Diploma Mill Tricks

Accreditation from UNESCO

Diploma mills often try to make claims that they are associated with highly respected organizations that they in fact have no ties to. One of the worst diploma mill tricks is to claim an accreditation or licensing from UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The diploma mills claiming ties to UNESCO aren't even trying some of the more sneaky tactics of using a fake agency that sounds like a real one. They aren't even trying to tie themselves to a real accrediting agency. They are trying to use one of the world's most respected international educational organizations as a way to improve their own credibility.

These fake degree programs are operating around the world and often invite prospective students to contact UNESCO to confirm their accreditation knowing most students won't bother to check.

As per their own site, UNESCO does "not have the mandate to accredit nor to recognize higher education institutions, programs, diplomas or accrediting agencies." In other words, they do not accredit or otherwise sanction degree programs. The caution that "Any provider of higher education or accrediting agency which claims or gives the impression of being accredited and/or recognized by UNESCO should be looked upon with caution. Such institutions or accrediting agencies may use different fraudulent modes." - a gentle way of saying any degree program which proclaims itself accredited or recognized by UNESCO is a fraud.

Common diploma mill tricks using the UNESCO name and logo include:

• Degrees, diplomas and certificates which bear UNESCO's logo.

• Programs that refer prospective students to UNESCO to confirm accreditation.

• Degree programs that claim they are included on the non-existent "UNESCO Higher Education Institutions Registry".

• Programs that proclaim adherence to "the Educational Creed of UNESCO" or to promote the values and ideals of the agency.

• Including UNESCO within their school name, web address or otherwise giving the impression of being part of the UNESCO organization.

Generally speaking, international and intergovernmental organizations do not accredit university degree programs. Each country and/or state is responsible for overseeing their educational institutions. The fake degree and diploma mills are counting on their prospective students simply seeing references to such respected organizations as proof positive that they are fully accredited institutions of higher learning.

Don't miss Diploma Mill Tricks Part II and learn about another nasty trick diploma mills use to fool prospective students into thinking they are affiliated with well-known schools.