What is a bogus institution?

Bogus institutions which are also known as “fly-by-night’’ or “unregistered institutions’’ are institutions that are not registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training to offer post school qualifications as required by law. The institutions may not have accreditation by the quality councils for the courses they offer. This means that such institutions are operating illegally.

What exactly does registration mean for institutions of learning?

There are different types of education and training institutions in South Africa.  Public higher education and training institutions are state-funded and established by the Department of Higher Education and Training by means of legislation and because they are established by law, they are deemed to be registered. In accordance with the Higher Education Act (1997), private higher education and training institutions (both Higher Education Institutions and Colleges), of which many provide legitimate and valuable qualifications, are privately funded and are required by law to register with the Department of Higher Education and Training.

The aim of registering private Higher Education Institutions and colleges is to protect the students and the public. The Department hopes to achieve this aim by registering or licensing private institutions that:

• Offer qualifications that are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF),
• Have the capacity, resources and expertise to offer quality education and training,
• Offer programmes that comply with the quality assurance requirements and criteria and
• Adheres to ethical business practices

Registration as an institution simply means you have the legal authority or license granted by the Director General, as the Registrar of Private institutions of learning, to a private Higher Education Institution or College to offer training.

What should learners know before enrolling to study at private institutions?

Before you register for any qualification, it is crucial to ensure that you fully understand both the registration and accreditation status of the institution you want to study with. Registration and accreditation are two different procedures and have different implications.

How do I know that I am applying to a registered college/university?

You can check the DHET website for the registered colleges or universities at this link.

If you do not have access to internet you can call us (Career Development Services) at 086 999 0123 or email us at careerhelp@dhet.gov.za.

What constitutes a valid proof of registration of a private college with the DHET?

Only a certificate of registration or provisional registration signed by the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training is a valid proof of registration. The certificate of registration will indicate the college’s legal name, the registration number and the approved/ accredited qualifications it can offer.

How can the public determine the validity of qualifications obtained from a private college?

The validity of the qualifications or certificates from private colleges can be established by contacting the DHET at 080 087 2222 or sending an email to this email address: callcentre@dhet.gov.za. The details of the registration status of private colleges are also available on the Department’s website. The address is www.dhet.gov.za

What are the requirements for registering private institutions?

For a college to be registered, it must provide documentary proof that it complies with the following requirements:

a. Accreditation report issued by Umalusi

b. Occupational health and safety report

c. Audited annual financial statements

d. Financial surety

e. Income tax certificate

How do learners check if an institution is legitimate?

You can ask at the institution they intend to study with for proof or registration or ask for their registration number or accreditation number. If the institution is registered it will have a certificate with a registration number clearly showing that they are registered with the Department. However; obtaining this information from the institution only is not enough, learners should then verify this information by checking the DHET register of private institutions on the DHET website (www.dhet.gov.za) or contact DHET call center on 0800 872 222:There are three registers:

• Accredited Skills Development Providers
• Register of Private Colleges
• Register of Private Higher Education Institutions

Alternatively; contact Career Development Services Helpline for further assistance (call 086 999 0123, or email careerhelp@dhet.gov.za or SMS 072 204 5056).

What can one do when they find out that they are studying at an unregistered institution or that their qualification is not accredited?

You must call the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) call center on 0800 872 222 to find out what the procedure should be thereafter.

If it turns out that your qualification is in fact not legitimate, de-register immediately and ask for a refund. Inform the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Quality Councils, Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA’s) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) immediately about the institution operating illegally.