Bogus colleges are routinely caught by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Bogus colleges and institutions claim to offer higher education programmes without registration with the Department. These unregistered bogus colleges operate under false pretences, this is a list of them.
Bogus Colleges Often Have Foreign Websites
Bogus colleges use a range of methods to mislead the public. The recent trends identified by the DHET are a number of online operators committing internet fraud by claiming to offer degrees in 15 days using the name and logo of the DHET.
- Most websites appear to be based in the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK).
- In an attempt to warn the public, the Department published a list of “bogus” colleges as a means to raise awareness and warn the public about unscrupulous providers and their operations.
- The Department has also filed cases against these “bogus” colleges with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the USA.
- Fargo University in the USA, no longer allowed to operate in RSA, now informs students on its website that it is not accepting admissions anymore.
- The Barkley University and Study for Career Success websites have been removed. The DHET is monitoring these developments closely. The Department will provide case numbers on request. The Department also encourages the public to notify it of “bogus” colleges and/or any form of irregular practices.
The DHET List of Bogus Colleges in South Africa
On a more positive note, click here for a list of registered private colleges and also consider expanding your search for study opportunities by investigating MOOCs.
Read How to Identify Suspicious College Business Conduct
Students are warned to be wary of the following kinds of behaviour from institutions:
Complete List of 90 Bogus Colleges Caught in South Africa
| NAME | COUNTRY/ PROVINCE | PROGRAMME/S OFFERED |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Abidan Bybel “Collage” (Sic) College and University | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology |
| 2. Academy of Sexology | Gauteng | a) Degrees and Diplomas in Sexology |
| 3. Anoited (Sic) University | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas and Degrees Theology and Christian Education |
| 4. Alpha Bible College | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology and Christian Education 2) Bachelor of Divinity |
| 5. Awaken Training Institute on behalf of Team Impact Christian University | Gauteng | 1) Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in Ministry |
| 6. Back to the Bible Training College in association with Calvary University and Team Impact Christian University | Mpumalanga | 1) Bachelors of Ministry Degree 2) Honours 3) Masters 4) Doctorate Degrees Offer degrees on behalf of Calvary University in the UK which is regarded as a bogus college in the Department of Higher Education, Innovation and Skills as indicated in the website at www.bbtcblog.blogspot.com as at 16 July 2016 |
| 7. Barkley University | USA | 1) Degrees in 15 days. Falsely uses the name and the logo of the DHET. |
| 8. Beautiko Academy of Beauty (Pty) Ltd | Pretoria | 1) Degrees and Diplomas Operates online from www.studyonline.co.za and claim to be domiciled in the United Kingdom Head Office: The Barn, Bangle Farm, Stoney Lane Chantry, Frome Somerset BA11 3LH. |
| 9. Beyond Adventure Internship | Eastern Cape, Worldwide | 1) Diploma in Ministry 2) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology Claims to be accredited by TRANSWORLD ACCREDITING COMMISSION INTERNATIONAL which is a FAKE accrediting body. Refer to the website at http://transworldaccrediting .com/schools. Please refer to the website https://www.geteducated.com/college- degree-mills/204-fake-agencies-for-college-accrditation for FAKE College Accreditation Agencies. PLEASE NOTE THAT FAKE UNIVERSITIES OWN THE ACCREDITING BODIES THAT ACCREDIT THEM |
| 10. Blackford Centre for Herbal Medicine | Kwa-Zulu Natal Utrecht United Kingdom | 1) Degrees and Diplomas Operates online from www.studyonline.co.za and claims to be domiciled in the United Kingdom Head Office: The Barn, Bangle Farm, Stoney Lane Chantry, Frome Somerset BA11 3LH. |
| 11. Brand School | Gauteng | 1) Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing Operates on-line from http://www.brandschool.co.za/contact.html |
| 12. Calvary University | Worldwide through the internet only. | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology and Christian Education |
| 13. Calvary Life Tutors | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology and Christian Education |
| 14. Canterbury University | Worldwide | 1) Diplomas and Degrees |
| 15. Certified Institute for Management Accountants (CIMA) | Gauteng | a) Certificate in Business Accounting; b) Diploma in Management Accounting; and c) Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting. Offered by: a. Centurion Academy (Pty) Ltd, Building, Bank Road (Between South Street and Heuwel Street) Centurion City Centre (North); b. Spectrium Graduate School of Business from 23 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein. |
| 16. Christian Life Training | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology and Christian Education |
| 17. Christian Campus (The) | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology and Christian Education |
| 18. Correspondence Training Academy | Gauteng | 1) Diploma in Health and Safety Management as awarded on 5 March 2015. |
| 19. Crane International Academy (Pty) Ltd | Mpumalanga | 1) Business Studies 2) Engineering Studies 3) Security Studies The website also indicates that the institution is an accredited institution of higher learning, accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), which is false. |
| 20. Digolo University | Gauteng | 1) Intends to offer Degrees and Diplomas |
| 21. Diploma Company | World- wide, USA, UK and Africa | a) Any qualification including Diplomas and Degrees. The following fake certificate site offers fake certificates for any school, college or university. They are based in America. The website address is http://www.diplomacompany.co.uk/fake-college-diplomas-and-degrees. The website address for Africa is http://www.diplomacompany.co.uk/fake-diploma-from-african-university. |
| 22. Durban Christian Centre Bible Institute | KZN, Worldwide | 1) Diploma in Ministry 2) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology Claims to be accredited by TRANSWORLD ACCREDITING COMMISSION INTERNATIONAL which is a FAKE accrediting body. Refer to the website at http://transworldaccrediting .com/schools. Please refer to the website https://www.geteducated.com/college- degree-mills/204-fake-agencies-for-college-accrditation for FAKE College Accreditation Agencies. PLEASE NOTE THAT FAKE UNIVERSITIES OWN THE ACCREDITING BODIES THAT ACCREDIT THEM |
| 23. East London University | Eastern Cape | a) Master in Corporate Communication b) Master in Fashion Design 3) Master in Film and Visual Arts 4) Master in Finance 5) Master in Marketing 6) Master in Web Development As indicated on the website at https://www.masterstudies.co.za/universities/South-Africa/East-London- University/, as of 23 October 2019. |
| 24. Edu-Campus/Hope University | Gauteng | a) Degrees and Diplomas |
| 25. eLearning Systems (Pty) Ltd trading as eDegree | Gauteng | 1) Bachelor of Business Studies |
| 26. Elkanah Bible College in association with Calvary Life Tutors and Calvary University | Gauteng | 1) Higher Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in Theology |
| 27. Fargo University | USA | 1) Degrees in 15 days Falsely uses the name and logo of the DHET. |
| 28. Gateway Church International on behalf of Team Impact Christian University | Mpumalanga | 1) Diplomas in Theology |
| 29. Generation Impact Bible College | Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 1) Diploma of Ministry 2) Bachelor of Ministry As advertised on the institution’s website at http://www.gibiblecollege.com as at 11 March 2015. |
| 30. Hebraic Teaching Roots Institute on behalf of Therapon University | Mpumalanga | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology and Christian Education |
| 31. Heritage of Faith Bible Institute South Africa | USA , Botswana, Kenya, South Africa | 1) Doctorate in Ministry |
| 32. Immanuel International Bible College | Kwa-Zulu Natal | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology |
| 33. Immanuel University of Theology International (Pty) Ltd with company registration number 2018/288825/07 | Gauteng | 1) Bachelor of Biblical Theology, CTQA ID No. 18007 NQF Level 7 (240 Credits) 2) Master of Theology in Biblical Theology, CTQA ID No. 18008 NQF Level 8 (240 Credits) 3) Doctor of Theology in Biblical Theology, CTQA ID No. 18009 NQF Level 9 (240 Credits) 4) Doctor of Divinity (Christ Centred Anointing), CTQA ID No. 18010 NQF Level 10 (240 Credits) 5) Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Theology, CTQA ID No. 18012 NQF Level 12 (240 Credits) 6) Diploma Programmes. |
| 34. Impact Christian Campus | Gauteng | a) Diplomas, Undergraduate Degrees Honours and Masters in Theology and Christian Education |
| 35. Institute of Business Management and Information Technology (Pty) Ltd | Kwa-Zulu Natal | a) Customs Clearing and Forwarding/Shipping Management Makes the following claims: Registrar: IBMIT-12701032017DBN Principal The following is brought to the attention of students: a) A 2-week course in shipping costs R8000.00. b) A 2-week course in admin costs R8000.00. c) Promises jobs that never materialize. d) Students are guaranteed jobs pending payment of registration. e) The administrator is Brenda Meyers. f) Bank: FNB. g) Account Number: 62719239388. h) Proof of payment to be faxed to 0867609509. BE WARNED!!!!!! |
| 36. International Institute for Tax and Finance (IITF) now operates under the name of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law | Gauteng | 1) Advanced Diploma in Transfer Pricing 2) Higher Diploma in Taxation 3) Advanced Diploma in International Taxation 4) Advanced Diploma in Tax Procedural Law 5) Advanced Diploma in Corporate Taxation. 6) Diploma in Payroll Taxes |
| 37. Intuition College | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas 2) International Diplomas As advertised on the institution’s website at www.intuitioncollege.co.za/ as at 25 February 2013. |
| 38. International Theological Academy | Gauteng | 1) Degrees and Diplomas in Theology |
| 39. International University | Worldwide but based in South Africa | a) Associate Theology b) Bachelor of Theology c) Master of Theology d) Doctor of Philosophy (Divinity) e) Doctor of Jurisprudence Theology f) Doctor of Philosophy (Christian Education) As at 19 September 2018 on the website at www.http:internationaluniversity.co.za/NWMD/Programs.HTML |
| 40. Jordan Institute of Mission and Ministerial Acts (J.I.M.M.A) | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology and Christian Education |
| 41. Johannesburg City College | Gauteng | 1) Certificates, Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas in the Faculties of Computer Sciences, Engineering, Law, Sciences and Commerce as advertised on the website dated 22 February 2013 at the address www.johannesburgcitycollege.co.za. |
| 42. Johannesburg Varsity College | Gauteng | 1) Degrees and diplomas in the Faculties of Computer Sciences, Law, Sciences and Commerce as advertised on the website dated 22 August 2012 at the address www.johannesburgvarsitycollege.co.za. |
| 43. Joy Ministries | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas and Degrees in Theology and Christian Education |
| 44. Joy Foundation (The) on behalf of Team Impact Christian University | Gauteng | 1) Degrees up to Doctorates |
| 45. Logos University Operates in conjunction with Unlock Development Centre | Gauteng USA | Soon after it was discovered that Unlock Development Centre issued Degrees on behalf of and in conjunction with Calvary University, Unlock Development Centre terminated its agreement with Calvary University and has now entered into an agreement with another unregistered university, that is, Logos University, Jacksonville, Florida, USA. It is NOT an accredited institution. It is not listed with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the US Department of Education, so SAQA does not recognise its qualifications. |
| 46. Manchester Open University | United Kingdom | 1) Diplomas and Degrees |
| 47. Maharishi Institute | Gauteng | a) Bachelor of Business Administration b) Master of Business Administration. Maharishi Institute cannot provide training towards a higher education qualification in South Africa on behalf of a foreign institution. A letter of warning was issued on 24 February 2015. |
| 48. Master Retailing (Pty) Ltd | Gauteng | a) Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management b) MBA in Retail Management On 24 July 2013, the Department issued Master Retailing (Pty) Ltd with a Letter of Warning for the illegal provision of higher education programmes. On 5 May 2014, a further letter was sent out. On 4 August 2014, the Department referred the case to the South African Police Services (SAPS). The case number is CAS122/9/2014. SAPS closed the case since Master Retailing (Pty) Ltd agreed to terminate its illegal operations. It has now emerged Master Retailing (Pty) Ltd purports to offer the Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management and the MBA in Retail Management. The Department is requesting all students who have been swindled to contact the Department and Constable NTD Makhema at the Wierdabrug police station. The telephone number is 012 353 4000/ 012 6544 035/35. |
| 49. MBA Training Company | Gauteng | 1) 3-day MBA |
| 50. McFord University | Worldwide | Any Diploma or Degree can be bought over the internet/online at a discounted price in a few days. Once payment is made, it will never be recovered. Google McFord University for a full understanding of the scale of the problem and warn others as well. |
| 51. Monash Technology Institute | Gauteng | 1) National Diplomas and Certificate Courses |
| 52. Morolan IT Consults | Gauteng | 1) Life Degrees and Diplomas |
| 53. New Skills Academy | Worldwide | Purporting to offer a range of Diplomas and qualifications, including a Dog Grooming Diploma. There are no contact details provided on the website at https://newskillsacademy.co.za as at 16 August 2018. The website does not provide proof of ownership by either a natural or juristic person. This private provider of education is completely virtual. On 23 October 2018, the Department discovered the following website address: https://newskillsacademy.co.uk/ which operates in an exact manner. |
| 54. New World Mission Dunamis International University (NWMDIU) | Worldwide Located in the Northern Cape | 1) Offers any qualifications. 2) DUNAMIS is a completely fraudulent operation. |
| 55. North West School of Design (Pty) Ltd | North West Province | 1) Bachelor of Science in Fashion Management and Communication |
| 56. Professional Counsellor Academy of South Africa | Western Cape, Global | 1) Diplomas and Degrees 2) Diplomas and Degrees Makes the following false claims: a) That it provides international accredited programmes that lead to a qualification outcome; b) That all PCA progammes are accepted by the following bodies, which either do not exist nor do they have any legal standing: -New World Mission International University -Professional Training Academy International -International Accreditation -Professional Counsellor Association of South Africa – International Accreditation -DNA Health Training centre – International Accreditation -Association of Christian Counsellors – International Accreditation -Global Universities in Distance Education Accreditation – International Accreditation (GUIDE) -WEBA Master Agents Accreditation – WEBA (World Educate Business Association) (WEBA World); c) That it is a leading supplier of International distance learning courses in South Africa; d) That students are guaranteed an exceptional learning experience; e) That it offers more than 250 distance learning courses covering a wide variety of subjects ranging from teaching Mental Health courses, Child care, Social work and Degree [ NWMIU ]; and f) That thousands of students sign up for our home study courses each year and gain Nationally/Internationally recognized qualifications or certificates to improve their job opportunities. |
| 57. Professional Drafting Services | Gauteng | a) Mechanical Drafting Certificate b) Structural Drafting Certificate c) Piping Drafting Certificate d) Civil Drafting Certificate e) Architectural Drafting Certificate f) Mechanical Draughting Diploma g) Structural Draughting Diploma h) Piping Draughting Diploma i) Civil Draughting Diploma j) Architectural Draughting Diploma |
| 58. Qualitas Career Academy | Gauteng | 1) Certificate in Business Management 2) Diploma in Business Management 3) National Diploma Health and Skincare As advertised on the website dated 4 February 2013 at the address www.qualitasworld. Co.za/contact |
| 59. Quest Computer Skills Centre | a) Awarded a Diploma in Office Administration on 14 July 2017 b) Call Centre Diploma c) Office Administration Diploma | |
| 60. Renee Institute of Beauty Therapy | Gauteng | 1) Advanced Diploma in Beauty Therapy 2) Advanced Diploma in Hairdressing 3) Teachers Diploma |
| 61. River Bible Institute | East London | a) Associate Degrees in Christian Education |
| 62. Salem Bible College on behalf of Team Impact Christian University | Gauteng | 1) Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and Doctoral Degrees in Theology |
| 63. School of Lifestyle Medicine (The) | Western Cape | a) 1-year Neuromuscular Massage Training programme b) 1-2 year ICF accredited Master Wellness Coach program c) Postgraduate specialization courses As advertised on the website http://lifestylemedicine.co.za/cpurses as at 12 May 2016. |
| 64. Shaw Academy | Worldwide | a) Diplomas and Degrees |
| 65. Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd | Gauteng – Distance | a) Advanced Certificate in Project Management b) Supply Chain Management Advanced Certificate c) Advanced Certificate in Human Resource Management d) Medical Office Receptionist Advanced Certificate e) Advanced Certificate in Child Day Care f) Advanced Certificate in Child Psychology g) Advanced Certificate in Crèche Management h) Facial Skincare Advanced Certificate i) Advanced Certificate in Wedding Planning j) Advanced Certificate in Events Management k) Advance Certificate in Tourism Management l) Advanced Certificate in Tourism Marketing m) Advanced Certificate in Guest House Management n) Advanced Certificate Course in Small Business Management o) Advanced Certificate in Digital Photography p) Advanced Certificate in Interior Design |
| 66. Skyline College | Kwa-Zulu Natal | a) Education and Training (Teaching Certificate) b) Education and Training (Teaching Diploma) c) Diploma in Business Administration and Computers d) Management and Leadership e) Diploma in Beauty Therapy f) Combined Diploma in Beauty Therapy g) Diploma in Business Studies h) Diploma in Customer Service i) Office Administration Skyline College cannot provide training towards a higher education qualification in South Africa on behalf of a foreign institution. |
| 67. South African Institute of Cranial Studies (The) | Kwa-Zulu Natal Gauteng Mauritius Western Cape | 1) Diploma in CranialSacral Therapy |
| 68. South African University of Excellence | Mpumalanga | 1) Degrees and Diplomas |
| 69. South African Institute for Management (SAIM) | Gauteng | 1) Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas and Post-Graduate Diplomas 2) Diploma in Business Management |
| 70. South African College of Herbal Medicine | Worldwide | 1) Endorsed Diploma in Herbal Medicine |
| 71. Spectrium Graduate School of Business | Gauteng | 1) Professional Higher Certificate in Marketing Management; 2) Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing; 3) Diploma in Office Administration; 4) Professional Diploma in Marketing Management; 5) BBA in Marketing Management; 6) National Diploma in Project Management; 7) National Certificate in Bookkeeping; 8) National Diploma in Public Sector Accounting; 9) National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management (ICB); 10) National Diploma in Technical Financial Accounting (ICB); 11) National Diploma in Financial Accounting (ICB); 12) National Diploma in Financial Accounting (ICB); 13) Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA); 14) Diploma in Accounting and Business (ACCA); 15) Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business (ACCA); 16) Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA); 17) ACCA Professional (CA) – Chartered Accountant |
| 72. Style Design College of South Africa (Pty) Ltd | Kwa-Zulu Natal | 1) Degrees and Diplomas |
| 73. Swiss Hotel Management School | Gauteng | 1) Degrees and Diplomas |
| 74. Study for Career Success | USA | 1) Degree in 15 days Falsely uses the name en logo of the DHET. |
| 75. Team Impact Christian University | USA & South Africa | 1) Diplomas, Undergraduate Degrees, Honours, Masters and Phds in Theology and Christian Education |
| 76. Teamwork Bible College | USA. Operates through various bible schools in South Africa | 1) Diplomas, Undergraduate Degrees, Honours, Masters and Phds in Theology and Christian Education |
| 77. Therapon University | US Virgin Islands Dominican Republic Operates through various bible schools in South Africa | 1) Diplomas, Undergraduate Degrees, Honours, Masters and Phds in Theology and Christian Education |
| 78. Thomas Jefferson School of Law in conjunction with the International Institute for Tax and Finance (IITF) | Gauteng | 1) Advanced Diploma in Transfer Pricing 2) Higher Diploma in Taxation 3) Advanced Diploma in International Taxation 4) Advanced Diploma in Tax Procedural Law 5) Advanced Diploma in Corporate Taxation 6) Diploma in Payroll Taxes As advertised on the institution’s website at www.iitf.net/contact-iit/ as of 24 January 2013. Soon after the listing of the International Institute for Tax and Finance, the institute went on-line and started operating under the name of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. |
| 79. Umdali Institute | Germiston | 1) Divinity Degree awarded in 2012 2) Bachelor of Theology awarded in 2014 3) Bachelor of Theology awarded in 2011 4) Degree in Counselling awarded in 2012 5) Bachelors Degree awarded in 2013 6) Masters in Practical Theology 7) Masters in Counselling Falsely records itself as a University. They use the title Doctor and Professor without the authority to do so. |
| 80. Trinity International Bible University | Western Cape | 1) Honours, Masters and PhD in Theology |
| 81. Universal College Outcomes | Gauteng | 2) National Diploma Early Childhood Development |
| 82. Unlock Development Centre | Gauteng | 1) Doctor of Philosophy 2) Works in collaboration with “Calvary University” 3) Issues the certificate at Chester, UK, Calvary University Inc. Reg. No. 31881 This company was never registered in the UK. 4) Satellite campus for Therapon University in the USA 5) Now works in conjunction with Logos University |
| 83. University of Arabia | Gauteng | 1) Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies |
| 84. Watchman University (Pty) Ltd | Mpumalanga | 1) Degrees in Theology |
| 85. WW.IT-IQ Training and Solutions (Pty) Ltd | Gauteng | 1) Diploma WD_CM_EM_SM; 2) Diploma CGI; 3) B.Tech Computer Systems and Electronics Communication; 4) BTech Computer Systems and Process Instrumentation; 5) B.Tech Electronics and Electronic Communications; 6) B.Tech Power Engineering (Heavy Current Electrical); 7) BTech Mining Engineering; 8) NDIP in Electrical Engineering: Mechatronics; 9) Diploma ISS (Database/Networks/Communications); 10) Diploma CA; 11) IT (NQF 7) MCSD_ABWD (Microsoft Certified Software Developer and advanced Business and Web Development); 12) Advanced International Business Systems and Web Development; 13) National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical (NDENG); 14) National Diploma: Engineering: Civil (NDECI); 15) National Diploma: Engineering: Electrical and Clinical Engineering (NDEEN – CEN); 16) National Diploma: Engineering: Electrical Computer Systems (NDEEN – COS); 17) National Diploma: Engineering: electrical, Electronics and Electronic Communication (NDEEN –EEC); 18) National Diploma: Engineering: Electrical, Mechatronics (NDEEN – NEC); 19) National Diploma: Engineering: Electrical Power Engineering (NDEEN- EN); 20) National Diploma: Engineering: Electrical Process Instrumentation (NDEEN-PIN); 21) National Diploma: Engineering: Industrial (NDEID); 22) National Diploma: Mining Surveying Engineering: Chemical (NDENG); 23) National Diploma: Engineering: Mechanical (NDEMC); 24) National Diploma: Mine Surveying: (NDMSR); 25) National Diploma: Mining Engineering (NDMIN); |
| 86. WW.IT-IQ Training and Solutions (Pty) Ltd | Gauteng | 26) National Diploma; Pulp and Paper Technology (NDPPT); 27) National Diploma: Engineering National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical (NDENG); 28) National Diploma: Engineering: Civil (NDECI); 29) Baccalareus Technologiae: Engineering: Engineering Chemical (BTENC); 30) Baccalareus Technologiae: Engineering: Electrical Clinical Engineering (BTELN – CEN); 31) Baccalareus Technologiae: Engineering: Electrical Computer Systems (BTELN – COS); 32) Baccalareus Technologiae: Engineering: Electrical Power Engineering (BTELN – PEN); 33) Baccalareus Technologiae: Engineering: Process Instrumentation (BTELN – PIN); 34) Baccalareus Technologiae: Engineering: Electrical Telecommunication (BTELN – TEL); and 35) Baccalareus Technologiae: Engineering: Mechanical (BTMEE). Makes the claim that the following qualifications are the equivalent of National Degrees and National Diplomas yet there is no evidence that these programmes are equivalent to a degree or a National Diploma and even if they were it is not clear why a student would spend 4 to 5 years and at least R300 000.00 on a programme which does not entitle him/her to claim the award as a Degree, a Diploma or a National Diploma as recognised on the South African NQF. 1) 3 Years IT (MCSD_ABWD); 2) 3 Year Dip.WD_CM-EM-SM; 3) 4 Years (PM); 4) 3 Years Dip.CGI; 5) 4 Years MDD; and 6) Add one extra year to MSCD/ISS Programmes. Claims to be a tuition centre for UNISA but no MoU was submitted to the Department. Refers to itself as a college and university when it is NOT registered as such with the Department. |
| 87. Woburn Business School – Falsely claims to offer degrees in conjunction with Aldersgate College and Amity University. | Gauteng | 1) Bachelor of Business Administration 2) Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing 3) Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting 4) Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship 5) Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology 6) Bachelor of Science in Accounting 7) Bachelor of Business Administration Human Resources Management 8) Bachelor of Business Administration Business Leadership 9) Bachelor of Business Administration Strategic Leadership 10) Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering 11) Bachelor of Computer Science 12) Bachelor of Business Administration Finance & Banking 13) Bachelor of Public Administration 14) Bachelor of Information Technology 15) Bachelor in Secondary Education 16) Bachelor in Elementary Education 17) Bachelor of Arts in English 18) Bachelor of Arts in Church Management 19) Bachelor of Science in Mathematics 20) Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering 21) Masters of Business Administration 22) Master of Business Administration in Marketing 23) Master of Business Administration in Accounting 24) Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Development 25) Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management 26) Master of Business Administration in Accountancy Technology 27) Master of Business Administration in Business Leadership 28) Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership 29) Master of Business Administration in Public Administration |
| 88. Woburn Business School – Purports to offer degrees in conjunction with Aldersgate College and Amity University. | Gauteng | a) Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management b) Master of Business Administration in Banking and Finance c) Master of Philosophy (By Research) d) Master of Science in Computing e) Master of Science in Information Technology f) Master of Science in Civil Engineering g) Master of Arts in Educational Management h) Masters of Arts in English i) Master of Arts in Christian Education j) PhD Degree by Research in any area of specialization. k) PhD in Public Management. l) PhD in Business Management m) PhD in Business Entrepreneurship. n) PhD in Educational Management o) PhD in Engineering As per the website at http://www.woburn.co.za/index.php/contact-us/ as of 4 March 2016. |
| 89. Word in Action Ministries on behalf of Team Impact Christian University | Gauteng | a) Certificate to Doctoral Degrees |
| 90. Zetaweb Institute for Business Systems and IT Training | Western Cape | a) Diploma in Information Technology b) Diploma in Filming and TV Production c) Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTHEvl6xCFI
Finding Legitimate Study Opportunites
Here is a comprehensive list of currently registered learnerships, click this link to see what opportunities to look out for. Correctly registered providers of these qualifications can be found on the QCTO website.
Lists of new Job Qualifications
Qualifications lead you to providers. Search for the qualifications online to see who is advertising the courses you want to do and then check that they are listed on the QCTO.
- NQF. Level 1 and 2 for those with little or no high school and limited if any work experience.
- NQF Level 3 qualifications for those with some high school and little or no work experience.
- Exciting NQF Level 4 qualifications for Matriculants or experienced workers.
- List of NQF Level 5 qualifications for managers and supervisors.
- NQF Level 6 qualifications for professionals.
How to Protect Yourself
Students are advised to register their complaints on HELLOPETER so as to alert other students.
STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO KNOW THEIR RIGHTS AS STUDENTS which are enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997) and its Regulations, the Continuing Education and Training Colleges Act, 2006 (Act No. 16 of 2006) and its Regulations and the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act No. 68 of 2008), which protects consumers from unconscionable, unfair, unreasonable, unjust or otherwise improper trade or practices; and deceptive, misleading, unfair or fraudulent conduct. This Act, further highlights the following:
- Consumer’s right to cancel advance reservation, booking or order;
- Consumer’s rights with respect to delivery of goods or supply of service;
- Right to information in a plain and understandable language;
- The right to fair and honest dealing;
- Right to fair, just and reasonable terms and conditions; and
- Right to fair value, good quality and safety.
The Office of the Consumer Commission can be contacted at 0861843384.
Claiming Refunds from bogus colleges and universities
Resources to Protect the Public
- The Higher Education Degrees Datacheck (HEDD) has developed a ‘Degree Fraud’ toolkit which is available at the link: http://cdn.prospects.ac.uk/pdf/Advice%20and%20Guidance%20on%20Degree%20Fraud%20for%20HE%20Providers.pdf
- Further information can also be found at: www.hedd.ac.uk
- The United States of America (USA’s) Department of Education lists the accredited institutions it recognizes on its website at http://www.ed.gov./admins/finaid/accred/index.html
The following websites provide information on the extent of the problem of bogus colleges:
- http://www.credentialwatch.org/reports/mcquaid.shtml
- www.theguardian.com/education/2012/may/14/students-private-colleges-closures-immigration
- http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogus_colleges_in_the_United_Kingdom
- http://www.counterfeitdegrees.com/;
- www.degree.net;
- http://cpol.army.mil/library/nonarmy/opm-bogus-ed-credentials.doc;
- http://monitor.icef.com/2015/06/uk-rolls-out-new-service-to-help-fight-diploma-mills-and-degree-fraud/; and
- www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-33062052.
This information was extracted from the DHET registers published on their website.
