REGISTRATION OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

The government has passed laws to make it compulsory for private education institutions to register as private colleges and private higher education institutions with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). No private education institutions may operate or register students unless it is registered with the DHET.

 

The rationale for the regulation of private education institutions that offer Continuing Education and Training (CET) and Higher Education (HE) programmes is to ensure that they:

 

1. Operate within the law.
2. Have the necessary resources, capacity and expertise to offer acceptable standards of continuing education and training and higher education.

 

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT DOING ABOUT PRIVATE EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE NOT REGISTERED (FLY-BY-NIGHT OR BOGUS INSTITUTIONS)?

 

The Department of Higher Education and Training is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law-enforcement agencies to close down unregistered private institutions including raising massive public awareness. In addition, the Department regularly alerts the public through MEDIA ALERTS.

 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR BEFORE ENROLLING AT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

 

The DHET wants to advise students who wish to register at private education institutions to check the registration status of these institutions with the DHET. The DHET’s call centre number is 080087 2222. The Registers of private colleges and private HE institutions are available on the DHET’s website. The website address is www.dhet.gov.za/Resouces/Registers.

 

For Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) accredited providers, students are advised to contact the relevant SETA and/or the QCTO directly. The QCTO and SETA can be contacted at 012 003 1800.

 

In order to make informed decisions when choosing a private education institution the public and students must ask themselves the following questions before binding themselves to an agreement with a private institution:

 

• Is your programme/qualification that you are interested in listed on the certificate and the Register?
• Is the site/campus listed on the certificate/Register for private higher institutions?
• For private colleges, is the site listed on the Register?
• Is the occupational health and safety certificate displayed on the premises?
• Also view the information from other students on the HELLOPETER website?
• Beware of exaggerated claims on employment, bursaries, free laptop and discounts?
• Also speak to previous students?
• Can it provide a brochure with all its details, including qualifications offered?

• Does it operate in suitable and safe premises with adequate space, light and appropriate equipment?
• Can it provide full details of its teaching staff and their qualifications?
• How does the private institution compare with other public institutions in terms of qualifications and services offered?
• Can it provide a sample copy of a learning contract/registration forms?

 

WHAT IF YOU SUSPECT A COLLEGE IS NOT REGISTERED

 

If the college does not display its original certificate of registration nor produce it on demand; or displays or produces a photocopy even if it is a certified copy or the qualification they are offering is not listed on certificate, then report it, providing the name of the college, and what you suspect