As the 2025/2026 admission season begins, many prospective teacher trainees across Ghana are eagerly awaiting their offers from accredited Colleges of Education.
But alongside the excitement comes a surge of fake admission notices, misleading WhatsApp messages, and fraudulent payment requests targeting unsuspecting students and parents.
To help applicants stay safe and informed, Coleman Publications has compiled a clear guide on the key features of a genuine College of Education admission notice, based on verified practices from the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
What makes an admission notice genuine?
A genuine College of Education admission notice is easy to recognize when you know what to look for.
PRINCOF and accredited colleges follow a strict format to ensure transparency and protect applicants from fraud.
Here are some of the essential features every legitimate admission notice must include:
SMS Notification to Your Registered Number:
The admission notice will be sent via SMS to the phone number you used during the application process.
If you receive a message from an unfamiliar number or one not linked to your application, verify before taking any action.
Name of the College Offering You Admission:
The SMS will clearly come in the name of the accredited College of Education that has offered you the admission.
If the college name is missing, vague, or replaced with generic phrases, be cautious—it’s likely fake.
Your Name
Your name will appear as it was submitted during the application process.
If the notice contains spelling errors, mismatched names, or generic placeholders like “Dear Applicant,” it’s not authentic.
Special Reference Number and PIN
Every genuine admission notice includes a unique reference number and a secure PIN assigned to you.
These credentials are used to log into the official admission portal that is part of the SMS that will be sent to you.
Without them, you cannot access your admission letter or complete enrollment.
Secure Link to Download Your Admission Letter
As part of the SMS, you will be provided with a direct link to your admission letter.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links sent via WhatsApp or social media.
Notice Board Confirmation at the College
Once admissions are officially issued, the college will paste the list of successful applicants on its notice board.
You can cross-check your name and reference number there to confirm your admission status.
Public Confirmation on the College’s Website
Every accredited College of Education will publish the list of successful applicants on its official website once admissions are issued.
You can also verify your status there.
If any of these elements are missing, vague, or replaced with promises of “protocol” or “early confirmation,” do not proceed.
Contact the college directly to verify your status.
Common Red Flags to Watch Out For
While genuine admission notices follow a clear and official process, scammers often use deceptive tactics to exploit unsuspecting applicants.
Here are some of the most common warning signs that an admission notice or message may be fake:
Requests for Mobile Money Transfers
If you’re asked to send money via mobile money/ Bank to “secure” or “confirm” your admission, it’s a scam.
No accredited College of Education will demand payment before you officially accept your offer through the admission portal.
WhatsApp Group Invitations for Admission Processing
Genuine colleges do not manage admissions through WhatsApp groups.
Any group claiming to offer shortcuts, early confirmation, or “protocol” admissions is not affiliated with PRINCOF or any legitimate institution.
Fake Admission Letters Without Official Logos or Signatures
Be wary of admission letters that lack the college’s official crest, PRINCOF endorsement, or authorized signatures.
These documents are often poorly formatted and contain spelling or grammatical errors.
Suspicious Links or Unverified Portals
If you’re directed to a website that isn’t listed on the college’s official site, do not enter your personal details.
Scammers often create fake portals to harvest applicant information.
Generic Messages with No Personalization
Messages that begin with “Dear Applicant” and fail to mention your name, reference number/PIN, or the college offering you admission are likely mass scams.
Genuine notices are personalized and traceable.
Promises of Guaranteed Admission Through “Connection” or “Protocol”
Admission into Colleges of Education is strictly merit-based.
Anyone claiming they can guarantee your admission for a fee is misleading you.
No Public Confirmation on the College’s Website
Every accredited College of Education will publish the list of successful applicants on its official website once admissions are issued.
If your name cannot be verified there, your offer may not be genuine.
If you encounter any of these red flags, do not engage. Instead, verify your status through the official admission portal or contact the college directly using numbers published on their website.
What to Do If You’re Offered Admission
Receiving an admission offer from a College of Education is an exciting milestone—but it’s important to follow the right steps to secure your place safely and officially.
Here’s what every successful applicant should do:
Accept the Offer Only Through the Official Admission Portal
Once you receive your admission SMS or notification, you’ll be directed to the portal to download your admission letter.
Use the secure link provided to log in with your reference number and PIN, then download your admission letter.
Do not accept offers through WhatsApp messages, social media links, or third-party websites.
Pay Fees Only Through Designated Banks or Payment Systems
Your admission letter will list the approved banks and payment channels for fees.
Follow those instructions strictly. Never send money via mobile money to individuals claiming to represent the college.
Colleges do not collect fees through personal contacts or agents.
Keep Copies of All Official Documents
Save and print your admission letter, fee payment receipts, and any other official correspondence.
These will be required during registration and orientation.
Contact the College Directly If You Have Doubts
Use the phone numbers or email addresses listed on the college’s official website to ask questions or confirm details.
Staff are available to assist you—don’t rely on unofficial sources.
Stay informed. Stay safe. Follow Coleman Publications for verified updates on admissions, placements, and educational opportunities across Ghana.
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