Business
Sandton’s R420 Million Private ‘University’ Campus Set to Redefine Higher Education
A mega-campus with big ambitions
South Africa’s private higher education landscape is about to change dramatically. ADvTECH, the JSE-listed education group, has unveiled plans for a R420 million mega-campus in Sandton that will bring its well-known brands Varsity College, Vega, and MSA together under a single banner: Emeris.
The new campus, set to open in 2026, will be able to accommodate 9,000 students at launch. More than just classrooms, the 47,000 sqm site on Grayston Drive promises an environment designed for modern learning and student life. Facilities include a double-storey library, a dedicated student experience hub with counselling and career services, IT labs, podcast studios, interactive mock classrooms, and even a sports centre capable of hosting international-level events.
Moving towards university status
While Emeris is not officially recognised as a university yet, ADvTECH has made no secret of its ambitions. Currently, South African legislation reserves the title “university” for state-owned institutions. But with the government reviewing the criteria for higher education types, ADvTECH is preparing itself to claim that title once the policy shift comes into effect.
The draft policy for recognising private universities has been in the works since 2022, with updated criteria published in 2024. ADvTECH has already submitted its input and is now waiting for the final policy to be gazetted. Recognition, once granted, would put Emeris graduates on the same footing as their peers from public universities, even though their qualifications are already fully accredited.
Business growth fuels expansion
ADvTECH’s aggressive push into the tertiary space has been supported by strong financial performance. Its tertiary education division saw revenue climb 13% to R1.2 billion, while operating profit rose by 14% to R496 million. Student numbers jumped by 14% to just over 60,000, boosted by both in-person and distance learning enrolments.
This Sandton project is not the group’s only expansion. Rosebank College recently relocated its Cape Town mega-campus, while upgrades to Braamfontein and Polokwane campuses are underway. Internationally, Rosebank International University College opened its doors in Accra, Ghana, in August 2025, joining ADvTECH’s existing footprint in Kenya, Botswana, and Ethiopia.
A new era for students
For many, the drawcard of Emeris will not only be its shiny new facilities but also its model of education. By consolidating three respected institutions under one name, ADvTECH aims to provide a more collaborative and innovative student experience. CEO Geoff Whyte said the consolidation was designed to meet evolving student needs while keeping pace with market demand for skills and pathways.
For students in Johannesburg and beyond, this mega-campus represents more than just another higher education option. It signals a shift towards a more competitive, private-driven tertiary sector in South Africa, one that could soon reshape what it means to go to “university” in the country.
Also read: Ramaphosa Praises Zimbabwe’s Land Reform: Why History Warns Against Repeating It
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Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: Daily Investor
