POOR COMMUNICATION-3 YEARS

Varsity College Pretoria has provided me with the worst customer service experience. In 2021, while beginning my PGCE, I was mistakenly registered for an incorrect module. I only discovered this in 2022 when I faced difficulties registering for my teaching practice. As a result, I was forced to delay my teaching practice by a full year, completing it in 2023 instead of with my classmates in 2022.

Despite arguing that the registration error was not my fault, I was denied the opportunity to complete my teaching practice with my cohort. Instead, I was advised that I would receive a refund for the mistakenly registered module. I was told to visit the finance department, where they assured me the cost of the module would be reimbursed.

The problems did not end there. At the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, I faced further registration issues when trying to enroll for special teaching practice. Initially, I was informed that I was ineligible and could only complete it in 2024. It was only after persistent efforts and providing email proof of prior communications that I was eventually allowed to proceed. I graduated in 2023, but I was unable to receive my degree certificate due to outstanding fees.

I repeatedly attempted to arrange a payment plan while also requesting my promised refund. Each time, I was ignored or dismissed. In the end, I reluctantly agreed to pay R26,410 in installments throughout late 2023 and 2024. By the time I had paid over R21,000, I received a statement claiming that I still owed R15,410. I immediately contacted my advisor to dispute this, providing proof of payments, but was again redirected to different departments.

After further investigation, it was finally acknowledged that the university owed me R9,240 for the incorrect module. However, they continued to insist that I owed R15,410. I sent additional proof of payments, amounting to R23,500, and discovered an administrative error on my part—some payments had been made under my old student number, which the university had changed in 2022. As a result, the university actually owed me R6,330.

Despite signing and submitting a refund request, I was later informed that I would only be refunded R3,820—an incorrect amount. This ongoing issue has not only caused me significant frustration but has also affected my ability to secure employment as a teacher abroad. As an expatriate, not having my official degree certificate has been a major obstacle.

Communicating with Varsity College is a nightmare. My concerns are constantly dismissed, and I am passed from one person to another with no accountability. Throughout this ordeal, I have been assigned three different pre-credit controllers, each disappearing without explanation. My current pre-credit controller has failed to respond to my queries regarding my incorrect handover to debt collectors—despite my having provided proof of payment.

Earlier in January 2025, I received an SMS stating that I had been handed over for outstanding fees of R15,410. In response, I paid R2,500 and immediately contacted the debt collectors to dispute the claim. I then spent three days emailing multiple university staff members, attaching all proof of payment, before finally receiving a response.

After three years of fighting for a resolution, this matter is still not dealt with urgently. I have extensive written communication proving my claims, yet Varsity College refuses to take responsibility for their errors. Enough is enough—I will not remain silent about their incompetence any longer!