AIE - Academic Institute of Excellence
Verified Business
|3.2|29 Reviews (last 12 months)|Responds in 10h 17m
AIE - Academic Institute of Excellence
Verified Business
|3.2
29 Reviews (last 12 months)
Responds in 10h 17m
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, AIE - Academic Institute of Excellence receives sharply divided feedback. Students consistently praise individual lecturers for their dedication, engaging teaching style, and willingness to assist beyond classroom hours, with names like Brendon Magwagwa, Anne-Marie Jordaan, and Preshni Govender singled out for warmth and expertise. However, a recurring theme is severe frustration with administrative processes, particularly long delays in issuing certificates after course completion. Customers also mention concerns about course misrepresentation during sales, slow IT and ticket support, and poor communication when escalating issues.
Performance(last 12 months):
Trustindex Rating
5.8Ranked In Education & Training
#33Reply Time
10h 17mReplied to 100% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 9h 16m
TrustIndex
5.8
Ranking
#33
in Education & Training
Reply Time
10h 17m
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 9h 16m
Review Distribution
3.2|29 Reviews
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Recent reviews (29)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceUZ
Unis Z
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Apr 2026, 16:49
Misrepresentation and refusal to accept wrongdoing
At the start of the year I decided to do a course after hours in draughting. I was advised by the salesperson which course to take, and on their website it stated that it would be two classes and occasional Saturdays, with some practical work. As the course already stated, I was advised to pay immediately and start the course. I had quite a few classes to catch up with, and started watching these videos. Then, as I started attending classes we got practical work, which soon escalated to a large amount of work. More than a full time employee studying after hours has available. I immediately reached out to them, and pointed out that they did not make it clear on their website or in the orientation videos later how much practical work is required, and that it is unattainable for full time employees - thus a misrepresentation of information which is seemingly set up to lure people into paying for a course that is not structured for full time employees. I was told I can take the course over two years, but that would only postpone subjects and not give more time for practical work, which indicates their complete inability to understand the issue at hand. After numerous back and forth, they told me that they will pay me back 50% after taking off the non refundable registration, in accordance with their T&Cs. While normally this would be fine, the issue here is that they do not properly consider later registrations - I requested cancellation less than a month after starting, but that's not how they calculate it. More important, it was only at this point that the amount of practical work required became evident, which was not mentioned during sign up or on their website, even though I informed them I was a full time employee. This is a typical example of "right" versus "fair", and they refused to take my particular circumstances into consideration, even after I asked to speak to the Head of Department and Head of Business to better explain it to them. I was planning on finding another course with them, however, their approach is so hostile that I now want to warn others where-ever and whenever I can to tread very careful with this institution. They seem to set up information in such a way that the sponsor / student will always be the loser, which is a terrible long term approach for any company. Add to this that their online portal is a complete mess. The mobile up does not update when viewing notices. The web portal messes up project submissions sent in PDF. Issue tickets typically take 2-3 days to be answered. The web portal often has issue when trying to join classes. Given this experience and the above, I really cannot recommend AIE to anyone. The only good thing I have to say about them, is that they have good lecturers. But the institution these lecturers associate with may unfortunately soon give them an extremely bad reputation. Please consider other institutions before selecting AIE - it is not a solid, customer centric organisation.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)UZ
Unis Z
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Apr 2026, 16:49
Misrepresentation and refusal to accept wrongdoing
At the start of the year I decided to do a course after hours in draughting. I was advised by the salesperson which course to take, and on their website it stated that it would be two classes and occasional Saturdays, with some practical work. As the course already stated, I was advised to pay immediately and start the course. I had quite a few classes to catch up with, and started watching these videos. Then, as I started attending classes we got practical work, which soon escalated to a large amount of work. More than a full time employee studying after hours has available. I immediately reached out to them, and pointed out that they did not make it clear on their website or in the orientation videos later how much practical work is required, and that it is unattainable for full time employees - thus a misrepresentation of information which is seemingly set up to lure people into paying for a course that is not structured for full time employees. I was told I can take the course over two years, but that would only postpone subjects and not give more time for practical work, which indicates their complete inability to understand the issue at hand. After numerous back and forth, they told me that they will pay me back 50% after taking off the non refundable registration, in accordance with their T&Cs. While normally this would be fine, the issue here is that they do not properly consider later registrations - I requested cancellation less than a month after starting, but that's not how they calculate it. More important, it was only at this point that the amount of practical work required became evident, which was not mentioned during sign up or on their website, even though I informed them I was a full time employee. This is a typical example of "right" versus "fair", and they refused to take my particular circumstances into consideration, even after I asked to speak to the Head of Department and Head of Business to better explain it to them. I was planning on finding another course with them, however, their approach is so hostile that I now want to warn others where-ever and whenever I can to tread very careful with this institution. They seem to set up information in such a way that the sponsor / student will always be the loser, which is a terrible long term approach for any company. Add to this that their online portal is a complete mess. The mobile up does not update when viewing notices. The web portal messes up project submissions sent in PDF. Issue tickets typically take 2-3 days to be answered. The web portal often has issue when trying to join classes. Given this experience and the above, I really cannot recommend AIE to anyone. The only good thing I have to say about them, is that they have good lecturers. But the institution these lecturers associate with may unfortunately soon give them an extremely bad reputation. Please consider other institutions before selecting AIE - it is not a solid, customer centric organisation.
0
Replies (0)N
Nonhlanhla
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Apr 2026, 12:05
It's a good experien...
It's a good experience but network is a little bit weak,Mandla helped me
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)N
Nonhlanhla
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Apr 2026, 12:05
It's a good experien...
It's a good experience but network is a little bit weak,Mandla helped me
0
Replies (0)L
Lethukukhanya
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Mar 2026, 14:37
I have a wonderful ...
I have a wonderful experience with Warabile Khumalo Reliable, Trustworthy,
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)L
Lethukukhanya
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Mar 2026, 14:37
I have a wonderful ...
I have a wonderful experience with Warabile Khumalo Reliable, Trustworthy,
0
Replies (0)MM
Minnie M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 Mar 2026, 11:42
Urgent: Follow-Up on Outstanding Certificate from AIE
Multi-Disciplinary Draughting National Certificate (MDDOP) Course Intake 2 2023 and I had to re-write a few modules and that was completed in July 2025. Then the follow-ups started about the certificate and there is a graduation currently this month that I am not part of. And they cannot blame external certification as those were done mostly in 2024 and only 2 module was done in 2025. There is no communication whatsoever and you have to ask them, no certificate. NOTHING! I have nothing to prove if I am qualified and cannot pursue any opportunities that the certificate can open. I also did the course through a sponsorship and they are also on my case about the certificate that they have paid for. Now they are saying I will get my certificate next year and they took the money and will not be reimbursing me for potential loss of income (because I am missing opportunities) while waiting for them or will they do anything if my sponsor gets tired of waiting and have to pay them back from my pocket.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)MM
Minnie M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 Mar 2026, 11:42
Urgent: Follow-Up on Outstanding Certificate from AIE
Multi-Disciplinary Draughting National Certificate (MDDOP) Course Intake 2 2023 and I had to re-write a few modules and that was completed in July 2025. Then the follow-ups started about the certificate and there is a graduation currently this month that I am not part of. And they cannot blame external certification as those were done mostly in 2024 and only 2 module was done in 2025. There is no communication whatsoever and you have to ask them, no certificate. NOTHING! I have nothing to prove if I am qualified and cannot pursue any opportunities that the certificate can open. I also did the course through a sponsorship and they are also on my case about the certificate that they have paid for. Now they are saying I will get my certificate next year and they took the money and will not be reimbursing me for potential loss of income (because I am missing opportunities) while waiting for them or will they do anything if my sponsor gets tired of waiting and have to pay them back from my pocket.
0
Replies (0)TD
Tebogo D
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 10:43
Sir Brendon clocked it
I want to give a massive compliment to my previous lecturer at AIE, Sir Brendon Magwagwa. Even though I have now completed my qualification and I am just finished waiting for my workplace practical, he is still willing to help us whenever we have questions. He goes above and beyond for his students. His lessons were always engaging and he made complex topics easy to understand. His dedication is truly appreciated.
Helpful (0)
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Tebogo D
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 10:43
Sir Brendon clocked it
I want to give a massive compliment to my previous lecturer at AIE, Sir Brendon Magwagwa. Even though I have now completed my qualification and I am just finished waiting for my workplace practical, he is still willing to help us whenever we have questions. He goes above and beyond for his students. His lessons were always engaging and he made complex topics easy to understand. His dedication is truly appreciated.
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Feb 2026, 05:27
AIE - Are They Real?
If I could give a 0 star I would. National Certificate: IT Systems Developer NQF5 (Full Stack Software Developer) that cost R49,000, Course Feb to Dec 24 Had to re-write a few modules and that was completed in March 2025. Then the follow-ups started about the certificate. In June, this was part of a response: "Since the final stage is dependent on MICTSETA’s review timeline, we unfortunately cannot provide an exact timeframe, as it varies based on their internal processes." I followed up again in September, with the same outcome of "we don't know and can provide an internal letter..." It is February 2026 and no certificate, further communication, NOTHING! I am beginning to seriously doubt the validity of AIE as an institute and reckon that the money was wasted for a certificate that would never materialise. In the mean time, my son has nothing to prove that he is qualified and cannot kick off his career as a software developer, or any other avenues that a certificate could steer him into.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Feb 2026, 05:27
AIE - Are They Real?
If I could give a 0 star I would. National Certificate: IT Systems Developer NQF5 (Full Stack Software Developer) that cost R49,000, Course Feb to Dec 24 Had to re-write a few modules and that was completed in March 2025. Then the follow-ups started about the certificate. In June, this was part of a response: "Since the final stage is dependent on MICTSETA’s review timeline, we unfortunately cannot provide an exact timeframe, as it varies based on their internal processes." I followed up again in September, with the same outcome of "we don't know and can provide an internal letter..." It is February 2026 and no certificate, further communication, NOTHING! I am beginning to seriously doubt the validity of AIE as an institute and reckon that the money was wasted for a certificate that would never materialise. In the mean time, my son has nothing to prove that he is qualified and cannot kick off his career as a software developer, or any other avenues that a certificate could steer him into.
0
Replies (0)RB
Roy B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
10 Feb 2026, 17:18
AIE bad choice for studies
My son is register at this institute we were charged for the MDDOP Draughting certificate course about R70k for full time hybrid with no only 2 lecturers teaching at the campus online. This course was presented as full time with attendance at campus but the lectures present the classes online. Totally misrepresented their actual product and the delivery of this certficate course,when we enquired its was said its too late to change to the online only option. The online option is R40k and we were told that cooling off period expired. We struggling to resolve this were referred to student advisor to Sales person to HOD Sales with no resolve. We regret registering our son at this institute as poor communication from staff and the lack addressing problems as clients are send from pillar to post to avoid resolving issues. My son registered to redo few modules now being told he app**** late to retake these modules but registration cut off was 2 Febr 2026 and he app**** the 30 Jan 2026
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Roy B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
10 Feb 2026, 17:18
AIE bad choice for studies
My son is register at this institute we were charged for the MDDOP Draughting certificate course about R70k for full time hybrid with no only 2 lecturers teaching at the campus online. This course was presented as full time with attendance at campus but the lectures present the classes online. Totally misrepresented their actual product and the delivery of this certficate course,when we enquired its was said its too late to change to the online only option. The online option is R40k and we were told that cooling off period expired. We struggling to resolve this were referred to student advisor to Sales person to HOD Sales with no resolve. We regret registering our son at this institute as poor communication from staff and the lack addressing problems as clients are send from pillar to post to avoid resolving issues. My son registered to redo few modules now being told he app**** late to retake these modules but registration cut off was 2 Febr 2026 and he app**** the 30 Jan 2026
0
Replies (0)PG
Pamela G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Jan 2026, 09:37
Not a very good start!
We attended the open day at the Greenside campus on the 17th Jan. Firstly, (our) IT presentation started late, there were constant interuptions and due to the classroom that we were occupying at the time was needed for the next presentation, numerous students, trainers, and parents entered and would not stop talking etc. Ultimately, all the parents and kids attending the IT presentation were kicked out to make space for the next presentation. This was completely rude and unacceptable!! I have also emailed the institution twice to get clarity on requirements for the IT courses but have received ZERO feedback. Not a very good start.
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Pamela G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Jan 2026, 09:37
Not a very good start!
We attended the open day at the Greenside campus on the 17th Jan. Firstly, (our) IT presentation started late, there were constant interuptions and due to the classroom that we were occupying at the time was needed for the next presentation, numerous students, trainers, and parents entered and would not stop talking etc. Ultimately, all the parents and kids attending the IT presentation were kicked out to make space for the next presentation. This was completely rude and unacceptable!! I have also emailed the institution twice to get clarity on requirements for the IT courses but have received ZERO feedback. Not a very good start.
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