Higher education ministry warns students against ‘fake’ diplomas

AMMAN — The Higher Education Ministry on Tuesday warned students not to enrol in “fake” diploma courses at unlicensed centres in Jordan or abroad.  

After the announcement of General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi) results, some companies targeted young people searching for higher education opportunities, offering them “fake” vocational diplomas, said Higher Education Ministry Secretary General Hani Dmour.  

“Many students choose to study abroad, especially those who do not pass Tawjihi. Unlicensed offices and centres contact the young citizens to discuss their courses,” Dmour told The Jordan Times.

The programmes offered by the companies, he said, are usually six- to nine-month courses in specific fields, such as aviation or nursing.

“The problem is that they target students who are desperate for the diploma and they ask for high tuition fees,” Dmour added.

The higher education council and the accreditation commission do not accredit certificates obtained from unlicensed institutions around the Kingdom, he said, which causes problems for the student.

For example, the Jordanian Nursing Council requires certificates and official papers from accredited and certified institutes, according to Dmour

“[The companies] tell [applicants] that the diploma will help them apply for jobs abroad, which is the main reason many young Jordanians submit their applications to such offices,” the official said.

Some companies that offer vocational diplomas promote their services on social media networks, reaching a wide audience of young people, he added. 

The official urged students to check with the ministry and the higher education council before applying to make sure the certificate is recognised and licensed in Jordan.

“Students who seek to study abroad can check the ministry’s website, or contact employees from the ministry to ask about the programmes offered.”

He added: “Students who get brochures or receive marketing ads from companies that do not exist or that scam young people should contact the ministry and we will take the appropriate steps, including legal action.”

Dmour said that the council would announce a list of legitimate diploma programmes available in the Kingdom in several fields and majors in the coming months, adding that the programmes would be supported by private and public sector companies.