R420 Million Private University Mega Campus Set to Transform Education in Sandton, South Africa.

Africa, Education, South Africa

ADvTECH’s Emeris campus to unite three leading institutions under one roof, expanding opportunities for thousands of students.


ADvTECH has announced a R420 million mega-campus in Sandton that will bring together Varsity College, Vega, and MSA under a new brand, Emeris. Opening in 2026, the campus will accommodate 9,000 students and reshape private higher education in South Africa.

A Landmark Development in Higher Education

South Africa’s higher education landscape is set for a major shift with the announcement of a R420 million mega-campus in Sandton. The project, launched by JSE-listed education group ADvTECH, will bring together its Varsity College, Vega, and MSA (Monash South Africa) brands under a single, innovative name ‘Emeris’.

Set to open in 2026, the new campus will accommodate 9,000 students and serve as a central hub for modern, career focused education. It represents one of the largest private education investments in South Africa to date.

Designed for Modern Learning

The Emeris campus will combine state of the art classrooms, laboratories, creative studios, and advanced digital infrastructure to create a future-ready learning environment. Students will benefit from a blended learning approach, integrating online resources and flexible study options with traditional, in-person teaching.

This design aims to meet the diverse needs of modern learners, supporting both independent study and collaborative engagement across disciplines.

Three Institutions, One Unified Vision

The unification of Varsity College, Vega, and MSA under the Emeris brand is intended to deliver a comprehensive, interdisciplinary educational experience.

Academic programmes will span a wide range of fields including science, business, design, technology, and the arts providing students with both technical knowledge and creative problem solving skills. This approach reflects ADvTECH’s broader goal of preparing graduates for an economy that values adaptability, innovation, and critical thinking.

Driving Growth and Opportunity

Beyond education, the Emeris project is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits for the Sandton area.

The development will create hundreds of new jobs across academic, administrative, and operational roles, while stimulating local demand for housing, retail, and services. With a student population of 9,000, the campus will bring new energy and economic activity to one of Johannesburg’s most dynamic regions.

Private universities like Emeris play an important role in complementing South Africa’s public higher education system by offering innovative curricula, smaller class sizes, and more personalized learning experiences.

A Hub for Student Life and Innovation

In addition to its academic focus, the Emeris campus will feature a range of student life initiatives designed to foster community and collaboration. Plans include sports and cultural programs, innovation hubs, and industry partnerships that connect students directly with real-world experience.

These initiatives are intended to position Emeris as not just a place of study, but a vibrant center for creativity, networking, and professional development.

Setting a New Standard for Private Education

The launch of the Emeris mega campus marks a major milestone for ADvTECH and for private higher education in South Africa. It underscores the company’s long-term investment in expanding access to quality education and developing the next generation of leaders and innovators.

As construction progresses toward the 2026 opening, Emeris is expected to redefine private tertiary education through its combination of world-class facilities, cross disciplinary programs, and focus on employability.

The Sandton based campus is positioned to become a flagship institution one that reflects South Africa’s growing commitment to innovation, excellence, and opportunity in education.


References

  1. ADvTECH. (2025, September 19). ADvTECH’s Emeris launch marks a new era for Higher Education in South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.advtech.co.za/advtechs-emeris-launch-marks-new-era-for-higher-education-in-south-africa/ (The Mail & Guardian)
  2. ADvTECH. (2025, September 18). ADvTECH Introduces Emeris – A New Era in Private Higher Education. Retrieved from https://www.emeris.ac.za/blogs/advtech-introduces-emeris-a-new-era-in-private-higher-education (Emeris)
  3. Inside Education. (2025, September 30). “R420 m Emeris mega-campus unveiled in Sandton.” Retrieved from https://insideeducation.co.za/r420m-emeris-mega-campus-unveiled-in-sandton/ (Inside Education)
  4. ITWeb. (2025, September 22). “ADvTECH unveils Emeris university brand in Sandton.” Retrieved from https://www.itweb.co.za/article/advtech-unveils-emeris-university-brand-in-sandton/JN1gPvOAa6dMjL6m (ITWeb)
  5. ADvTECH. (2024, October 1). “Voluntary announcement to shareholders: ADvTECH acquires prime location for new university campus in Sandton.” SENS Announcement. Retrieved from https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/SENS_20241001_S495311.pdf (SensPDF)


Written by Sibusisiwe Ntshangase

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