News & Articles

Women supporting women can be a powerful force for change - in transforming the legal profession and in ensuring that the law continues to serve those who need it most.

Emeris Nelson Mandela Bay first year Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching student and sprinter Marko Ferreira made his mark on the world stage when he won a bronze medal in the men’s 100m at the recent World Athletics U20 Championships held in Eugene Oregon, USA. He clocked 10.16 seconds in the final to secure third place and finish as the third fastest U20 athlete in the world in the 100m. American Tate Taylor claimed gold in 9.94 seconds, while Jamaica's Gary Card took silver in 10.05 seconds.

Children and families visiting the Wynberg Children's Court are now welcomed by a brighter, more comforting space, due to a collaborative initiative led by the Emeris Newlands Cape Town Community Law Clinic.

The Emeris Mixed Netball team recently won its first external tournament after claiming victory at the Rosebank International Netball Tournament held at Hoy Park. This was just weeks after the Emeris Ladies 2 team won the Action Netball Plate Final of the Durban Winter 2026 League for the second consecutive year.

By Dominique Pellissier (Motion Design Lecturer The Vega School at Emeris Cape Town City Campus)

By Warda Abrahams (Senior Lecturer- Teaching and Learning, Emeris Nelson Mandela Bay)

Every week another headline asks whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) will replace teachers. I think we are asking the wrong question.

67 Minutes of volunteering by some of the second to fourth year Emeris Pretoria Bachelor of Education students at a homeless family shelter located in the Gezina area of Pretoria highlighted the students’ ongoing commitment through their ConnectEd Tutor project.

Six public and community libraries in the Mogalakwena Local Municipality in Limpopo each welcome an average of 400 visitors through their doors every day - mostly tertiary students wanting to learn and excel. The Information Centre at the Emeris Waterfall Campus recently donated more than 2100 weeded books to the Mogalakwena Local Municipality which will then distribute the books to the six public and community libraries. Preserving weeded books in storage rather than initiating disposal started a few years ago at the Emeris Waterfall campus. It was time to put
these books to good use instead of them collecting dust.

In a determined effort to give back to the community, some of the Emeris Pietermaritzburg students and staff rose to the challenge with the Rise Against Hunger team and packed 8640 meals. Packing the meals was a significant way to mark 67 Minutes of making a difference on Mandela Day and to involve students in giving back. The Rise Against Hunger Africa Mandela Month campaign aimed to pack 3 million nutritious meals in 31 days during July to support vulnerable children and early childhood development centres across South Africa. The nonprofit organisation provides nutritious meal packs to early childhood centres, schools and communities in need. 

Sometimes it feels like there are simply not enough hours in the day. You start with a list of things you want to get done, but by the end of the day you are wondering where the time went. Between studying, deadlines, messages, assignments and everyday responsibilities, staying on top of everything can feel like a constant battle. But it is doable. You just have to work smarter, not harder. Learning how to improve time management skills can help you work with more focus, reduce stress and create a better balance in your daily life.

Sometimes it feels like there are simply not enough hours in the day. You start with a list of things you want to get done, but by the end of the day you are wondering where the time went. Between studying, deadlines, messages, assignments and everyday responsibilities, staying on top of everything can feel like a constant battle. But it is doable. You just have to work smarter, not harder. Learning how to improve time management skills can help you work with more focus, reduce stress and create a better balance in your daily life.

Not many careers can honestly promise the chance to work almost anywhere in the world. Hospitality is one of them that can. One year you could be managing a game lodge in Limpopo, the next helping to run a luxury resort in Mauritius or a hotel in London. Hospitality is a global industry and skilled professionals are in demand wherever people travel. A hospitality management degree gives you the business knowledge, practical skills and hands-on experience to build a career that isn't limited by borders. If seeing the world is part of your plan, this could be one of the smartest ways to do it.

Becoming an attorney is not just about studying law. There are a series of steps to take. In South Africa, attorneys are usually the first people you go to when you have a legal problem. They draft documents, give advice, handle negotiations and prepare cases before anything gets near a courtroom. If you’re keen on a career in law, it helps to understand the process on how to become an attorney in South Africa. You’re looking at years of study, practical training and exams before you can practice on your own. If you know what’s expected from the start, it’s easier to plan your subjects, your articles and even the specific field of law you want to end up in.

In honour of Mandela Day and Mandela Month, some of the staff and students from Emeris Durban North and The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga dedicated their time and talent to uplifting their local communities.

The School of Finance and Accounting at Emeris Durban North recently transformed learning into a race against the clock when 107 third year Bachelor of Accounting students participated in its annual Amazing Race.

It was a momentous occasion at the recent Emeris Westville Top Achievers Awards when the Freemantle brothers Trevor (first year Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering), Garth (second year Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering) and Warren (third year Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering) each received the Top Achiever Award for their year of study. The Top Achievers received a Top Achiever Certificate, Takealot voucher and a gift.

Amira Mahomed (third year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student Emeris Durban North) will represent Emeris on the international stage when she competes in the prestigious 2026 Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition. The competition will be held at the Institut Universitaire d'Abidjan in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from 26 July to 2 August.

By Linda Downsborough, Head of Environmental Sciences at Emeris Ruimsig
"Managing people is more important than managing water." It is not the sort of statement one expects to hear in a country facing growing water insecurity, recurring droughts and deteriorating water infrastructure. Yet, after monitoring the Wilgespruit River for a decade, the wisdom of that statement becomes difficult to ignore.

Some of the Emeris Sandton staff recently dedicated their 67 minutes for Mandela to painting the play area and interacting with the children of Ratang Bana in Alexandra. Non-perishable food, bean bags, and paint were also donated to the non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and empowering vulnerable children, with its focus placed on orphaned children and children affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. It offers holistic support in terms of education, counselling, and sport.

Children at Dorah's Ark Children's Home can now enjoy a safe place to play after 12 Emeris Ruimsig Cares members and student volunteers restored the place of safety’s unused jungle gym as part of their Mandela Day outreach initiative on 17 July 2026. The initiative reflects Emeris' commitment to making a difference in the communities it serves through practical acts of service.

An exhibition of his 3D character designs at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg is giving Kuleza Phiri (Experience Design and Game Design and Development Lecturer at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga) the opportunity to showcase the creative practice that inspires his teaching.

The Emeris Ladies’ Basketball Team was crowned champions of the University Sports South Africa (USSA) C-Section National Championships after a week-long tournament and the team was promoted to the USSA B-Section for the 2027 season.

While the results may not have reflected her full potential, student athlete Lara van Niekerk (second year Bachelor of Commerce Emeris Online) views her recent participation in the first leg of the prestigious 2026 Mare Nostrum Swim Tour in Monaco as a valuable learning experience as she builds towards future international competition.

With mid-year examinations behind them and as students start preparing for the demands of the next semester, many may find themselves in a challenging space mentally, carrying more than just academic expectations. For thousands of tertiary students, this period is often marked by increased levels of anxiety, emotional exhaustion, disappointment over first semester results and uncertainty about the second semester.

Eighteen Grade 11 and 12 learners from Danville Girls’ High School recently stepped into the role of creative agency designers during a Generation V Workshop hosted by The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga.

by Tlholo Modiba – Design Lecturer The Vega School at Emeris Pretoria

In his book ’12 Notes: On Life and Creativity’, the late, great, world-beloved, trumpeter, composer, record and television producer, Quincy Jones, shared wisdom from his career in the art and music industry, that spanned well-over half a century. Amongst many others, The Thriller producer shared two observations that have never quite left me: firstly, that creative output can and should comprise of both sides of the brain; left and right – which meant satisfying the need to balance emotional creativity with analytical understanding. Secondly, that culture and context inform communication and connection, which are the conduits for understanding between people. This, for me, emphasised the importance of artistic expression that is grounded in contextual and embodied experience. In other words, who you are, where you are, and when you are, can and should be reflected in what you make and how you think.

This Mandela Day, Emeris is proud to collaborate with My Walk, Love Cities, and Run/Walk For Life to host a fundraising 5km walk and run. A proudly South African non-profit initiative which provides learners with access to durable school shoes.

In South Africa, private higher education is often assumed to be for wealthy students or those who did not get into public universities. It is also commonly linked to privilege, exclusivity, and social status. There has long been misconception that these institutions are less credible than public universities like the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, Wits, or Stellenbosch, and that attending them does not carry the same academic weight or career value.

Established only a year ago, the Emeris Moot Society is preparing third year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) students Martinique Mulder (Emeris Pretoria student) and Amaria Mahomed (Emeris Durban North student) for the prestigious Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition which will be hosted by Institut Universitaire d'Abidjan in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire from 26 July - 02 August 2026. Representing South Africa on continental stage, Mulder and Mahomed will bring a powerful combination of academic excellence, determination and advocacy skills to the competition.

Due to his strong academic performance - graduating with distinction (77% average overall) - Tumelo Mabetwa (Bachelor of Computer and Information Science in Application Development (BCAD) Emeris Waterfall campus) Class of 2025 graduate has bypassed the traditional Honours route and is progressing directly to a Masters in Cyber Security through The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University in Australia. He will commence his Masters in July.

From excelling in the lecture room to inspiring a love for learning amongst the youth, Emeris Pretoria Class of 2025 Top Achiever Chandré Benette du Preez’s (Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching) graduated with 49 distinctions and an average of 90%. Her passion for teaching does not only shine in the classroom, Du Preez is committed to her goals and aspires to be a teacher who is part of the change she hopes to see in today’s world.

46 year old Amanda Norman recently fulfilled one of her childhood dreams when she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the Emeris Waterfall campus. She graduated as a top LLB student with an average of 88% for which she wasawarded a Phatshoane Henney (PH) Group Honour Medal. This medal is awardedby PH Attorneys to the top three LLB students from each Emeris campus who obtain their LLB qualification with distinction. She was one of 546 students from Emeris Waterfall who marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another at thecampus’ recent class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

From excelling in the classroom to earning recognition in South Africa’s marketing industry, The Vega School at Emeris Pretoria Class of 2025 Top Achiever Chanté Fourie (Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Brand Communication) graduated with an average of 86%, a Pencil Award (for graduating with an average of 75% or above) and a Gold Assegai Award in 2025 for her “My Tiny Office” project. Chanté is proof that passion and strategy go hand in hand.

After 25 years with little visual change, Vega School’s new identity embraces the “unapologetically human”

creative spark, honouring its legacy while signalling a renewed vision for creative education.

Westville Girls’ High School has done it again! After winning the Durban leg of Vega VIBE 2026, a national interschool brand challenge hosted by The Vega School at Emeris, the school’s Team One was recently named the national winner for the second consecutive year.

Eighty nine Emeris students from KwaZulu-Natal represented the tertiary institution at the 2026 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Championships after a recent celebratory send off by staff, coaches and fellow students.

The Vega School at Emeris’ four campuses recently entered the Africa International Design Awards (AIDA) for the first time and earned an impressive 20 wins and seven honourable mentions.

The Vega School at Emeris has kicked off the famous annual Brand Activation and Brand Challenge, inviting SMMEs and nonprofits to apply and be part of an exciting opportunity to work with the industry’s best budding business, brand , and design talent.

As the final exam period approaches, Grade 11 to 12 learners across South Africa enter a high-stakes academic phase where their marks will begin to shape access to university programmes and bursary opportunities. At this level, strong performance comes from how learners structure time and revision schedules, as well as how they engage with their workloads over several weeks instead of cramming over a few days.

Ninety eight students from the Faculties of Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law and Science and Technology from Emeris Durban North were recently celebrated at the campus’ Student Top Achiever Awards 2025.

Before the ink had dried on her degree, Aammarah Ahmed of Emeris Pietermaritzburg had already checked into her first day at FACTS International a global education focused technology company which supports schools and academic institutions by streamlining how they operate day to day. The Emeris Pietermaritzburg Class of 2025 Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Management graduate crossed the graduation ceremony stage this week, yet her career started before graduation day. Recruited by FACTS International into the role of an Appointment Setter in 2024, Aammarah has successfully moved into the role of Executive Sales Manager for the company’s African Region.

When Cassandra Du Plessis deferred her studies after her father was diagnosed with cancer, she was just months away from completing her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga.

The second round of the Emeris KZN Intercampus Golf Challenge recently took place at Maritzburg Golf Course, during which the Emeris Durban North, Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses came together for another exciting day of competitive golf and campus pride.

For many people, a career in law still conjures up images of courtrooms, working on lengthy case files, litigation between opposing parties and steely glances at opposing counsel across the boardroom table. Advocacy and dispute resolution remain central to the profession, but the work of today’s legal practitioners increasingly extends far beyond traditional legal practice.

Achieving a 95% average in her Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Game Design and Development degree placed Rebecca Goodall first nationally across all The Vega School at Emeris campuses.

Receiving her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) qualification was a “we did it” moment for Shreya Moodley who started losing her hearing at just six weeks old. As she walked across the stage at Emeris Durban North’s recent Class of 2025 graduation ceremony, she waved at her lecturers and smiled at her proud parents in the audience.

Seven groups of second year Emeris Durban North Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching students at wrote and illustrated their own storybooks as part of the School of Education’s Once Upon a Future initiative. The storybooks were recently handed over to Briardene Primary School’s Foundation Phase teachers for classroom use.

Dr Wendy Mahoney has made history as the first PhD graduate of The Vega School at Emeris and as the first recipient of the school’s Black Pencil Award for Excellence. She was recently conferred the qualification Doctor of Philosophy in Brand Leadership at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony.

A former bus driver walked the Emeris Nelson Mandela Bay Class of 2025 graduation stage as a qualified teacher. At 31 years old, Kesia Kerspay made a life changing decision to return to studying and making her dream of becoming a teacher come true.

When Emeris Cape Town Alumna Leilah van der Schyff recently launched her book Brown Girl Manifesto in a space where she once sat as a Journalism student, it was full circle in the most literal sense. “I didn't want to launch my book at a bookshop like most authors do, as that feels very ‘industry’ and traditional which kind of goes against everything my book stands for. I wanted something more personal to me, more meaningful than just a venue. This story belonged at Emeris first. The people in that lecture room, the conversations we had and the fact that it happened on the Cape Town campus mattered more to me than being seen in a bookshop. So, launching my book felt like a proper homecoming. I’m incredibly grateful to Emeris Cape Town for giving me exactly what I needed as a student to become who I am today”, said Leilah.

South Africa is entering 2026 with a teacher shortage that continues to threaten the stability of the country’s schooling system. More than 32 000 teachers have left public schools in the past five years with most of the departures being resignations rather than natural retirements, signalling deeper strain inside classrooms. What’s more, as schools across the country grapple with overcrowding, emotional pressure on staff and growing safety risks, teachers are overwhelmed and the sector cannot replace them.

On paper, the story should have been straightforward; a South African graduate works hard, obtains their qualification, and steps into the job market.

For many matriculants, a gap year can be a practical decision for their specific circumstances or even health and mental well-being. However, there are many who may have their hearts set on pursuing tertiary qualifications straight after school, but who face the same placement hurdles that so many other South African matrics are experiencing.

After achieving a 99% average in his Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development degree, Cameron Chetty placed first nationally across all Emeris campuses and received the Top Achiever Award in his programme at Emeris Durban North’s recent graduation ceremony.

The first in her family to graduate with a degree and with distinction, Lameec Crawford proudly walked across the stage to accept her Bachelor of Arts qualification at Emeris Durban North’s recent graduation ceremony.

Three students from The Vega School at Emeris made their mark at the recent national finals of the prestigious L'Oréal Brandstorm 2026 competition, competing against six other finalists from universities across South Africa. 

Westville Girls’ High School recently won the Durban leg of Vega VIBE 2026, a national inter-school brand challenge hosted annually by The Vega School at Emeris across its four campuses. Regional winners from Durban, Cape Town Johannesburg and Pretoria will now compete for the national title.

A group of third year students from The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga recently stepped out of the lecture room and into the boardroom to present innovative brand concepts to global confectionery leader Mondelēz South Africa. The online presentation opportunity was sparked by lecturer Dudu Zwane, who chose to turn a routine industry conversation into a live demonstration of student capability.

There are many reasons to study a law degree. Spoiler alert: they go far beyond what you see on your favourite TV legal drama. Law degrees offer and prepare you for so much more. A legal qualification teaches you how to think critically, solve problems and understand different perspectives. These skills can be used in any career. A law degree doesn’t only lead to becoming a lawyer; it can open doors in business, politics, human rights and so many other areas. The value of a law degree is that it’s so versatile.

These days, just being good at your job is no longer enough. Work moves fast, teams are tight-knit and with post-Covid hybrid setups, you’re often juggling interactions in-person one minute and online the next. That’s why workplace emotional intelligence, known as workplace EQ, is now vital. It’s about knowing your own emotions, keeping them in check, and picking up on how others are feeling so you can actually connect and get things done. It helps when conversations get tricky, when building relationships and when trying to keep a team on track. If you want to do well at work, emotional awareness isn’t something you can skip.

People often interact with your online profile before they engage you in person. A quick Google search, your LinkedIn profile or even a past Facebook or Instagram post can shape the first impression of you. How you look to others is your personal brand identity so you have to put in the effort to build your personal brand. Your professional image online should highlight your skills, values and personality so they stick in people’s minds for the right reasons. In a fast-paced, digital-first world where everyone’s competing for attention, a strong personal brand isn’t optional anymore. It’s your ticket to opening doors, building trust and making sure you’re not overlooked.

Seventy nine Grade 4 to 7 male learners at Northview Primary School in Phoenix recently participated in a “Safety Starts With Me” workshop led by The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga. The aim of the initiative was to encourage positive behaviour and to address gender based violence at an early age.

Retired Constitutional Court Judge Zak Yacoob not only inspired Faculty of Law students and staff at Emeris during a recent Freedom Day Lecture but also challenged them to use their legal skills to help shape a more just society.

Teaching has never been without its challenges, but it continues to be one of the most rewarding careers. Across the world, teachers talk of the fulfilment they experience when helping learners build knowledge and confidence. In South Africa, the profession is not only meaningful but also increasingly essential, with a growing need for qualified educators in every phase of schooling.

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a respected qualification that prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to excel in classroom leadership. Recognised in South Africa and internationally, it’s a strong pathway for those already holding a bachelor’s degree in another field to enter the teaching profession or gain flexibility to pursue opportunities abroad.

Teaching is more than just a profession. It is an opportunity to shape futures, open doors, and inspire generations. If you feel called to make a meaningful impact and guide young minds towards growth and discovery, then teaching in South Africa could be the right path for you.This guide explains what it takes to become a teacher in South Africa, from the qualifications you need to the practical experience that prepares you for the classroom.

Emeris Durban North and The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga students stepped into real-world interview scenarios during the campuses’ recent Career Services Week. This hands on initiative is designed to prepare the students for the transition from campus to career.

More than 100 first year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and first year articulation students attended Emeris Durban North’s Faculty of Law’s recent annual Ethics Ceremony. The ceremony reinforced the importance of ethical conduct as a law student and in the legal profession.

Did you know that a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology doesn’t automatically lead to becoming a psychologist? In fact, careers with a BA Honours in Psychology can span many different fields. Just google psychology degree job opportunities. You’d be surprised at the psychology job roles; this degree gives you a mix of skills you can use in many different settings. You learn how to understand people, think critically and solve problems, which means you’re equipped to take on a wide range of challenges in the working world.

A second year Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Game Design and Development student from The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga claimed top honours at the recent “AVOID: Score Attack!” gaming event. Saturn Kozlowski outperformed fellow Emeris students and local high school competitors.

Second and third year Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Game Design and Development students from The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga recently put their creativity and technical skills to the test during an internal Game Jam. They were challenged to design games from scratch under strict time limits.

Second year Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching and Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching students at Emeris Durban North gained practical insight into inclusive education during a recent talk by Tammy Jordaan Senior Occupational Therapist from Khanyisa Developmental Centre. She highlighted the challenges teachers face in supporting children with special needs in mainstream classrooms.

Students at Emeris Durban North and The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga stepped out of the lecture room and into the community during a recent NGO Open Day, connecting directly with organisations making a difference across KwaZulu-Natal.

As Johannesburg continues to grapple with ongoing water shortages and the strain of ageing infrastructure, World Water Day on 22 March brings into sharp focus the urgent need for community engagement and innovative solutions to safeguard the city’s water supply.

Want to test your gaming skills and win some extra pocket money these school holidays? Then “AVOID: Score Attack!” is worth a shot. The competitive high score gaming event will take place at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga on 1 April from 9am to 3pm. Entry is free with over R5 000 in cash prizes and The Big Bang Shop vouchers up for grabs

Final year students from Emeris Durban North and Westville recently gained first hand career advice from Alumni during a joint Career Evening hosted by Emeris Career Services.

Future Chartered Accountants at Emeris Durban North recently stepped into the fast paced world of business during a recent three day simulation that challenged them to run their own manufacturing companies.

Plans are underway for the development of a large 10-hectare purpose built Emeris campus in the Umhlanga area of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal with capacity for over 10,000 students. The new campus will feature modern lecture theatres, innovation and collaboration hubs, student residences and facilities in a future-ready learning environment. The campus will combine academic spaces with technology-enabled learning areas, student support services and amenities aimed at creating a holistic higher education experience.

South Africa’s denim industry has long been criticised for its heavy water usage and negative environmental impact. The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga Alumna Milan Comley is helping change that narrative.

The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga Alumna Alyssa Reyersbach was only 10 years old when she entered a South African Airways competition with a drawing of an aeroplane. Fourteen years later, that childhood passion has come full circle. Her winning design is now proudly flying on LIFT’s Airbus A320.

Students at Emeris Durban North and Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga recently participated in campus initiatives which supported the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Shavathon and the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) respectively. The initiatives also introduced them to some of student committees, which included Emeris Cares, Emeris Sports, Emeris Careers and Emeris Student Life.

Rudolph Lekay’s journey began with a simple, determined goal not unlike many other students his age, to fund his matric dance and have an incredible milestone to look back on one day. His determination to achieve this, and the journey this goal ultimately led him on, however, are what set Lekay apart.

Student leaders shared practical advice and words of encouragement with first year students during the recent Orientation Week (O’Week) at Emeris Durban North and Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga.

From high school art teacher to Bachelor of Communication Design at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga, 25-year-old Joash Gounden is pursuing his dream and gaining international recognition along the way.

For many people, further study feels out of reach because of time or financial constraints. A higher certificate can change that. These short, practical programmes give you a recognised qualification while equipping you with job-ready skills in less time than a degree or diploma.

Emeris Sandton officially opened its doors on Wednesday, 3 February in what has come to be known as the richest square mile in Africa, bringing a state-of-the-art mega campus to the heart of Johannesburg.

Emeris has announced the relocation of its Nelson Mandela Bay campus, formerly Varsity College, to a new, purpose-built site in Gqeberha. The move forms part of the institution’s strategic growth plans and aims to expand access to high-quality, future-focused higher education in the Eastern Cape.

Every year, I watch it happen. I ask a room full of first year design students to "start ideating," and suddenly the energy shifts. Pens hover above paper. Eyes dart around the room. Most latch onto the first "safe" idea they think will be acceptable.

For many matriculants, choosing where to study is both an exciting and daunting experience, with many unsure of what to look out for when making their choices. No matter where matriculants and their parents are leaning for this year’s enrolment, there’s no denying that choosing where to study is one of the most defining decisions of a young adult’s life.

With the release of the Matric Class of 2025 results recently, many matriculants will be celebrating and planning their next academic step. For some, the results may be unexpected or disappointing, triggering feelings of anxiety, stress and self doubt.

With schools and workplaces reopening after the holidays, many families are adjusting to back-to-school routines after a long break. While a new academic year brings excitement, in some instances, new beginnings, it may also leave learners, parents and educators feeling unsettled or overwhelmed.

With a 31.9% unemployment rate in South Africa, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), finding work after graduation remains a pressing concern for young South Africans and their families. In response, The School of Management Studies at the Westville campus, in partnership with non-profit organisation Student Focus, recently hosted a Career Development Day for unemployed graduates at the BAT Centre.

Emeris marked a milestone on 5 November with its inaugural Research Celebration, a powerful demonstration of its commitment to purposeful scholarship.

With Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshaping the world of work, the Pietermaritzburg campus recently brought together its employer partners for a Client Connect breakfast hosted by the campus’ Career Services. 

With Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshaping the world of work, the Durban North and Westville campuses recently brought together its employer partners for a Client Connect breakfast hosted by the campus’ Career Services.

Students enrolled in the Higher Certificate in Communication Practices the Westville campus recently put their creativity, strategic thinking, communication skills and theoretical knowledge to the test during a real-world simulation.

Driven by a passion for environmental protection and sustainability, three student teams from the Pietermaritzburg campus recently participated in a national Water Quality Monitoring competition. The initiative was led by Advtech and The MSA Centre for Water and the Environment as part of a student led citizen science project aimed at protecting South Africa’s freshwater ecosystems.

Sporting excellence took centre stage at the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Regional Sports Awards 2025 recently held at the Elangeni Hotel. Outstanding student athletes - from national team call ups to Varsity Shield champions - were recognised for their achievements.

Forty eight students across our various Faculties from the Durban North campus were recently celebrated as the campus’ 2024 Top Achievers. The undergraduate and postgraduate students who achieved an overall average of 75% were recognised for their dedication and hard work. Each received a certificate and a Takealot voucher.

University life comes with surprises. Discover five things parents wish they had known before starting university, from managing money to making the most of opportunities. 

A professional career in accounting is more than focusing on numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s a career that remains in demand across every industry, offering strong earning potential and a clear path for growth. With a recognised professional qualification, you can work anywhere in the world while building financial skills that strengthen confidence and leadership ability. This combination of global opportunity, job security, and competitive edge makes considering accountancy careers a smart and future-focused choice.

Finance and investment are everywhere. Every business and every major decision relies on it. Studying finance isn’t about memorising spreadsheets. It’s about learning to think critically, make smart choices and understand the bigger picture. From managing a start-up’s cash flow to guiding a multinational’s expansion, finance drives the decisions that matter. A finance degree will give you knowledge but also perspective, confidence and a toolkit that prepares you for a career that’s stable, rewarding and full of opportunity. A university degree in finance will open doors if you’re ready to step through them.

Struggling with tuition costs? Explore scholarships, bursaries, student loans, part-time work, and budgeting tips to pay for your education as a university student. 

Discover the top careers of the future, from IT and healthcare to renewable energy—fields offering growth, security, and impact.

Strong communication drives teamwork, productivity, and career growth. Learn why these skills matter and how to improve them.

A postgraduate diploma builds practical expertise, boosts employability, and opens doors to specialised career opportunities.

Critical thinking helps you cut through the noise, make better decisions, and solve problems with confidence.

Data analytics is one of today’s fastest-growing careers—secure, rewarding, and in demand across industries.

Wondering whether to study a BCom in Law or an LLB? Discover the main differences, career prospects, and which degree best suits your goals in law and business. 

Discover what business management involves, its core disciplines, and why studying this degree can lead to rewarding career opportunities across industries. 

Data literacy is more than a buzzword. Learn what data literacy means, why it’s important, and how it empowers individuals and organisations to make smarter decisions. 

The Independent Institute of Education has announced the launch of Emeris, a groundbreaking new private higher education brand that will bring the Varsity College, Vega School, and MSA brands together under a single name. The new entity will officially launch in 2026.

Curious about a career in data analytics? Explore the skills, roles, and growth opportunities that make this one of today’s most in-demand fields.

BA or BSc? Learn the key differences, skills, and career paths to choose the degree that best matches your future goals.

From civil to aerospace, explore the six major types of engineers and the exciting careers they offer.

Explore South Africa’s scarce skills and high-demand careers in IT, healthcare, engineering, education, and finance that offer stability and growth.

Online or in-person? Explore the pros, cons, and learning styles to find the study path that’s right for you.

From maths to leadership, discover the key skills every aspiring civil engineer needs to succeed in this dynamic profession.

Not sure whether to study IT or Computer Science? Discover the key differences, skills, and career opportunities to choose the right tech path.

From student to teacher, Mckayler’s story shows how passion and resilience can inspire the next generation.

A psychology degree opens more doors than many people realise. While it can certainly lead to a career as a psychologist, its real value lies in the broad, adaptable skill set it develops. You learn how people think, feel, and behave – valuable insights that will be helpful in any career across healthcare, education, business, technology, marketing, and even creative industries.

Deciding between a BCom or BA? Discover the key differences, focus areas, and career opportunities to choose the degree that fits your future.

As part of the strategic ambition to become a private university that produces transformative ideas and the country’s most employable graduates, we are excited to share that Varsity College, MSA and Vega School are uniting under a new name, Emeris. With this unification, we will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional higher education by consolidating resources and expertise.