PRETORIA - The Department of Higher Education has cautioned prospective students to verify and cross-check when applying for placement in institutions of higher learning as fake colleges are on the rise.
While over 760,000 pupils passed matric last year, public universities can only accommodate around 230,000 in any given academic year leaving half a million in the lurch.
This is where bogus higher education thrive on scamming those desperate for education.
Shaheeda Essack, Director of Private Higher Education at DHET, advised students to verify that institutions are registered and accredited through official higher and education channels before making any payments.
"They [students] need to look at where the college is located, the infrastructure and the level of professionalism. They need to also speak to other students at the college to understand how it operates and what their experience is."
The department also has a register for all accredited institutions on its website.