Advtech, Africa’s leading private education provider, has secured 10 hectares of land in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal for the development of a new university mega campus, further strengthening its higher education footprint.
New Mega Campus Planned for Durban
Construction of the new campus is expected to begin in 2027, with the first phase scheduled to open in 2029. The initial development will accommodate approximately 8,000 students and will include a purpose built 500 bed student residence.
A second phase of the project is planned for completion in 2035. Once completed, the expanded campus will support up to 10,500 students, with student accommodation increasing by a further 500 beds.
Strategic Land Acquisition
The land has been acquired from Fundamentum Property Group, which manages a large national property portfolio spanning multiple market sectors.
Fundamentum is also behind the large scale Westown development in Durban, covering more than one hundred hectares and representing one of the region’s major urban development projects.
Expansion of Higher Education Network
The KwaZulu-Natal project follows two other tertiary developments launched by Advtech in February 2026.
These include the Emeris and Vega Sandton mega campus in Johannesburg and the Emeris Nelson Mandela Bay mega campus in Gqeberha.
These developments form part of the group’s wider strategy to expand access to higher education across South Africa.
Pathway Towards University Status
Advtech welcomed recent policy developments that establish a formal pathway for private higher education institutions to apply for university status.
“We support a clear and transparent process for awarding university status. As soon as the framework allows, Emeris will apply,” says Advtech Group CEO Geoff Whyte.
Investing in Future Skills
As South Africa continues to address high youth unemployment and shifting labour market demands, sustained investment in higher education remains critical. Expanding access to quality tertiary education is widely seen as essential for equipping students with workplace readiness skills needed in a rapidly changing economy.
Through continued expansion across major economic regions, Advtech is strengthening its position as one of the country’s leading higher education providers, investing in growth, scale and long term educational impact.
