A Chinese business is reportedly selling qualification certificates for some of Australia’s prominent universities for $5,700 with the promise that it can actually enter student details into the university databases.

Australian police have started investigations into the scam which sells university degrees for prices ranging from $3500 for “copy” qualities to $5700 for “original versions”, according to a report on the website www.training.com.au.

The business, whose name translates to “Overseas Students Assistant HD”  allegedly offers forgeries from 42 universities and 53 TAFEs including Bachelor of Commerce from Macquarie University, Bachelor of Business from the University of Sydney, Master of Financial Analysis from UNSW and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong, according to the report

“The forgeries go beyond the usual pasting of a name and printing a document.  The site claims that for $6500 it will enter the student details into the university database as well as the official qualification register of the Chinese government’s Education Department,’ states the report

Whilst the universities are aware of what is happening and conducting their own investigations most have referred the matter to the relevant authorities as well.  These include the police, ICAC and immigration.

A spokesman for Education Minister Christopher Pyne echoed sentiment that the appropriate governing bodies were aware of what was going on.

“The Minister will be contacting both these agencies to see what action is underway. Any matter which undermines the reputation of Australian tertiary institutions is taken very seriously,” he said.

“The Government is committed to assuring the reputation of Australian higher education and vocational education and training for both domestic and international markets. More generally, forgery and related activities are criminal matters that must be investigated by relevant authorities.”