Every year, many young people weigh up their options and consider different tertiary institutions (such as universities and colleges) where they can apply to in order to further their education. The mainstream institutions tend to fill up rather quickly, which may create a level of desperation for those young people who haven't secured a place yet. It is at this point that many become prey to the so-called “fly-by-night” institutions, only to realise at a later stage that their qualification means nothing.
What is a “fly-by-night” academic institution?
> In short, “fly-by-night” institutions are those academic institutions that do not follow the necessary legal requirements and who are not properly registered. Simply put, they are unaccredited academic institutions.
> These institutions are often from the private sector and section 29(3) of the Constitution requires private providers of education and training to be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (“DHET”), as well as to maintain standards that are not lower than the standards at similar public educational institutions.
> Apart from being registered at the DHET, academic institutions must also be properly registered with the relevant Skills Education and Training Authorities (“SETA”) or other relevant body as institutions of learning.
What about specific qualifications at the academic institution?
> In some instances, the academic institution might be properly accredited and registered, but they provide certain qualifications that are not accredited and registered to be offered by them.
> For example, an academic institution may be accredited to offer a particular hospitality certificate course, but they extend their offering and advertise an accounting diploma course which is not accredited by the relevant authority.
> The purpose for qualifications to be accredited and registered is to ensure that a minimum standard is complied with in respect of what the qualification must cover. Qualifications must comply with the standards set out by the South African Qualifications Authority (“SAQA”).
> If an academic institution does not subject their qualifications to this process of approval, it is not verified whether they meet the minimum standards required in the particular industries.
What is the big deal if the institution or qualification is not accredited and registered?
> The “big deal” is that if it is not properly accredited or registered, the qualification obtained does not have any weight.
> For example, places of employment do not recognise qualifications issued by these unregistered academic institutions and as a result, any qualification offered is essentially worthless and a waste of hard-earned money and time. Unaccredited qualifications will not help the youth of today to secure future employment.
How to spot a “fly-by-night” institution?
> Some of these institutions are located in strange places while others are found in upmarket areas and are situated in fancy buildings. At face value, these institutions might look legitimate and it is often difficult to tell whether they actually are.
> In some instances, these unregistered institutions have been known to change premises frequently in order to avoid being traced, but many operate from one location for many years. It can prove challenging to spot the difference.
> Luckily, there are methods to verify whether an academic institution or a specific course is properly registered and/or accredited. It is strongly advisable to verify the validity before entering into a contract or pay registration fees.
> One method is to look for the academic institution's registration number. However, just because there is a registration number does not mean that it is valid. Many of these institutions will have registration numbers that look legitimate, however, their registration status can be confirmed by the DHET and can be verified with the Register of Private Higher Education Institutions kept on www.dhet.gov.za. Alternatively, their toll-free number (0800 87 22 22) can be called for further information.
> In respect of specific qualifications, their status can be confirmed by visiting SAQA website at www.saqa.org.za or to contact them at 012 431 5000. SAQA is the authority that lists all the valid qualifications in South Africa.
It is important for young people to plan early towards the furthering of their studies in order to avoid falling into the trap of fly-by-night institutions. Sometimes, however, even with good planning, one can still be exposed to the risk of these institutions, young people are advised to always check the Register of Private Higher Education Institutions as well as SAQA before committing to any college.
Did you know…Unregistered institutions have been known to change premises frequently in order to avoid being traced.