A LOCAL private university has allegedly been giving out honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in exchange for a RM8,000 donation, Berita Harian reported.

Once the money is received, the honorary doctorate would apparently be given out at a ceremony at a four-star hotel in Shah Alam.

It is believed that up to 35 people have been convinced to make the donation.

The university claims to be internationally recognised with links to a global voluntary initiative, which is supportive of the United Nations.

It also claims to have branches in India and Switzerland.

However, checks by Berita Harian indicated that the university merely operated from an office near the outskirts of the Shah Alam industrial area without a proper campus or students.

Apparently, the university was not listed with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.