warning comes ahead of the release of the 2025 matric results next week, a period when many school-leavers rush to secure places in higher education and are most vulnerable to misleading claims and scams.
SAQA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Makhapa Makhafola, said it is a time that learners and parents are easily targeted by institutions operating illegally or making false claims about accreditation and guaranteed admission.
“While this period is one of hope, excitement and new beginnings, it is equally a time when learners and parents are most vulnerable to misinformation by unregistered institutions that seek to take advantage of the urgency to secure study opportunities,” Makhafola said.
He added that matriculants and parents should verify the registration status of institutions with the Department of Higher Education and Training before making any application or registration payments.
"Matriculants are advised to be alert to red flags such as institutions not being able to prove registration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), offering qualifications that are not registered on the NQF, or making unrealistic promises such as guaranteed admission, fast-tracked degrees or guaranteed employment.
"Further, matriculants’ attention is drawn to the list maintained by the DHET of registered, provisionally registered and deregistered Private Higher Education Institutions, as well as a register of Private Colleges, which is accessible to the public on their website at www.dhet.gov.za."
Makhafola also advised those who discover that they have enrolled at an unregistered institution to stop making further payments immediately.
"Learners who unknowingly enrol at unregistered or illegal institutions face serious risks, including the loss of time and money, qualifications that are not recognised by employers, professional bodies or universities and limited or no opportunities for further study or career progression. These consequences can have long-term personal and professional implication"
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