Two people sit on a bench on a lawn with the university building behind them File Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives
As South Africa's universities gear up to welcome new students for the 2025 academic year, institutions are urging applicants to remain vigilant against scams promising placements in programmes in exchange for money.
Both the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) have issued firm warnings to protect prospective students from falling victim to fraud.
DUT reported receiving 147 076 applications for only 9 454 first-year spaces. UKZN, similarly overwhelmed, received over 290 600 applications for approximately 8 600 first-year places. The intense competition for placement has made many students vulnerable to opportunistic scam artists.
“No walk-ins are allowed at DUT,” the university stated, emphasising that all registration processes for the 2025 academic year will take place online.
It added that on-campus support will be available only for students facing challenges with the online system.
Posters warning against scams have been placed around the DUT campus and registration venues, and additional information is being shared via the official DUT website and social media platforms.
UKZN’s Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Normah Zondo, echoed these sentiments.
“Places at UKZN are not for sale,” she said.
“We urge the public to avoid falling victim to these scams and to report any incidents to the SAPS.”
Zondo highlighted that all registration processes, including the ‘change of mind’ process, are strictly conducted online, and unregistered individuals will not be permitted onto campuses.
Both institutions are taking measures to address fraudulent activities.
DUT emphasised that it thoroughly investigates reports of fraud and has strict procedures to address incidents involving prospective or current students. Suspected fraudulent activities can be reported directly to university offices or via a dedicated whistle-blower hotline.
UKZN has implemented a Tip-Offs anonymous service operated independently by Deloitte to encourage transparency and protect whistle-blowers.
“Reports can be made anonymously at any time through the toll-free number, email, or website,” Zondo said.
The scams often target desperate applicants who believe paying a fee could secure them a spot at their desired institution.
The universities said prospective students should only rely all information on official platforms.
UKZN encouraged prospective students to rely on its official website and social media platforms for updates.
Similarly, DUT advised applicants to use its verified website, DUT Pinboard or the DUT4Life email for accurate information.