By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
MBABANE – The Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) has issued a strong advice, urging prospective tertiary students to verify the legitimacy of educational institutions before applying.
This warning comes in light of concerns regarding unregistered or unaccredited institutions that may mislead students.
Importance of Verification
During an interview, Mihla Khumalo, the EHEC Communications Officer, emphasized the necessity for students to confirm whether an institution is registered with the Council. He stated, “We encourage that students should ask first, before applying, to gain knowledge on whether the institution is registered or not.” Enrolling in unregistered institutions can lead to serious academic and financial repercussions, as these institutions are not authorized to offer recognized qualifications.
Legal Requirements and Government Support
The EHEC highlighted that registration with the Council is a legal requirement for all tertiary education providers in Eswatini. Unregistered institutions are prohibited from offering academic qualifications, which can jeopardize students’ educational and career prospects.
Additionally, government-funded institutions play a vital role in the higher education landscape of Eswatini, receiving financial support from the government for their operations and infrastructure. Some courses at both public and private institutions may qualify for government sponsorship, with scholarships available through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for approved programs.
Steps for Students
As the application season progresses, the ESHEC advises students and parents to:
- Verify the credibility of institutions.
- Check for available scholarships to ensure access to quality education.
For a comprehensive list of registered and accredited institutions, students are encouraged to visit the EHEC’s official platforms. They can also view the list of priority government-sponsored courses for 2023–2027 through the Ministry’s official website or directly via this link: Priority List 2023-2027
https://www.gov.sz/images/LABOUR/Priority%20List%20final%202023-2027.pdf.
This proactive approach will help safeguard students’ futures and maintain the integrity of Eswatini’s higher education system.
