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Bogus qualifications

In recent years there has been an enormous increase in the availability of counterfeit and substandard university degrees. The trade in these 'fake degrees' is now widespread on the internet, and occurs in every country, including Australia.

Many fake degrees are offered by 'degree mills' which are unaccredited and little more than shelf companies. Others are substantial operations which however do not provide legitimate education services and are not accredited in Australia or overseas.

Many 'degree mills' have well-designed websites with convincing course descriptions, staff lists and descriptions of graduation ceremonies. Degrees purchased from these sites can be indistinguishable from genuine degrees, with university crests, student numbers and official signatures.

There are also fake degrees which fraudulently purport to have been issued by a legitimate university.

What to do if you are in doubt

A prospective student should always check the status of the institution they are considering enrolling in before paying any money. Never trust statements about accreditation until you have checked with the appropriate accreditation authority.

An employer, or professional licensing or registration body, should never accept photocopies of academic qualifications or transcripts. Insist on seeing the original documents or certified copies.

Both prospective students and employers can contact the Office of Higher Education with any doubts.

Approved universities and institutes

Nine universities currently operate in Queensland. You can verify the status of any degree issued by a Queensland university by contacting the university directly. You may need the degree holder's written permission to obtain verification of their degree from the issuing university.

Non self-accrediting higher education institutions and overseas institutions are also accredited or authorised to offer higher education degrees in Queensland.

For information on interstate universities and interstate non self-accrediting higher education institutions, refer to the AQF Register .

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This page was last reviewed on 02 Jun 2010