It's advising them to check colleges' registration status with the department.

"These institutions lure and mislead future students into believing that these colleges offer qualifications that are recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)," said Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.

"These illegal colleges offer compromised qualifications that are not recognised for employment purposes or for further study."

Departmental spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi says there's been success in shutting down many illegal colleges, but there are others.

"We monitor whatever's happening through reports that we get from police and victims themselves.

"We close those colleges down and we commence with investigations, but that can only happen after someone falls victim. That is why we urge them to check their registration on our website."

eNCA