The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has issued a strong warning to matriculants and their families to remain vigilant against unregistered and bogus institutions that often surface during the matric results period.
With the Department of Basic Education set to officially release the 2025 National Senior Certificate results next Tuesday, SAQA says scammers are actively targeting desperate and vulnerable learners with false promises of admission, qualifications, and even guaranteed employment.
SAQA is urging prospective students to verify the registration status of any institution before paying application or registration fees. According to the authority, many of these fraudulent operators are not registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and offer qualifications that are not recognised.
SAQA Chief Operating Officer, Dr Makhapa Makhafola, says the growing mismatch between the number of matriculants and available spaces at higher education institutions has created an opportunity for scammers to exploit hopeful students.
He explains that bogus institutions often display clear warning signs, including unrealistic promises and a lack of transparency.
“Many of these operators promise guaranteed jobs after graduation, which is simply not how the system works,” Makhafola said. “Others advertise that they offer multiple degrees without proper accreditation, or they operate entirely online without a physical address.”
Makhafola stressed that legitimate institutions are required to have a verifiable physical location and to be registered with the relevant authorities. He encouraged learners and parents to cross-check institutions directly with the Department of Higher Education and Training or through SAQA’s verification platforms.
SAQA has reiterated that failing to verify an institution could leave students with unrecognised qualifications, lost money, and limited future opportunities.
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