Sandton is about to get a significant new player – this time, in the realm of education. Set to open its doors in 2026, The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) has announced the development of a massive new mega-campus for its Varsity College and Vega School branches.

• Located on Grayston Drive, this campus promises not only state-of-the-art facilities but also a redefined student experience for thousands of young minds.
• Spanning an impressive 47,000 square meters, the site will be developed on the former grounds of the FNB Training Centre.
• It’s an exciting development approved by the Competition Commission, and the plan is for it to become a landmark for premium education in the heart of Sandton.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

The IIE, South Africa’s largest private higher education institution and a subsidiary of the investment holding giant ADvTECH Limited, is gearing up to create an academic space that will rival anything currently on offer in the region.

Slated for official launch in January 2026, this mega-campus will eventually host around 9’000 students, offering an array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties like Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law, and Science & Technology. Notably, IIE Vega, which specializes in the fields of branding, marketing, and creative communication, will have its own standalone building within the campus precinct.

Architecturally, the new campus will reflect a forward-thinking ethos, with a strong emphasis on blending academic excellence with modern student conveniences. The retrofitting of existing structures will be complemented by the construction of new office and lecture buildings, an expansive indoor sports centre, and ample parking. The project will also include a reconfiguration of the entrance on Grayston Drive, ensuring ease of access to the campus from one of the busiest streets in Sandton.

The first phase of development is expected to begin towards the end of 2024, marking the beginning of a two-phase plan to bring this vision to life. Once complete, the campus will boast not only cutting-edge educational facilities but also large gardens where students can unwind and sporting facilities to promote a balanced lifestyle. In the highly competitive educational landscape of South Africa, these facilities will give The IIE a significant advantage in offering a well-rounded, premium student experience.

According to Louise Wiseman, Managing Director of The IIE’s Varsity College, Vega, and MSA, the demand for quality private education in South Africa is booming.

It is increasingly evident that The IIE has become the institution of choice for quality higher education, and we are thrilled to be able to ensure thousands more students will be able to benefit from the opportunities that will arise from the development of our new mega-campus.

// Managing Director of The IIE’s Varsity College, Vega, Louise Wiseman

The Sandton development is also part of a broader strategy to position The IIE’s institutions as private universities. As the South African government reviews the criteria for recognizing qualifying private institutions as universities, this mega-campus is seen as a key milestone in aligning The IIE with global best practices. Once realized, The IIE’s Varsity College, Vega, and MSA could achieve the same status and prestige as world-renowned private universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Princeton.

Louise’s vision is clear: a student-centric approach that values small, interactive class sizes, engaged facilitators who bring real-world experience into the classroom, and the integration of cutting-edge technology into teaching methods.

Our private university positioning continues to focus on the individual student, with an emphasis on creating a dynamic, engaged, and supportive academic environment.

// Managing Director of The IIE’s Varsity College, Vega, Louise Wiseman

Sandton is a natural fit for this ground-breaking development. Known for its concentration of business and financial powerhouses, the area is well-serviced by public transport, which will undoubtedly make the commute to this future campus a breeze for students.

Students can rightly look forward to the expansive space and cutting-edge student facilities to serve all their needs, including an indoor sports centre and gym. This investment will provide us with the leading position to provide quality higher education for our future graduates.

// Managing Director of The IIE’s Varsity College, Vega, Louise Wiseman

The benefits of this development stretch beyond academia. As the educational landscape shifts, there’s hope that projects like this will significantly contribute to South Africa’s economy by increasing access to higher education, fostering job creation, and supporting socio-economic growth. With an influx of skilled graduates, the campus could act as a springboard for innovation and progress in multiple sectors.

This announcement also comes off the back of exciting developments at ADvTECH, The IIE’s parent company. According to ADvTECH CEO Geoff Whyte, the group is actively laying the groundwork to become the first private university in South Africa. The Sandton mega-campus forms part of this ambitious vision, representing an opportunity to showcase what private higher education can offer in terms of world-class facilities, education, and graduate outcomes.

In a time when higher education is more important than ever, this development promises to be a game-changer not just for Sandton but for the future of private education in South Africa. As we look toward 2026, anticipation is building for the grand opening of this super campus, which promises to usher in a new era of academic excellence and innovation in the heart of the city.

The IIE’s Varsity College and Vega Schools are poised to transform Sandton’s educational landscape with their upcoming mega-campus. As the project moves forward, all eyes will be on how this development redefines private education in South Africa, offering a world-class experience for students ready to step into their futures.

With its grand ambitions, premium facilities, and commitment to academic excellence, this new campus represents a bold step towards creating a higher education hub that will shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.

Advertise on The Sandton Times today!

Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.