An education expert has warned matriculants to not fall prey to “bogus colleges” just because they feel pressured to sign up for tertiary education.
According to the general manager at The Independent Institute of Education, Peter Kriel, thousands of learners were in the unexpectedly happy position - due to the country’s pass rate - of having received a bachelor’s pass, and therefore qualifying for further study.
“Those who didn’t make provision for this eventuality, may now find themselves in a situation where they no longer need to settle for their Plan B, but can in fact go for Plan A, realising their dreams of pursuing a degree, but with no place at university yet.”
Kriel warned that matriculants need to take extra special care to ensure that they were signing up for the right qualification, for the right
reason, at the right institution.
“Higher education minister Blade Nzimande has warned prospective students not to fall for bogus colleges - which can cost precious time and money with no return at the end - but to ensure that they sign up at a registered and accredited
institution,” he said.
Prospective students should check that the institution and its qualifications are registered, and also ensure that their qualifications will be relevant in the next few years.
“Keep in mind that technology is constantly advancing with new approaches, best practices, tools and so forth.
“So your institution and qualification must be cognisant of this, and importantly, have a close connection to industry, to ensure that your education isn’t obsolete by the time you attend your graduation ceremony,” added Kriel.