News & Articles

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 IIE 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 IIE 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.

Achieving a 95% average in her IIE 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 IIE 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 IIE 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 IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Brand Leadership at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony.

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.

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 IIE 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 IIE 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 IIE 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 IIE 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 IIE 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 IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching and IIE 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 Communications Design student 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 The IIE’s 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 IIE 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 IIE 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 from the Faculties of Computer Science, Education, Finance and Accounting, Humanities, Management Studies and Law 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 (IIE) 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 The IIE's Varsity College, IIE MSA and IIE 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.