The department of higher education & training is poised to crack down on universities and academics that are gaming its research incentive system, which has seen the worst offender claiming for more than 100 publications in a single year. The department encourages university research with an output subsidy that rewards them for publications in journals, books and conference proceedings, as well...

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called for urgent corrective action at the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA), following qualified audit opinions for the 2025/26 financial year. Briefing Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training recently, Manamela said both...

Incoming University of Fort Hare vice-chancellor Prof Wezile Chitha will be expected to turn institutional ambitions into tangible improvements in students' daily lives, the university's Student Representative Council (SRC) said on Sunday. SRC chair Someleze Ndamase welcomed Chitha's appointment, but said students wanted to see improved campus facilities, better student services, effective...

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), in partnership with Bidvest Services International, has committed R6 million over three years to research and postgraduate development in telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies. According to a statement, the funding will support the Wits Bidvest Chair in smart solutions, housed in the School of Electrical and Information...

CUT's Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) aims to help innovators overcome technical and financial barriers and turn promising ideas into practical products that improve people's lives. Operating since 2000, the PDTS forms part of the Technology Station Programme of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). "The programme...

Prospective students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications for selected programmes that remain open for the 2027 academic year. Explore 2027 Programmes: https://www.dut.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Study-Opportunities-2027.pdf Apply for 2027 through CAO: https://www.cao.ac.za The...

Universities risk undermining students' ability to think for themselves if they adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching without fully understanding its impact. The warning was raised at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's (UKZN) fourth Innovations in the Science of Teaching and Learning Conference, held recently at the...

Three tiny insects that lived about 90-million years ago have assisted a North-West University researcher in uncovering new clues about life on Earth during the age of the dinosaurs. Further research into the three insect species could help scientists better understand how plant-feeding insects have evolved and how their...

The North-West University (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently marked Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a campaign, bringing together information technology, protection services and students from various faculties to raise awareness of cyber threats, address cyberbullying and promote responsible online behaviour. Observed annually...

Construction is progressing on Akademia's new R3.2 billion campus in Pretoria East, with the project's first phase targeted for completion in time for the 2028 academic year. The campus is being developed on a 220-hectare site near Boschkop Road, 8 km from Solomon Mahlangu Drive. It is intended to provide a permanent home for...

The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) has announced the launch of the Quantity Surveying Leadership Fellowship Programme, a national initiative to support young quantity surveyors as they move from university into professional practice and, ultimately, professional registration. SACQSP is the...

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is hosting a rather interesting event later this week. Entitled "South Africa in Space: Science, Technology and the Future", this seminar looks at the increasing desire for the country to push into the cosmos. Taking place on 22nd October between 09:00 and 15:00, attendees will need to go to...

Professor Imraan Valodia, the Wits Pro Vice-Chancellor for Climate Change, Sustainability and Inequality, has recently mounted a campaign of articles strongly disagreeing with our Carbon Captured? report, our initial attempt at outlining the various ways in which SA academia - like much of the rest of our society - is unduly...

Dozens of students at Buffalo City College's Fairview women's residence were evacuated on the eve of their final examinations after a violent intruder brutally stabbed a security guard. The attack marks the latest in a series of security breaches that have left residents terrified and calling for urgent intervention...

There was a time when Ms Motheo Moswathupa could imagine her graduation gown, but could no longer be certain she would live to wear it. The young woman from Ga-Matlala Ramoshebo in Limpopo had been working towards a future in engineering when, during her final year at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), she was diagnosed with...

CUT celebrated excellence, innovation, and dedication at the 2026 Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Awards, honouring employees whose outstanding contributions continue to shape the university's success and advance its Vision 2030 aspirations. Recognising achievement across teaching, research, innovation, community engagement, and...

Baby Wolves goalkeeper Nqobile Biyela started life at the opposite end of the pitch. In fact, she didn't switch to the position that defines her stellar career until her mid-teens. Biyela has been a revelation since taking over from Banyana Banyana shot-stopper Kebotseng Moletsane after the latter left mid-season for Mamelodi...

In sport, numbers sometimes tell a better story than words-look at Pieter Coetze's heroics in the recently concluded World Cup Swimming series. Simply saying the Tuks swimmer was the men's overall winner sounds impressive, but it doesn't tell the whole story. There is good reason why Coetze, in an interview with World Aquatics in...

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has improved its global standing for Clean Water and Sanitation, moving from the 401-600 band in 2025 to the 301-400 band in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings. The result reflects DUT's contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to...

The Examination Hall at Durban University of Technology's (DUT) Ritson Campus buzzed with excitement as students, artists and cultural groups gathered for the third annual Student Diversity Festival, hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Design's Centre for General Education. Held under the theme "A Kaleidoscope of Diverse Gender...

The University of Venda's (UNIVEN) contribution to advancing institutional research and strategic leadership in higher education has received recognition at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Southern African Association of Institutional Research (SAAIR), held from 13 to 16 October 2026 at Walter Sisulu University in East London...

The University of South Africa (Unisa) continues to strengthen its position as a leading African institution for postgraduate education, with doctoral graduates from across the continent contributing research that addresses pressing social and developmental challenges. Two Ethiopian scholars, Dr Derese Teshome and Dr Getachew...

For decades, the Dictionary Unit for South African English (DSAE) built its record of the country's language variety one citation at a time. By the 1990s, that record had become a landmark printed dictionary, capturing more than three centuries of South African English. In 1997, the dictionary's editorial team was awarded a gold...

There are moments when a woman stands in a red doctoral gown and the years collapse behind her like a long, heavy breath finally released. That was Dr Phaphama Tshisikhawe on 14 October 2026 - mortarboard straight, eyes bright, voice steady - telling the story of a doctorate earned through lonely nights of research and quiet...

For nearly a decade, Itumeleng Mpete's dream of obtaining a master's degree was interrupted by motherhood, changing academic requirements and the challenge of balancing family, work and education. On 19 October 2026, that journey will culminate in a significant milestone when she graduates with distinction from the University of...

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reaffirmed its place on the global higher education stage, with the 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings highlighting significant gains in industry engagement, a strengthening research environment and sustained international competitiveness. The latest...

Human rights and democracy are increasingly contested, with countries defending them selectively while economic interests often take priority over people's rights. Governments restrict freedoms in the name of public safety, while digital surveillance and authoritarianism make it harder to organise and speak out. Meanwhile, the...

The coastline near the southern tip of Africa looked vastly different between about 400,000 years ago and 70,000 years ago, compared with today. At times it lay as much as 100km south of its present location, exposing the vast Palaeo-Agulhas Plain, which contained an extensive habitat for large mammals. At other times the sea level...

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) has taken a significant leap forward in internationalisation by formalising a partnership with Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences in Wolfsburg, Germany. Initiated by Dr Kevin Ramsarghey, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, the collaboration will expand cross-border...

From 12 to 15 October 2026, eight members of MUT's Operations Directorate were away on a very important mission, sharing their expertise and knowledge with like-minded professionals in the sector. These MUT staff members attended the Higher Education Facilities Management Association (HEFMA) Annual Conference at the University of...

When the Minister of Finance tables the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on 21 October, one test will be whether it delivers on a promise made to South Africa's youngest children. In February's State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa set a goal of ending child stunting by 2030. More than a quarter of children...

Can artistic practice help societies navigate some of their most complex social and environmental challenges? The University of the Free State's International Institute of the Arts believes it can. The institute has announced the appointment of Dr Dylan McGarry as its newest Artist-in-Residence from November 2026, bringing an...

It is an important industrial, economic and educational centre in the Eastern Cape, yet it faces challenges that increasingly demand a collective response: service-delivery pressures, infrastructure constraints, unemployment, skills shortages and institutional-capacity challenges. The question, therefore, should not only be what is...

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reaffirmed its commitment to student-centred leadership and constructive engagement following an introductory meeting between its executive management and the newly elected 2027 Student Representative Council (SRC). The meeting laid the groundwork for collaboration, strengthened...

Former University of Fort Hare vice-chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu has argued that South Africa must confront the enduring legacy of migrant labour by rebuilding rural economies, rethinking land management and decentralising economic activity. Delivering the fourth annual Francis Wilson Memorial Lecture on 15 October...

About 400 staff members participated in the CPUT Run/Walk for Cancer, demonstrating their commitment to promoting cancer awareness and building a culture of support within the university community. October is breast cancer awareness month and staff members came dressed in their favourite shades of pink in a show of solidarity...

A new study by researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and University College London (UCL) found that commonly used tuberculosis (TB) screening methods may miss a substantial proportion of TB cases among people with diabetes, highlighting the need for more effective screening strategies. The study, "Sensitivity and...

After years of working in Germany's mechanical engineering industry, Maren Kobusch knew exactly what she wanted from her doctoral studies: research that could address the real challenges facing manufacturers. She found that opportunity thousands of kilometres from home, at the Tshwane University of Technology's (TUT) Department of...

People are more receptive to health information and messaging when it is delivered by someone they trust, rather than by someone with authority. When peer educator Odwa Mbane sits on a bed in a Joburg brothel to talk about HIV prevention, the transgender sex worker next to her listens more attentively than she would in a clinic...

A commitment to personal growth and entrepreneurial development has earned a University of the Free State student national recognition in a highly competitive financial literacy programme Samkelo Mngomezulu, Chairperson of the Black Management Forum at the University of the Free State, distinguished himself in the 2026 Momentum...

Mobility within Africa is both possible and essential. To advance this, the University of Johannesburg (UJ)'s Division for Global Engagement established the institution's flagship initiative, Africa By Bus, which gives students firsthand experience of African countries, communities, and cultures. On Friday, 16 October 2026, the...

The 2026 Gauteng Netball Super League season has drawn to a thrilling close, and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has once again cemented its status as a powerhouse on the court. In true UJ fashion, the Senior Women's Team captured the coveted gold medal, while the UJ Senior Men's Team secured a commendable silver finish...

The University of Venda (UNIVEN) has reaffi rmed its commitment to academic excellence and quality teacher education following a two-day on-site review of its Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Postgraduate Certifi cate in Education (PGCE) programmes by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) on 12 and 13 October 2026. The national review...

The Faculty of Education (FEDU) at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) hosted its prestigious Dean's Excellence Awards on Thursday, 15 October 2026. The event brought together faculty staff and students to celebrate the hard work, resilience and commitment to excellence demonstrated by students across the faculty. In her opening...

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) recently hosted an impactful student-led discussion at SC101 lecture hall on its KwaDlangezwa Campus, bringing together academic leaders, government representatives, international diplomats and students to deliberate on South Africa's future in an era of global shift and trade fragmentation...

As South Africa celebrates Pride Month this October, do we actually know the background and history of how the month came about? In recent times, the essence of Pride seems to have been lost. When one thinks about Pride celebrations, what likely comes to mind first is a big party or festival, with colourful costumes, floats and...

While policymakers celebrate Africa's booming Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in mobile apps and fintech, small businesses tend to remain locked out of high-value innovation. This is not for a lack of entrepreneurial skill, but because the foundations are structurally hard to access for them. Energy, semiconductors, and cloud...

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom stressed the importance of facing challenges with optimism and determination, making repeated attempts to overcome obstacles and building experience over time to achieve goals. The minister made the remarks during an open discussion with Egyptian university students...

Ghana and Germany are exploring ways to deepen cooperation in technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills and improve their job prospects. The discussions took place when the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, met the German Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Frederik Landshöft, to discuss ways of...

Tutors in technical and vocational colleges have called off a planned nationwide strike after the Ministry of Education agreed to address their grievances, averting a disruption of learning in the institutions. The Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education Trainers (KUTVET) had threatened to withdraw its 10,000 members from...

Rabat Business School (RBS), part of the International University of Rabat (UIR), celebrated its achievement of the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation on Friday at the Marriott Rabat Hotel, marking a significant milestone for Moroccan higher education. With accreditations from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, RBS has become the first...

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has urged Nigerian universities to introduce degree programmes in specialised healthcare fields, including audiology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, clinical psychology and medical social work, to address manpower shortages. Alausa said expanding training in the...

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned universities and other tertiary institutions against issuing admission letters to candidates, insisting that only the board is legally empowered to issue official admission letters in Nigeria. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, gave the warning when he received a...

Tanzania and China have signed an agreement to strengthen technical and vocational education, with a focus on practical skills, industry partnerships and expanding employment opportunities for young people. The agreement, signed in Tianjin on Saturday October 17, 2026, by Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Education, Science and...

The commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr Loy Muhwezi, has urged students to embrace vocational courses as a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship, rather than treating them as an alternative for those who fail to gain university admission. Dr Muhwezi made the call during a TVET skills...

After surviving malaria as a teenager, Joel Felix Ochom is helping develop Maisha, a plant-derived antimalarial syrup at Makerere University. With preliminary research completed and clinical trials authorised but yet to begin, the next challenge is establishing whether the potential treatment is safe and effective in humans. When...

Professor Yusif Aliyev, Director of the Guba branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ADPU), is on a working visit to Uzbekistan. As part of the visit, Professor Yusif Aliyev held an academic seminar on "Methodology of Writing a Research Article in Materials Science" for the faculty and graduate students at the Asian...

The Kingdom is stepping up efforts to modernise technical and vocational education and training (TVET), prioritising digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI), green skills and stronger private-sector partnerships to ensure programmes keep pace with industrial transformation and labour-market demands. Ministry of Education...

Students walking into class at Jilin University this autumn may have noticed the composition of the crowd shifting. The university took in 10,541 new undergraduates - the largest intake of any Project 985 university - but it is the graduate numbers that made the news. A survey by the 21st Century Business Herald found that at...

The Telangana government has approved direct recruitment to 429 assistant professor posts across seven state universities in the first phase, bringing relief to candidates who have been waiting for university recruitment for years. The Finance Department issued Government Order (GO) No. 142, signed by its principal secretary...

Following just two class sessions, Tehran University has terminated its collaboration with Sepideh Birashk, a guest lecturer in the Philosophy Department of the Faculty of Literature, and barred her from entering the university since Thursday, October 15, 2026. According to Tasnim News Agency, a media outlet affiliated with the...

In her speeches, Research and Higher Education Minister Stéphanie Obertin spoke on the growing importance of Advanced Vocational Diploma (BTS) programmes within Luxembourg's higher education landscape. Over the course of two graduation ceremonies held on 14 and 16 October 2026 in the main auditorium of the Maison du savoir on the...

Portugal has submitted a proposal to China for an agreement on the mutual recognition of academic qualifications, which Beijing has agreed to consider, the Minister for Education, Science and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre, told Lusa News Agency today. "After many years of deadlock on this issue, and following numerous exchanges...

Sejong University said Sunday that its Sejong Korean Language and Culture Education Center, part of Daeyang Global College, completed a Campus Survival program last month to help newly enrolled international students adjust to university life in Korea. Held from Sept. 11-25, the program provided 408 international freshmen with...

Leading UAE universities are investing in the future as they seek to capitalise on growing demand for higher education in the country - amid a sharp decline in students heading to the UK. Institutes unveiled expansion drives, new programmes and plans to attract more learners from across the Emirates and beyond at a flagship...

Most-clicked story of the week: Pennsylvania State University is looking to cut 47 undergraduate degree programs following a review of its 403 associate and bachelor's degrees. The programs - spanning from professional photography to astronomy - enroll about 1.1% of the university's roughly 68,000 undergraduate students. Number of...

In the context of the rapid development of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), higher education should not only focus on knowledge transmission but also require comprehensive innovation in content, training methods, and scientific research activities. Observations at several universities indicate that curriculum...