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Universities: how to verify a provider and compare fairly
A university name proves nothing. Check the official register for your destination, the course accreditation and the regulator for your profession.
Last reviewed 30 September 2026. Figures are checked against the sources listed at the bottom of the page.
Talk to a counsellorOfficial registers, destination by destination
| Destination | Register | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Register of licensed student sponsors (GOV.UK) | The university can sponsor student visas and has the Student route |
| Australia | CRICOS | Provider code and the exact course code for international students |
| Canada | Designated learning institutions list (IRCC) | The school’s DLI number and whether your programme is eligible for a post-graduation work permit |
| United States | SEVP-certified school search | The school can issue I-20 forms |
| Ireland | Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) | Your programme is listed, and whether it is on the eligible list for the permission you need |
| New Zealand | NZQA register | Provider and programme approval |
| Dubai and UAE | KHDA and UAE Ministry of Higher Education lists | Licence and programme accreditation |
| Italy | Universitaly and the Ministry of University and Research | Recognised university and programme open to non-EU students |
| France | Campus France and the university site | Recognised programme listed for international students |
| South Korea | Study in Korea and HiKorea visa-issuing status | The university can issue D-2 student visas |
| Cyprus | Ministry of Education and CY.Q.A.A accreditation | Accredited in the Republic of Cyprus |
| Lithuania | Study in Lithuania and SKVC accreditation | Accredited university and programme |
| Malaysia | Malaysian Qualifications Register and EMGS list | Programme accreditation and approval to enrol international students |
Fake universities and fake offers
- The website cannot be found on the official register, or the name is a near copy of a real university
- The offer arrives within hours of a first email with no document review
- The payment details are a personal account, a different country or a payment app
- The offer letter has spelling errors, mismatched logos or an unusual reference format
- The sender uses a free email address instead of the university’s domain
- You are asked to pay to “reserve a slot” before you receive formal conditions
Compare universities fairly
| Factor | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Course content | Modules, projects, assessment mix, accreditation by a professional body |
| Teaching quality | Student satisfaction and teaching ratings in national surveys where published |
| Outcomes | Graduate employment and salary data for the course |
| Location | Rent, transport, part-time work market and industry links |
| Support | International office, careers service, counselling and Pakistani community |
| Cost | Tuition, scholarship, deposit, rent and refund rules |
Ten questions to ask admissions
- Is my course on the official register for international students?
- How many credits or hours are taught in person?
- What are the graduate outcomes for this course?
- Does the course have professional accreditation?
- What is the refund policy if my visa is refused?
- Do you accept my 14- or 16-year degree?
- Which scholarship options apply to my course?
- What accommodation is guaranteed for international students?
- What support exists for placements or work experience?
- Can I speak to a current Pakistani student?
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a university is real?
Find it on the official register for the country, then confirm the offer by phoning or emailing the admissions office using details from the university’s own website.
Can a university be real but not allowed to take international students?
Yes. Some institutions cannot sponsor student visas. Check the sponsor register, CRICOS, DLI or SEVP list for your destination.
Does a university’s ranking prove the course is good?
No. Rankings are general. Check the course, the accreditation and graduate outcomes.
Should I pay an agency to get an offer?
Offers can usually be applied for directly. If you use an agency, ask what the fee covers, and never pay for a guaranteed offer.
What if I already paid a fake university?
Contact your bank immediately, keep all messages and receipts, and report to the relevant authorities. Seek advice quickly.
Sources and how we verify
Checked on 30 September 2026. This page is general information, not legal, immigration, medical or financial advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change, so confirm with the official body before you pay or apply.
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