Universities often speak of transforming lives and communities, but how do we measure that impact? This thought-provoking article challenges higher education institutions to move beyond claims and demonstrate, with credible evidence, how their teaching, research and innovation create lasting value for society...

What began as concern over environmental pollution has grown into a national policy conversation. This inspiring story shows how university-led research can turn local challenges into practical solutions, shaping public policy while protecting communities and the environment...

A student project that started in South Africa is now empowering learners across five continents. Tangible Africa proves that innovation does not require expensive technology, demonstrating how homegrown solutions can bridge digital divides and make coding education accessible to millions...

This remarkable story showcases the life-changing power of university research and innovation. From pioneering Africa's first titanium 3D printer to helping reconstruct more than 5 000 faces, it highlights how cutting-edge science is restoring dignity, transforming healthcare and changing lives one patient at a time...

"Join IEASA in 2027 as we celebrate 30 years of internationalisation in South African higher education! The 29th IEASA Annual Conference, hosted in partnership with the University of Mpumalanga, takes place from 24-27 August in Mbombela. Under the theme Shared Futures, Shared Impact, let's transform higher education through internationalisation. Save the date!...

Rhodes University is working with local public health authorities, following a cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses reported among members of its community. "On Tuesday, 20 October 2026, Rhodes University reported a cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses among members of its community. Subsequent enquiries with local medical practitioners indicate that similar cases are being reported elsewhere...

The clock is ticking for prospective 2027 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding applicants, with the scheme saying it has already received 868,626 applications ahead of the deadline closing next Saturday. The figure is according to the scheme's latest application dashboard dated October 19, 2026. In a media release on Tuesday, the scheme urged prospective students who have not yet...

The Eastern Cape provincial government and the University of Fort Hare have agreed to explore developing university precincts across Bhisho, Dikeni, and KuGompo City. The initiative aims to align higher education infrastructure with regional economic and social growth priorities. The strategic talks between Premier Oscar Mabuyane and the university council follow years of legal battles over...

The University of Fort Hare has sacked vice-chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu for serious misconduct, two days before his resignation was due to take effect on Friday. An independent disciplinary inquiry found Buhlungu had appointed senior managers without council approval and brought the university into disrepute with disparaging statements in the media. The university council said in a...

The University of Venda (UNIVEN) has strengthened its commitment to producing globally competitive accounting graduates, with two of its fl agship accountancy programmes earning accreditation from the Association of Chartered Certifi ed Accountants (ACCA), opening new pathways to professional qualifi cations and international career...

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof. Olubukola Oluranti Babalola has strengthened her position in international science following the announcement by the International Science Council (ISC) of its 2026 Fellowship cohort. The announcement, made on 16 October 2026, recognises scientists for their contributions to research...

Africa is standing at the edge of the AI technological revolution that could either deepen its dependence on countries like the USA and China, or create an unprecedented opportunity to build the continent's digital, economic and intellectual future. This was the subject of a public lecture hosted by Nelson Mandela University on 13...

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), through its Faculty of Humanities, is hosting the Council on Higher Education (CHE) from 20 to 22 October 2026 for a national review of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes. The review forms part of a national quality assurance process to assess the quality and relevance...

CUT Welkom Campus challenged future educators to embrace their responsibility in shaping learners' futures at the Student Teachers' Symposium on 20 October 2026. Held under the theme "Ooze with Confidence and Inspire", the symposium featured students, lecturers, education stakeholders and representatives from the Department of...

The CPUT Cancer Awareness Campaign aimed to promote early detection and employee wellness and encouraged staff to take a proactive approach to their health. Hosted by the Human Capital: Lifestyle and Wellness Office, the campaign was held at three campuses - Granger Bay, Wellington and Bellville. Services included breast and...

First-year students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) are demonstrating how creativity and innovation can help address environmental challenges, using the law as a tool to promote sustainability and protect the environment. The students presented their ideas and projects on 15 October 2026 at the Midlands Campus as part...

Opinion article by Tshepiso Lekanyane, an Honours graduate in Sociology, and Dr Sello Sele, Lecturer, Department Sociology, University of the Free State Academic success is a desirable outcome for students as well as the entire university community. However, it becomes a major challenge when illness, ailments and diseases become an...

Opinion piece by Prof. Ushotanefe Useh, deputy dean for community engagement and stakeholder relations in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the North-West University. Universities, as seats of knowledge, are tasked with developing conceptual abilities and producing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to society. However, the...

For Makwarela Mudau, obtaining a master's degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa) represents more than academic achievement. It is a testament to perseverance, the power of education and her determination to contribute to the preservation and advancement of African languages. Raised by her grandparents in Maramanzhi, a...

The Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Tshwane University of Technology's (TUT) strengthened its commitment to research excellence and technological innovation by hosting the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Innovative Computing, Intelligent Systems and Engineering Technologies (ICISCET 2026)...

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is celebrating the recent achievement of Dr Luveshan Ramanna, a Research Fellow and Biotechnologist at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), who has received a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF). His achievement comes as DUT continues to strengthen its...

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Leadership Academy celebrated the 2026 cohort of Leadership Launch Pad participants with a programme closing ceremony held Thursday, 3 October. For a growing number of newly elected student leaders, the programme has played a significant role in preparing them for their leadership journeys. Drawing...

In a world marked by accelerating climate change, persistent inequality and deepening social and political crises, what kind of learning do we need? For Distinguished Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka, the answer goes beyond what we need to learn, and centres on what we must unlearn and relearn to embrace more just and sustainable...

More than 440 primary school learners will explore STEM through a hands-on, three-day exhibition. Nelson Mandela University's Science Centre and Ubuntu Pathways are hosting a three-day LEGO and Robotics Exhibition from 20 to 22 October 2026 at Ubuntu Pathways, 5 QeQe Street, Zwide. The event is supported by the FIRST LEGO League...

Public Affairs students from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) gained valuable first-hand insight into South Africa's democratic and legislative processes during a recent educational excursion to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL). Organised by the Department of Public Management, the visit brought classroom learning...

Having the right qualifications does not necessarily open doors to employment or leadership for persons with disabilities. Many remain unemployed, trapped in internships or confined to entry-level positions, raising questions about whether South Africa's employment equity policies are delivering meaningful inclusion. These concerns...

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to advance evidence-based healthcare through research that addresses critical public health challenges, as demonstrated by pharmacist and public health researcher Dr Tiyani Milta Maluleke, whose doctoral study explored strategies to promote responsible antibiotic use in...

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) academic Dr Veena Abraham has earned a PhD in Pharmacy through a collaborative doctoral programme with the University of Stirling in Scotland, highlighting the need for institutional policies that address mental health and burnout among university academics. Awarded in 2026, her...

Opinion article by Prof Sethulego Matebesi, Department of Sociology, University of the Free State Picture a quiet office on the afternoon of 28 August. A screen glows with hundreds of names, the work of months of branch meetings, factional bargaining and deposits paid. One small button sits unpressed in the corner. Nobody looks at...

Facilitated dialogues at the University of Cape Town (UCT) brought together students, staff and university support services to reflect on safety and belonging within the broader South African context. The first dialogue, held on 19 August 2026, was convened in response to concerns about safety, inclusion and belonging arising...

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) brought cultures together at its annual International Festival on Friday, 16 October 2026, at the Student Centre Lawns on the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus. Held under the theme "Building Cultures, Building Futures," the festival celebrated the diversity of the UJ community and created an...

As South Africa prepares for the upcoming local government elections, concerns around online misinformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the safety of journalists have moved to the forefront of public debate. These issues took centre stage at the Media Freedom Festival 2026 ,that took place over three days from 14 to 16...

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has celebrated 25 new doctoral graduates whose research is advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation, and solutions to some of South Africa's pressing industrial and developmental challenges. The graduates were recognised during a spring graduation ceremony at the ZK Matthews...

Ghana and the United States are planning a technical and vocational education partnership to equip Ghanaian youth with industry-ready skills to improve their employment prospects. The partnership seeks to bridge the gap between classroom training and industry requirements by equipping learners with practical skills, strengthening...

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has appointed Paul Machocho Wanyeki as its new Director General and Chief Executive Officer. In a statement on Wednesday, October 21, the TVETA Board of Directors confirmed Wanyeki's appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the authority. "The...

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Government's commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), disclosing that nearly 250,000 Nigerians are undergoing skills training across more than 1,200 accredited training centres nationwide. Dr. Alausa made this...

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has declared that no student in Nigeria's tertiary institutions is under any obligation to apply for a student loan, insisting that the scheme is designed to assist those facing financial hardship, not compel every student to borrow. The Fund, in a clarification issued on Wednesday...

The University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST-Rwanda) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Global Platform for the South (GPS) to promote joint research, student exchanges and innovation among institutions across the Global South. The memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday, October 21, by Prof Samir...

Togo's anti-corruption authority trained lecturers at the University of Kara on October 16 to teach courses on corruption prevention and integrity. The initiative is part of a broader project to introduce these subjects into university curricula starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. The training was organized by the Haute...

INSTITUTIONS under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development have been urged to strengthen financial management, improve leadership and prioritise excellence in service delivery as the country moves towards implementing its national development agenda. Speaking at the Ministry's...

A leading Australian university has decided against using artificial intelligence detection tools because it believes they would punish the majority of honest students in an increasingly futile effort to catch AI-powered cheaters. University of Western Australia chancellor Diane Smith-Gander said cheating was a problem long before...

The government has asked all central universities to provide details about courses prescribing books on caste, Brahmanism, Dalit movements, critiques of Hinduism, and gender, along with the number of students pursuing these programmes. The ministry of education sent a letter on September 27 to about 50 central universities...

Higher education institutions across the country signed a Pledge of Commitment and a Framework Agreement establishing the Philippine Polytechnic Education Network during the National Summit on Polytechnic Education in the Philippines, held from Oct. 14 to 16 at the Heritage Hotel. Convened by the Polytechnic University of the...

The Qatar's National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation (NCQAA) has granted institutional accreditation to the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), making it the first university in the country to receive this accreditation. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Chairman of the Committee...

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi affirmed that the ministry launched executive steps on Wednesday to complete the integration of faculties and students of the former Gaziantep University and the University of Health Sciences branches in northern Syria into the national higher education system...

Northern Ireland's two universities are facing a £21m cut in the Stormont funding they receive to teach students. Both Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and Ulster University (UU) are expected to have financial deficits in 2025/26, according to a top official at the Department for the Economy (DfE). DfE is responsible for higher and...

Ukraine's educational infrastructure has once again come under Russia's sights. Three Ukrainian universities were damaged as a result of the shelling. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the students and employees of the institutions. This was reported by Ukraine's Minister of Education and Science, Andriy Butenko, according...

More than half of National Economics University's nearly 8,000 graduates in 2026 received the highest academic classification, raising questions about whether university grading standards are becoming too lenient. Editor's note: Graduating with high honors recognizes students' academic achievements and efforts. However, as the...

Ibb University organized a cultural seminar on Wednesday titled "The Aggression Against Yemen: Crimes of the Saudi-Zionist-American Enemy and Their Repercussions on National Sovereignty and Independence," as part of the annual commemoration of the "Martyr's Anniversary." At the opening of the seminar, the Rector of the University...