Bogus Colleges To Avoid In South Africa

In this article, you're going to learn about how to:

• Spot a bogus college in South Africa;
• Check if the institution is registered with the department and;
• Claim your refund should you fall victim to a fly-by-night college.

The department has listed bogus colleges to avoid on their Facebook page. This affirms the legitimacy of institutions - if listed, you must certainly avoid and never entertain.

The department had success in shutting down these unregistered and fly-by-night institutions. However, it remains your full responsibility to verify the college before applying and enrolling in courses because you won't get legally certified.

Many parents have been ripped off their hard-earned savings, just because they want a better future for their children.

All legitimate colleges and private institutions are registered with the Department of Higher Education. So, before signing any contract and enrolling in a course at any institution, be sure to ask for their certificate.

Take that certificate and contact the department on 0800 872 222 for verification and cross-checking if the college is registered to offer a certificate for a course you want to apply for.

All qualifications must be registered on the NQF by SAQA. It's better to be safe than sorry, so you must ask for the college's SAQA NQF identity numbers before making any payments whatsoever.

Alternatively, students must visit the department's website page that contains all the latest registered colleges in South Africa.

First, you must visit the department's website and see if the college is listed.

All the registered and active colleges in South Africa will be listed on the department's website.

If it's not listed, stay away from the college because you're more likely to be scammed.

Secondly, email RegistrarFET@doe.gov.za for more detailed information about the college you're interested in enrolling with.

And after verifying the college registration and eligibility to operate in South Africa, you must now check if they're allowed to offer your course.

The department of higher education will refer you to the relevant accreditation bodies for further assistant.

Have you tried requesting a refund from the college or private institution? I can imagine the amount of stress you may have went through in the process of trying to get your money back.

If you're not winning with the college management, you could approach the court for assistance. But first, you need to get a confirmation from the department that indicates the college or course you've enrolled in is not legit.

Alternatively, you could contact the Legal Aid Board (0800 110 110) and they'll help you get a refund. Visit www.legal-aid.co.za and read more about how the organization has been helping young people like yourself who can't afford a lawyer or attorney.