The Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) is urging students and parents to exercise caution when considering overseas educational institutions, highlighting a concerning rise in fake and unaccredited qualifications. According to Director Dr. Eci Naisele, at least 12 fraudulent qualifications have already been identified this year, mostly associated with online universities that offer Master’s and PhD programs without proper accreditation.
Dr. Naisele advises students and parents to visit FHEC’s offices in Suva, Lautoka, or Labasa for verification if they are unsure about the legitimacy of any educational institution. The Commission stresses the importance of checking with FHEC before enrolling or making payments, as tuition fees can often be lost to scams. Employers are also encouraged to verify qualifications through the Commission if they have suspicions about their authenticity.
With fraudulent certificates becoming increasingly sophisticated and challenging to detect, vigilance is crucial. The FHEC’s warning comes at a time when online scams globally are on the rise, particularly those exploiting the educational sector. Similar scams have been noted by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), which has alerted the public about misleading social media ads claiming to provide free online courses and certification, often leading to attempts to steal personal information.
This advisory serves as a timely reminder for Fijians to critically assess educational offers and ensure their legitimacy through credible channels. As digital scams continue to evolve, maintaining a heightened sense of awareness and rigorously verifying information can help protect against deceitful schemes, ensuring a secure educational journey for aspiring students.