ADvTECH Launches Emeris, a Bold New Chapter in Private Higher Education
By Thembi Moyo
South Africa’s largest private education provider, ADvTECH, has unveiled a landmark development in the higher education sector with the launch of Emeris, a new brand that will unite Varsity College, Vega School, and MSA under a single identity. The new institution will officially open in 2026, positioning itself as a contender for full university status under forthcoming legislation.
The announcement comes as South Africa prepares for reforms that will allow qualifying private institutions to be recognised as universities a first in the country’s history. Geoff Whyte, CEO of the ADvTECH Group, said the rebrand signals a decisive step toward that goal. “The simplification of our premium brand structures under the Emeris name marks a significant step on our journey to be recognised as a university. Alongside our ongoing investments in people, facilities, research, and new qualifications, this move strengthens our position as the leading provider of private tertiary education in South Africa,” Whyte said.
At the heart of this transformation is the construction of a R420 million mega campus in Sandton, Johannesburg. The facility, due to open in 2026, will accommodate 9,000 students and merge the operations of Varsity College Sandton and Vega Bordeaux. The new campus will feature world-class facilities, including a two-storey library and information centre, a student hub offering career and counselling services, an indoor sports arena capable of hosting international competitions, and innovation spaces such as IT labs, podcast studios, and interactive mock classrooms.
Louise Wiseman, Managing Director of Emeris, described the development as a bold step forward for private higher education. “With this unification, we will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional higher education by consolidating resources and expertise,” she said.
Emeris draws on more than 30 years of private higher education experience and boasts some of the strongest academic credentials in the sector. Of its 300 academic staff, 203 hold Master’s or Doctorate degrees, while 87 are currently pursuing doctorates. The institution has accredited more than 40 postgraduate programmes, including 13 Master’s and three Doctoral qualifications, with further expansion planned. New offerings will include postgraduate programmes in Digital Learning and Learning Support. At undergraduate level, Emeris has introduced three engineering degrees, making it the only private institution in South Africa to hold accreditation from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
Wiseman noted that Emeris will also continue to deepen its partnerships with industry and civil society, ensuring that graduates are workplace-ready and equipped with skills in sustainability, ethical leadership, and environmental responsibility.
The new name, Emeris, is inspired by the words Emeritus (the path of celestial objects) and Emeritus (earned success), reflecting the individual journey of students toward achievement. “When we open our doors in 2026, Emeris will mark the beginning of a new era for South African higher education,” Wiseman said.
