CAIRO: Minister of Higher Education Hani Helal warned against applying for uncertified universities that are increasingly being advertised in newspapers and satellite television channels.

I ask students and parents not to fall for misleading ads of new private faculties and academies, they must verify those universities with the Ministry of Higher Education or the different universities admission offices, Helal said.

According to Helal, if the university or academy is not listed with any of the aforementioned bodies, it is not credible and its certificate is of no value.

Last week, the Ministry of Higher Education discovered four uncertified faculties and academies.

Those four institutions are a sham meant to trick students, Helal said in an official press statement.

On its official website, the Ministry of Higher Education listed all the required measures private faculties and universities have to take to be certified.

The first two prerequisites stipulate that the university’s owner be a public reputable figure and that it should offer studies relevant to today’s market.