AdvTech’s Bold Move: A New Private University Coming to South Africa

AdvTech, a leader in private education, is set to make history by establishing a private university in South Africa. The company, which owns Varsity College and Crawford Schools, is developing a state-of-the-art 9,000-student campus in Sandton, set to be operational by 2026. This move aligns with the group’s vision of gaining official university status once government regulations allow private institutions to do so.

AdvTech’s Strong Financial Performance Fuels Expansion

AdvTech’s recent financial results highlight the group’s strength and growth trajectory. For the year ending December 31, 2024, the company reported:

• Revenue Growth: Up 8% to R8.52 billion from R7.86 billion in 2023.
• Operating Profit: Increased by 14% to R1.79 billion.
• Enrolment Milestone: Surpassing 100,000 students for the first time.
• Headline Earnings Per Share: Up 16% to 202.2 cents per share.
• Dividend Increase: Full-year dividend of 101.0 cents per share, a rise from 87.0 cents per share in the previous year.

Expansion Plans Across Schools and Tertiary Institutions

Due to strong demand, AdvTech is expanding both its school and tertiary divisions:

• New Pinnacle College Campuses: The group has expanded Pinnacle College Raslouw and opened a new campus in Ridgeview, Roodepoort.
• Higher Education Growth: Varsity College and Rosebank College are undergoing major expansions, including new campuses in Braamfontein and Polokwane.
• International Expansion: Rosebank College will open its first international institution in Accra, Ghana, in September 2025.

The Path to University Recognition

Currently, only public institutions in South Africa can be classified as universities. However, in 2022, the government released a draft Policy for the Recognition of South African Higher Education Institutional Types, outlining criteria for private institutions to gain university status. A revised draft was published in 2024, and AdvTech submitted its comments in May 2024. The group is awaiting the final policy’s gazetting.

“Recognition as a university will ultimately benefit our students, who will rightfully be afforded the same status as their peers who obtain identically accredited qualifications through a public university,” AdvTech stated.

A Game-Changer for South African Higher Education

With the private sector playing an increasing role in education, AdvTech’s university ambitions signal a shift in South Africa’s higher education landscape. If successful, it could open new doors for private institutions seeking full university status, offering students more options for high-quality tertiary education.

As South Africa’s education sector evolves, AdvTech’s investments in infrastructure and policy engagement could make its dream of a private university a reality by 2026.

{Source BusinessTech}

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