New university lined up for South Africa’s richest area

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03-10-2024
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Business Tech
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The ADvTECH Group, owners of Varsity College and Crawford International, has acquired a Sandton location and plans to create a new University Campus.

The group said that it will first purchase a former training and conference centre from FNB.

This aligns with the group’s strategic intent and its plan to get full University accreditation. The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton and Vega Bordeaux will relocate to the new campus in time for the start of the 2026 academic year.

Currently, only government-owned institutions can be called universities.

The acquisition has already received Competition Commission approval and will result in a R419 million capital investment over the next two years.

“We are delighted to have secured an excellent location in the heart of Sandton where we can co-locate and expand two of our biggest tertiary brands,” said ADvTECH CEO Geoff Whyte.

The 47,000 sqm property is centrally located off Grayston Drive and is easily accessible from both road and public transport.

It will also double student capacity from the current Varsity College and Vega campuses to 9,000 students.

Sandton is often cited as the wealthiest square mile in Africa.

Large-scale investment will also be made in renovating and adding to the existing facility, which includes the development of additional lecture facilities and a new sports centre.

“This new campus is an example of ADvTECH’s continued investment in the delivery of superior, technology-enhanced teaching and learning and will further strengthen our position as the leading provider of private education in Africa,” said Whyte.

The group currently has a portfolio of eight tertiary brands across 33 campuses, which provide a qualifications ranging from skills development to PhD.

The Sandton campus is set to offer undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

Not the only one

AdvTech is not the only JSE-listed education provider planning to open a new tertiary education campus.

STADIO Higher Education recently announced that subject to regulatory approvals, it plans to start constructing its new comprehensive campus in Durbanville, Cape Town, in the second half of 2024.

STADIO previously said construction of the Durbanville campus would be funded 50% through long-term debt and 50% through cash reserves.

It was noted earlier this year that the number of students on its new Centurion campus increased by 52%, leading to it start construction on its second comprehensive campus.

The new build will increase the number of STADIO’s physical campuses to seven, with the group also having structures in Bellville, Musgrave, Randburg, Hatfield, and Waterfall.