Private colleges in South Africa: how to verify before you pay.

DHET maintains the official Register of Private Colleges. Let's make sure the college you're considering is on it before any money changes hands. Here's how.

Verified against DHET Register of Private Colleges & Regulations for the Registration of Private FET, 2007

Published by NavyBlue Editorial Team

How do I check if a private college is registered with DHET in South Africa?

Cross-check the college name and registration number against the official DHET Register of Private Colleges. The registration number format is YYYY/FExx/NNN. Section B of the register lists currently-registered private colleges; Section A lists colleges whose registration has been cancelled. Confirm the qualification on the SAQA NQF register at allqs.saqa.org.za. If anything looks off, email PCComplaints1@dhet.gov.za.

Let's verify before any money moves. The most common SA private-education scam is an unregistered or cancelled college that collects fees, then the qualification turns out not to be recognised. A 5-minute check saves you from that.

5-step verification process

  1. 1

    Find the college name on the DHET register

    Open the DHET Register of Private Colleges (linked below) and search for the college name. Currently registered colleges sit in Section B. If the college only appears in Section A, DHET has cancelled its registration, and it's safer not to enrol.

  2. 2

    Match the registration number

    Every registered private college has a number in the format YYYY/FExx/NNN. The college you're considering should be able to show you this number on its prospectus or website. Confirm it matches the entry in Section B.

  4. 3

    Confirm the qualification on SAQA

    Open allqs.saqa.org.za and search for the qualification (like "National Certificate Vocational"). Each registered qualification has an NQF level and SAQA ID. Make sure the qualification you're being offered is on the register and not expired.

  5. 4

    Check the site of delivery

    The DHET register lists each college's approved sites of delivery. Confirm the campus where you'll actually study is one of the approved sites. Some private colleges operate from multiple campuses; only registered sites can legally offer the programmes.

  6. 5

    If something feels off, report it

    DHET takes complaints about unregistered colleges seriously. Email PCComplaints1@dhet.gov.za with the college name, the qualification offered and any documentation you've received. It's safer to hold off paying any fee until you're satisfied the college is legitimate.

Where to find the official lists

DHET Register of Private Colleges

Official PDF, updated regularly. Section A (cancelled) and Section B (currently registered). Covers FET-level private colleges offering Engineering N1-N3, NCV and AET.

Open the register →
DHET Register of PHEIs

Private Higher Education Institutions (like IIE Varsity College, Eduvos, MANCOSA, Boston, Damelin, Lyceum, Milpark). Quality-assured by the CHE. Offers Higher Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees.

Open the PHEI register →
SAQA NQF qualification search

Verify any qualification on the National Qualifications Framework. Search by name, SAQA ID or NQF level. Confirm the qualification is current and registered.

Search SAQA →
Report concerns to DHET

If you suspect a private college is operating without registration or has cancelled registration, email DHET with the college name and any documentation you have.

PCComplaints1@dhet.gov.za →

Frequently asked questions

What is a DHET registered private college in South Africa?

A DHET registered private college is a Further Education and Training (FET) institution that has passed DHET's quality and registration checks. That means it can legally offer Engineering Studies N1-N3, the National Certificate (Vocational) and Adult Education and Training (AET). DHET publishes the full list in the Register of Private Colleges. Section B shows currently registered colleges; Section A shows cancelled ones.

What's the difference between a private college (FET) and a Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI)?

Private colleges in this guide are FET-level institutions. They run Engineering N1-N3, NCV and AET programmes. Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) are a different register. PHEIs like IIE Varsity College, Eduvos, Damelin, Boston, MANCOSA, Lyceum and Milpark offer Higher Certificates, Diplomas and Bachelor's Degrees. The Council on Higher Education (CHE) quality-assures PHEIs, and SAQA registers their qualifications.

How do I verify that a private college is registered?

Cross-check the college name and registration number against the official DHET Register of Private Colleges (updated regularly at dhet.gov.za). The registration number format is YYYY/FExx/NNN. Section B lists currently registered colleges, Section A lists colleges whose registration has been cancelled. Also confirm the qualification you want is registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) via SAQA at allqs.saqa.org.za.

Does NSFAS fund private colleges?

NSFAS only funds public universities and public TVET colleges. It does not cover private colleges. Your funding options are Fundi (a specialist student finance provider), bank student loans (Standard Bank, Capitec, FNB, Nedbank), employer bursaries, SETA-sponsored learnerships, and each college's own internal bursaries.

How can I avoid private college scams in South Africa?

It's safer to check the DHET Register of Private Colleges before you pay any fee. A legitimate college appears on the register, has its qualifications registered on the NQF through SAQA, and (for higher-ed qualifications) holds CHE accreditation. Watch out for colleges that pressure quick payment, can't show registration documents or operate from an unregistered campus. If something feels off, email PCComplaints1@dhet.gov.za.

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