The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has received reports of certain institutions allegedly operating as “diploma mills.” These entities are reportedly offering below minimum quality graduate education program standards and/or advertising online or distance graduate degree programs without obtaining the proper authority or recognition from CHED.

CHED reminds the public that only Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) officially recognized by CHED and duly granted the required permits or authority are authorized to offer graduate education programs.

Any HEI found operating as a “diploma mill” or offering unrecognized programs shall be subjected to a Cease and Desist Order and administrative sanctions, which may include fines, program closure, suspension, downgrading of status, or revocation of the institution’s permit or recognition. CHED shall endorse such cases to the appropriate authorities for prosecution to ensure that responsible HEIs and individuals are held fully accountable under civil and criminal law.

The Commission has already directed all CHED Regional Offices to conduct strict and continuous monitoring of HEIs’ graduate program standards to ensure full compliance with the quality assurance standards prescribed under CMO No. 15, s. 2019. CHED will impose the appropriate sanctions without hesitation, including the immediate closure of programs found to be noncompliant.

Students enrolled in such programs shall not be issued Special Orders, and their academic credentials shall neither be validated nor recognized by CHED. Such credentials shall have no legal effect for purposes of employment, licensure, or further studies.

The public is strongly urged to exercise due diligence before enrolling in any HEI and to verify the institution’s official CHED recognition. Verified listings and official updates may be accessed through the CHED Regional Offices or the CHED Central Office website (ched.gov.ph).

CHED acknowledges the challenge of monitoring numerous programs and HEIs nationwide, particularly amid manpower constraints. Nevertheless, to safeguard the integrity of Philippine Higher Education, CHED, in coordination with the EDCOM II, DepEd, PRC, and BARMM, crafted a joint advisory on teacher’s education programs to properly guide and caution students, parents, teachers, and employers from fraudulent academic institutions, and calls on the general public to promptly report any suspicious or unauthorized activities involving higher education programs.

CHED remains committed in protecting the integrity of Philippine Higher Education and will not tolerate the operation of “diploma mills.” We appreciate your observations and concerns. Please feel free to reach us at feedback2025@ched.gov.ph.

Issued this 4th day of November 2025, at the Higher Education Development Center Building, U.P. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

On Unauthorized Graduate Programs and Diploma Mills

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has received reports of certain institutions allegedly operating as “diploma mills.” These entities are reportedly offering below minimum quality graduate education program standards and/or advertising online or distance graduate degree programs without obtaining the proper authority or recognition from CHED.

CHED reminds the public that only Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) officially recognized by CHED and duly granted the required permits or authority are authorized to offer graduate education programs.

Any HEI found operating as a “diploma mill” or offering unrecognized programs shall be subjected to a Cease and Desist Order and administrative sanctions, which may include fines, program closure, suspension, downgrading of status, or revocation of the institution’s permit or recognition. CHED shall endorse such cases to the appropriate authorities for prosecution to ensure that responsible HEIs and individuals are held fully accountable under civil and criminal law.

The Commission has already directed all CHED Regional Offices to conduct strict and continuous monitoring of HEIs’ graduate program standards to ensure full compliance with the quality assurance standards prescribed under CMO No. 15, s. 2019. CHED will impose the appropriate sanctions without hesitation, including the immediate closure of programs found to be noncompliant.

Students enrolled in such programs shall not be issued Special Orders, and their academic credentials shall neither be validated nor recognized by CHED. Such credentials shall have no legal effect for purposes of employment, licensure, or further studies.

The public is strongly urged to exercise due diligence before enrolling in any HEI and to verify the institution’s official CHED recognition. Verified listings and official updates may be accessed through the CHED Regional Offices or the CHED Central Office website (ched.gov.ph).

CHED acknowledges the challenge of monitoring numerous programs and HEIs nationwide, particularly amid manpower constraints. Nevertheless, to safeguard the integrity of Philippine Higher Education, CHED, in coordination with the EDCOM II, DepEd, PRC, and BARMM, crafted a joint advisory on teacher’s education programs to properly guide and caution students, parents, teachers, and employers from fraudulent academic institutions, and calls on the general public to promptly report any suspicious or unauthorized activities involving higher education programs.

CHED remains committed in protecting the integrity of Philippine Higher Education and will not tolerate the operation of “diploma mills.” We appreciate your observations and concerns. Please feel free to reach us at feedback2025@ched.gov.ph.

Issued this 4th day of November 2025, at the Higher Education Development Center Building, U.P. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City.

(Original report: Commission on Higher Education/Facebook)