Cape Town – As the class of 2025 prepares for the release of their National Senior Certificate results, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has warned learners and parents to be on high alert for bogus or unregistered higher-education institutions that tend to become more active during this period.
SAQA Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Makhapa Makhafola said school-leavers are often targeted by institutions making unrealistic and misleading promises at a time when demand for study opportunities is high.
“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,” he said.
Dr Makhafola outlined several warning signs that prospective students should look out for, cautioning that not all offers of study or qualifications are legitimate.
“Learners 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), offer qualifications that are not registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), or make unrealistic promises such as guaranteed admission, fast-tracked degrees or guaranteed employment,” he said.
The South African Qualifications Authority has issued a warning to prospective students about the dangers of enrolling at unregistered institutions. Matriculants and parents are being urged to exercise caution and to verify institutions and qualifications before making any… pic.twitter.com/dz7JCFqT0o
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 7, 2026
SAQA has urged matriculants and their families to take precautionary steps before registering or paying any fees, stressing that early verification can prevent financial loss and academic disappointment.
“Those who discover that they are enrolled at an unregistered institution are advised to stop making further payments immediately and report the matter to SAQA and DHET,” Dr Makhafola added.
Authorities have also encouraged learners to use official platforms to confirm the legitimacy of institutions. The DHET maintains publicly accessible online registers of registered, provisionally registered and deregistered private higher-education institutions and private colleges, which should be consulted before enrolling.
Experts warn that qualifications obtained from unregistered institutions are not recognised for employment or further study, often leaving students with invalid credentials and families out of pocket.
As the release of matric results draws closer, SAQA’s message remains clear: verify before you register, and take the time to confirm an institution’s status to avoid falling victim to fraudulent providers.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
