A Brighter Future: 5 New Universities Shaping South Africa’s Tomorrow

Author: Michelle Lombard

South Africa’s higher education system is preparing for a major transformation with the addition of five new universities in the coming years. The development includes two government-funded universities and three private institutions, designed to meet the growing demand for accessible, high-quality tertiary education. As part of a long-term national strategy, these new universities will help to expand the range of professional qualifications offered in the country.

This initiative is part of South Africa’s National Development Plan, which aims to accommodate 1.6 million students by 2030. With 26 public universities already in place, the establishment of these new institutions will ensure the country remains competitive in both global and regional education markets. For South African learners and educators, this expansion represents an opportunity for growth, innovation, and broader access to specialized programs.

New Government Universities: Meeting Future Needs

Two new government-funded universities are slated for construction in 2025, and both aim to address critical gaps in South Africa’s workforce. These universities were first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his 2020 State of the Nation Address.

University of Policing and Crime Detection – Hammanskraal

One of the new institutions, the University of Policing and Crime Detection will be located in Hammanskraal. Its purpose is to professionalize the police service and improve skills in the crime prevention sector. The institution will offer a range of qualifications across different NQF levels, from certificates to doctorate programs in police science and related fields. Over the first decade of its operation, the university is expected to grow to serve 2,700 students and employ around 276 staff members.

This institution represents a significant step toward improving South Africa’s criminal justice system. With a strong emphasis on both practical skills and academic knowledge, graduates will be better equipped to handle the country’s evolving security challenges. While the financial projections indicate a deficit in the first 10 years, government support and ad hoc funding will bridge the gap, ensuring its long-term success.

University of Science and Innovation – Ekurhuleni

The second government-funded institution, the University of Science and Innovation, will be located in the City of Ekurhuleni, with Boksburg being identified as the prime site for development. This university will specialize in green energy technologies, smart transport, aerospace engineering, and artificial intelligence, among other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

By fostering technological innovation and focusing on industries poised for future growth, this institution will contribute to South Africa’s position as a regional leader in tech-driven fields. With approximately 2,000 students and 180 staff members projected over its first 10 years, the University of Science and Innovation will cater to a niche market in the education sector.

Private Universities: A Growing Sector in South Africa

In addition to the new government-funded universities, three private institutions are in the pipeline. These universities are part of a broader effort to engage the private sector in South Africa’s educational expansion.

Akademia: A Community-University for Afrikaans Speakers

Akademia, a private Afrikaans university, is one of the most anticipated additions to South Africa’s higher education landscape. Supported by the trade union Solidarity, this R3 billion project is set to become a comprehensive Afrikaans-speaking institution, located in Pretoria East. The new campus will offer degrees, diplomas, and certificates across multiple disciplines, with the ability to host 5,000 full-time undergraduate students and 1,500 postgraduate students.

As a strong advocate for Afrikaans education, Akademia will provide more opportunities for Afrikaans-speaking students, offering a broader selection of courses than ever before. The institution’s development underscores the importance of language and cultural preservation in South Africa’s education system.

ADvTECH: Expanding Rosebank College and Vega

ADvTECH, one of South Africa’s largest private education providers, is planning to expand its Rosebank College campuses in Cape Town, Pretoria, and Braamfontein. In addition, the group is constructing a new Vega campus in Pretoria. These expansion efforts reflect the growing demand for private tertiary education in urban centres.

The group is also actively pursuing official university status for all of its campuses. ADvTECH CEO Geoff Whyte has confirmed that the group’s recent growth will help secure recognition as a fully-fledged university, a move that will benefit its students by ensuring they receive qualifications on par with their peers at public institutions.

Stadio: New Campus in Durbanville

Stadio, a private higher education specialist, has announced plans to build a new campus in Durbanville, Cape Town. The institution will cater to 1,000 students by 2026 and will support both in-person and distance education students. Stadio has steadily grown its presence in South Africa, offering nearly 100 accredited programs across a variety of fields, including law, IT, and chartered accounting.

With student numbers steadily increasing at Stadio’s Centurion campus, the new Durbanville location is part of a larger strategy to meet the demands of South Africa’s growing student population.

A Brighter Future for South African Education

The construction of these five new universities signals a positive shift for South Africa’s higher education sector. By expanding both government and private institutions, the country is making strides toward meeting its National Development Plan goal of accommodating 1.6 million students by 2030. For prospective students, these developments mean greater access to specialized programs and diverse educational opportunities. As South Africa moves forward, these new universities will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future workforce and economy.

[Source: Citizen]