Beware Of Bogus Colleges: How To Claim A Refund From An Unregistered College

Which study season upon us it’s very important for students to do their research when it comes to institutions they register with. Many students  fall victim to bogus colleges that either are not registered or do not have accredited courses. Below Are steps To Claim A Refund From An Unregistered College, assuming you missed the warning signs and you have already paid them money.

1. Inform the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), get written confirmation from the Department that the programme/college is not registered.

2. Request the college principal for a refund, failing which you have to approach the courts.

3. For amounts up to R15 000.00, you can approach the Small Claims Court with the letter of
confirmation from the Department.

4. For amounts above R15 000.00, you must engage an attorney. Students who cannot afford legal fees
may approach the Legal Aid Board at 0800 110 110.

5. For disputes on a contractual agreement, you must contact the Office of Consumer Affairs in your
region or the office of the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at 012 761 3000 or
[email protected].

6. Inform the nearest Police Station, sign an affidavit, and open a case if you wish, noting that the
Department will open a case on your behalf.

7. Any dispute arising out of a contractual agreement must be settled in a court.
The Registers are available at http://www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx

8. Inform the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), get written confirmation from the Department that the programme/college is not registered.

9. Request the college principal for a refund, failing which you have to approach the courts.

10. For amounts up to R15 000.00, you can approach the Small Claims Court with the letter of
confirmation from the Department.

11. For amounts above R15 000.00, you must engage an attorney. Students who cannot afford legal fees
may approach the Legal Aid Board at 0800 110 110.

12. For disputes on a contractual agreement, you must contact the Office of Consumer Affairs in your
region or the office of the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at 012 761 3000 or
[email protected].

13. Inform the nearest Police Station, sign an affidavit, and open a case if you wish, noting that the
Department will open a case on your behalf.

14. Any dispute arising out of a contractual agreement must be settled in a court.
The Registers are available at http://www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx