How Do I Check If a College Is Registered in South Africa?
How Do I Check If a College Is Registered in South Africa?
How Do I Check If a College Is Registered in South Africa?
Choosing the right college is a big decision, and one of the most important steps in that process is making sure the institution is properly registered. In South Africa, there are many colleges providing a variety of courses, but not all of them are officially recognized by the government. Studying at an unregistered college can have serious consequences, from receiving an invalid qualification to wasting your time and money. That is why it is essential to verify whether a college is legally registered and accredited before you apply or pay any fees.
Fortunately, checking the registration status of a college in South Africa is simple and accessible. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is the official body responsible for overseeing all post-school education institutions, including both public and private colleges. They regularly publish updated lists of registered private colleges, and these can be accessed for free on their official website.
Besides the DHET, you can also consult other relevant bodies depending on the type of qualification offered. For instance, qualifications need to be accredited by bodies such as Umalusi (for general and further education) or the Council on Higher Education (for higher education). These organizations ensure that the courses provided meet national standards and are recognized across the country
How do you check if the institution is registered?
As an alternative, you can send an email to RegistrarFET@doe.gov.za to inquire about a college’s standing. The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) in South Africa grants one such accreditation.
Follow the instructions below to avoid enrolling in a private institution that won’t provide value for your money before you register or pay any tuition.
- Check that the college is listed on the DHET list of registered private colleges in the TVET sector at www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx. The DHET list is maintained by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). In accordance with the Continuing Education and Training Act 16 of 2006 and the FET Institutions Amendment Act of 2013, private colleges are required to register with the DHET. The Register of Registered Private Colleges, which is accessible on the DHET website, is updated often. The record contains facts on the registration status of private colleges, the degrees and NQF Levels they are authorized to offer, as well as the colleges’ contact information. There is a chance that DHET and companies won’t recognize degrees from unregistered colleges. Check the institution’s registration status before simply believing it when it claims to be registered.
- You can visit the list on the Umalusi website to see if the college is accredited by Umalusi. The DHET registration is necessary for the accreditation and is directly related to it. A step in the process of ensuring the quality of the particular qualifications provided by the private institution is accreditation.
- Finding out more details, such as the institution’s background and any negative press it may have received, is also helpful. To learn more about the quality of instruction and whether the qualification was regarded by employers, if at all possible, speak to someone who recently completed the qualification you want to enroll in at the institution.
Contact details
Tel No
(012) 312 5348 / 082 471 2358
E-mail
Maseti.B@dhet.gov.za
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