STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: South Africa’s Class of 2025 has achieved a historic milestone, recording a National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate of 88%, the highest in the country’s history.
While this achievement has opened doors for tens of thousands of matriculants, it has also created unexpected challenges as more learners than ever now qualify for university degree studies.
With application deadlines approaching and public universities operating at full capacity, education experts are warning that many students may be forced into rushed decisions that could have serious long-term consequences. “Matriculants and their families must be especially vigilant when choosing a qualification and institution,” says Dr Linda Meyer, a Managing Director. “It is essential to enrol only at legitimate, fully accredited institutions and to avoid unscrupulous providers who exploit time pressure and desperation during this critical period.” Dr Meyer stresses that prospective students should always verify that both their chosen institution and qualification are properly registered and accredited before committing.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many students apply primarily to public universities and are later rejected due to limited space. In desperation, they then register at any available institution as a temporary “bridge” option, hoping to transfer later. “This haste often leads students to enrol at unregistered or unaccredited providers without proper checks,” Dr Meyer warns.
To confirm an institution’s legitimacy, the following steps are essential:
Visit the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) website to check the official list of registered private higher education providers. Consult the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) website to ensure the qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Review the Council on Higher Education (CHE) website to confirm that the institution and programme are fully accredited. If uncertainty remains, contact the DHET call centre directly.
Students and parents should be alert to warning signs that may indicate a fraudulent or unreliable provider, including:
The institution does not appear on the DHET’s registered providers list.
No original DHET registration certificate is displayed on campus.
The provider is a newly established “fly-by-night” operation with no proven track record.
Poor facilities or unqualified academic staff.
Previous warnings of de-accreditation or deregistration in official notices or media reports.
Dr Meyer notes that the accreditation process usually takes two to three years, making it unlikely that very new institutions have been fully vetted. Beyond official verification, Dr Meyer encourages families to conduct thorough online and on-site research. “Prospective students should look for genuine user experiences by checking Google reviews and consumer platforms such as Hello Peter,” she says. “Patterns of complaints about poor service, misleading marketing or refund disputes often emerge quickly.” She adds that problematic institutions rarely appear on warning lists overnight. Instead, concerns tend to build over time through repeated reports, departmental notices and media investigations. “Failing to do proper due diligence carries serious financial risks that many South African families simply cannot afford,” Dr Meyer explains. “In cases where students enrol at unregistered or fraudulent providers, fees are often lost completely, with little chance of recovery.” She urges matriculants not to be pressured into rushed decisions. “A few hours of research and verification can prevent a lifetime of regret. Take the time to investigate, confirm accreditation through official channels, and make
