For a postgraduate study journey that’s as unique as you are, choose IIE MSA

By Alex Asakitikpi, School of Social Science Head at IIE MSA

There is a common misconception amongst students that there is only one post-graduate path they can follow to achieve their career goals and dreams. The truth, however, is that while the traditional ‘undergraduate – honours – masters – doctorate’ path is a tried and tested way, this is just one of the approaches to achieving high employability status. In fact, your postgraduate journey can, and should be as unique as you are. At IIE MSA a leading educational brand of The Independent Institution of Education the largest private higher education service provider in South Africa, we firmly believe in giving our students the opportunities they need to tailor their post-graduate studies to their exact needs, study preferences, and career aspirations.

That’s why we offer a range of world-class IIE postgraduate study options that are structured to allow you to comfortably fit learning into your busy life. The options are also designed to expand your theoretical knowledge and insight, deepen your global perspective, and set you up for the success you deserve.

An excellent example of this customised postgraduate knowledge expansion journey is the selection of IIE Postgraduate Diplomas. These in-depth postgraduate qualifications are specifically structured with the time constraints of busy professionals in mind, and allow you to study full or part-time, depending on your employment situation. They are highly specialised and fully accredited by the South African Council on Higher Education. The modules have been crafted to expand your theoretical knowledge as well as your practical skills in very specific, and highly sought-after fields, including water management, public health, finance, accounting, corporate governance, internal auditing and business leadership.

For example, the IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Water Management is a two-year qualification that’s designed to equip students to become highly effective managers with a full understanding of the world’s complex water challenges, and the insights to lead their organisations and government to develop and deliver practical solutions to most water and sanitation problems. In a water-stressed country like South Africa, this qualification is a career changer that can open opportunities in various water fields, from river basin management, groundwater management, water supply and sanitation to water resource planning, water resource economics and water treatment.

The IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health is another avenue that is open to IIE MSA students who want to unlock the door to rewarding and meaningful careers. It offers a contextualised and highly relevant platform to acquire or enhance knowledge and skills related to all-important public health service delivery systems.

While the IIE Postgraduate Diplomas are not intended to replace an honours degree, they offer a valuable alternative for anyone who wants to enhance their expertise, and employability, in a specific field. Many graduates holding these IIE Postgraduate Diploma qualifications have found themselves able to access promotion opportunities because of the qualifications they have acquired. They are also excellent postgraduate alternatives for students who want to balance their personal and work life with education. For those who wish to specialise in the finance and accounting fields, it is useful to consider completing the full-time programmes of IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting or the IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting. For students who wish to specialise in the sought-after internal auditing field, study a part-time IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing offered at IIEMSA

In addition to the above, IIE MSA also offers various other IIE postgraduate options especially for those who want to build on their undergraduate studies with a formal IIE Honours degree. Most of these are full-time postgraduate degree courses with significant supervised research components. The five IIE Honours Degree courses offered at IIE MSA in Computer and Information Sciences, Social Science, Business Science, Public Health and Economics, are the ideal pathways for sound theoretical and practical knowledge that is recognised, and which give students a competitive advantage in local and global job markets.

For those who have already acquired their honour’s degree, IIE MSA also offers a selection of accredited IIE Master’s Degrees designed specifically to further hone their specialist skills and develop in-depth and advanced knowledge across a range of disciplines. The two IIE Master of Philosophy degrees, in Arts and in Integrated Water Management, have been crafted to educate and train IIE graduates to become accomplished researchers who can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in a specific field. These qualifications are also a proven way of gaining access to advanced, specialised, and professional employment opportunities. The IIE Master of Philosophy (MPhil) curricula are heavily biased towards research, and students are assigned to accomplished researchers who assist them throughout the intensive process of researching their chosen topic and guiding their thesis to completion.

The process not only results in a highly regarded IIE postgraduate qualification, but also serves to build skills like critical thinking, problem solving, statistics and data management, knowledge transfer and effective leadership – all of which significantly enhance the employability of IIE Master’s degree graduates.

Another two master’s degree options offered at IIE MSA are the IIE Master of Business Administration (MBA) qualification and the IIE Master of International Business (MIB). The MBA prepares working professionals to be leaders, to understand universal business problems and challenges in the South African and global context and to apply best practices and management styles. MBA programmes are typically designed to provide a high level of theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and the ability to resolve complex business problems in an innovative way. The MIB, is a specialised degree that will enable you to transform from a traditional business manager into a global business leader who understands the complexity of managing in a global society. This qualification specifically focuses on strategic planning for international operations and provides an in-depth understanding of the organisational capabilities required for international operations, including specialised functions such as international marketing, finance, economics and trade law. The degree includes classes that address topics such as imports and exports and intercultural communication against the background of changes brought about by the fourth industrial revolution.

Unlike the research-focused MPhil degrees, the IIE MBA and IIE MIB are professional degrees that have been specifically engineered to provide students with a high level of theoretical and intellectual depth that are required to solve complex business problems. A graduate holding the IIE MBA or IIE MIB qualification is equipped to lead organisations or business divisions through the application of global best practices and proven management styles. The IIE curriculum includes a unique “Innovation Research Project”, that requires students to apply their theoretical knowledge to research and deliver innovative strategic solutions to a complex business challenge or issue. IIE MBA and IIE MIB graduates have gone on to hold various executive leadership positions in local and global organisations, including serving as directors, CEOs, and senior functional specialists.

Registration at IIE MSA for 2022 is now open. Visit www.iiemsa.co.za to find out more about the IIE programmes offered. While you’re there, click on the ‘Enquire’ link to arrange a no obligation consultation with one of our student advisors. Alternatively email us at enquiries@iiemsa.co.za or call us on +27 11 950 4000.

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ADvTECH Updates

Education Investment Podcast: Leading a Schools and Higher Education Group with Geoff Whyte

By Tamara Thomas • June 10, 2025

Monde Nkosi presents his latest episode of the Education Investment Podcast in video on YouTube and audio on Spotify, Apple and all major podcast platforms https://linktr.ee/educationinvestment?utm_source=linktree_admin_share In this episode, Leading a Schools and Higher Education Group with Geoff Whyte (CEO of ADvTECH Group), we explore leadership in a combined schools and higher education group serving more than 100,000 students across multiple countries including South Africa, Kenya, Botswana and Ethiopia. Geoff presents his investment and social impact case for ADvTECH and independent education. Geoff also shares some personal stories about his journey from growing up in Scotland; to living and working in multiple countries including England, Russia and the Netherlands; and moving to South Africa in the late 1990s.

ADvTECH launches Rosebank International University College in Ghana RIUC is ADvTECH’s first tertiary institution outside South Africa

By Tamara Thomas • June 2, 2025

02 June 2025: ADvTECH Group, Africa’s leading private education provider, is pleased to announce the launch of Rosebank International University College (RIUC) in Accra, Ghana. Registrations will open on 15 June 2025, ahead of the first academic semester which begins on 1 September 2025. This will be followed by a second enrolment cycle in February 2026. Situated in Accra’s prestigious Airport Residential Area, the RIUC campus will offer a wide range of high-demand qualifications, from doctoral programmes to diplomas. Fifteen qualifications have been accredited to date in fields including Business Administration, Digital Marketing, Information Technology, Service Management and Hospitality. The new RIUC campus builds on ADvTECH’s existing international presence in Kenya, Botswana, and Ethiopia, reinforcing its commitment to providing quality education across the African continent. “We are delighted to launch our highly successful Rosebank International brand in Ghana, expanding our tertiary education footprint outside South Africa for the first time. We look forward to delivering the superior academic outcomes and excellent student experiences we are known for in South Africa in Accra,” says ADvTECH Group CEO, Geoff Whyte. Students will benefit from a wide array of extracurricular activities and access to foundational academic, financial, digital literacy and psycho-social support programmes. The campus will also employ facial recognition access for enhanced security.

SENS Announcement | 28 May 2025

By Tamara Thomas • May 28, 2025

ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING In terms of section 3.95 of the JSE Listings Requirements, shareholders are hereby advised that at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of shareholders of the Company held today, Wednesday 28 May 2025 all the proposed ordinary and special resolutions, as set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, were approved by the requisite majority of shareholders present or represented by proxy. Details of the results of voting at the annual general meeting are as follows:

Water Quality Monitoring Initiative: ADvTECH and IIE MSA Harness Student Power To Boost Sa’s Water Quality

By Tamara Thomas • May 28, 2025

ADvTECH, in collaboration with the IIE MSA Centre for Water and the Environment (CWE), has launched the Water Quality Monitoring Initiative, a national, student-led citizen science project aimed at protecting South Africa’s freshwater ecosystems. As a cornerstone of ADvTECH’s ESG Legacy Campaign, this innovative initiative arms university students with professional water testing tools to track and improve local water quality. A number of water courses will be tested for select chemical contamination and the presence of excessive bacterial and viral agents, while also testing for the presence of micro-organisms to discern the health of the ecosystem. Following a student awareness drive in April and May 2025, the campaign culminated in a successful Water Monitoring Day on May 20, which also saw the launch of a 3-months long competition. Running from July to September, student teams will now be vying for a R10 000 award based on their data and analysis.

South African teacher honoured with prestigious global STEM innovation award

By Tamara Thomas • May 22, 2025

Trailblazing South African educator Nadine Smith has been awarded the prestigious 2025 EDGE in Tech Athena Award for Early Career Leadership, recognising her groundbreaking work in transforming STEM education and making it more inclusive and accessible. Nadine Smith, a Coding and Robotics educator at ADvTECH, South Africa’s leading private education provider, was honoured by the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS) at the University of California. The international award was presented during a special ceremony at UC Berkeley, where Smith stood out as the only recipient from Africa, and her recognition marks a proud moment for the country. She was one of just four global recipients of the award, which celebrates individuals leading the charge in creating more diverse, equitable, and impactful technology ecosystems. This year’s EDGE in Tech Athena Award recipients include: Executive Leadership: Susan Lyne, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, BBG Ventures Academic Leadership: Isabel Montañez, Distinguished Professor and Chancellor’s Leadership Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Davis; Director, UC Davis Institute of the Environment Early Career Leadership: Nadine Smith, Coding and Robotics Educator, ADvTECH, South Africa Graduate Student Leadership: Zhe Fu, Doctoral Student in Transportation Engineering, UC Berkeley “It is incredibly important to recognise the people doing the difficult work of expanding access to essential tech fields,” said Jill Finlayson, Managing Director of the CITRIS Innovation Hub, which oversees the awards. “Those who champion on-ramps into STEM, fair workplaces and welcoming cultures are critical to the development of innovative technologies and help ensure that new solutions will work well for everyone.” Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools, says the group was very proud of Smith. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nadine Smith for her well-deserved 2025 EDGE in Tech Athena Award. Her passion for empowering students through coding and robotics education is transforming lives and inspiring a new generation of innovators. We are incredibly proud of Nadine’s global recognition and her unwavering commitment to making STEM accessible and inclusive for all,” Hugo said. Reflecting on the award, Nadine Smith said: “I believe every child deserves to see themselves in STEAM. Through coding and robotics, I strive to ignite confidence, curiosity, and creativity in learners, especially those who don’t yet realise they belong in tech. This award is not just a personal milestone, but a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive learning spaces where all young minds can dream, build, and lead.” Smith, who also leads EdTech initiatives and trains fellow teachers in integrating emerging technologies, has been widely recognised for her leadership, innovation, and commitment to education transformation in South Africa and beyond.

Breaking barriers: how adaptive learning can accelerate education in SA

By Tamara Thomas • May 22, 2025

As technological development transforms global education, the education sector in South Africa faces a critical challenge: how to deliver personalised, inclusive, and differentiated learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of every student. “As classrooms grow more diverse, both in learning styles and abilities, schools must adopt innovative approaches to ensure no student is left behind. Adaptive learning technologies offer a powerful solution, enabling educators to tailor instruction while fostering an inclusive environment,” says Andrea Kruger, EdTech specialist at ADvTECH Schools. Kruger recently delivered a keynote address at the 15th Cutting Edge Technologies in Education Practice Conference in Greece, on Empowering Inclusive Education. Adaptive learning technologies use data-driven insights to customise educational content, pacing, and assessments to suit individual student needs. These tools, ranging from intelligent tutoring systems to learning management platforms, allow educators to differentiate instruction without overwhelming their workloads. ADvTECH’s own adaptive Intelligent Tutoring System, ADvLEARN, exemplifies this approach by using AI to personalise learning pathways, ensuring each student progresses at their own pace. This system supports data-informed teaching while promoting learner autonomy across subjects. For students, this means a learning experience that feels tailored, engaging, and supportive, whether they’re mastering foundational skills or tackling advanced concepts. For teachers, it provides real-time feedback to adjust strategies, ensuring every student progresses. ACCESSIBILITY OF ADAPTIVE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES IN SOUTH AFRICA ADvTECH leverages cutting-edge tools like Microsoft Learning Accelerators to enable adaptive learning and differentiation across its schools, says Kruger. But while these may not be accessible to all South African schools, cost-effective and free alternatives can enhance student outcomes and drive tech-enabled learning nationwide. “Resource-restricted schools can absolutely integrate adaptive learning technologies by starting small, leveraging free or low-cost tools, and prioritising teacher training and inclusivity. While they may not match the scale of a global best practice ecosystem, the core principles—pedagogy-driven tech, inclusivity, and adaptability—apply universally,” says Kruger. Additionally, by tapping into partnerships, open resources, and community support, these schools can deliver personalised learning that transforms student outcomes, proving that innovation is possible even with limited means. HOW TO INTEGRATE ADAPTIVE LEARNING TECH INTO THE CURRICULUM “The success of adaptive learning hinges on intentional implementation,” says Kruger. “Technology must not dictate educational strategy but rather enhance it. Schools should prioritise tools that align with their pedagogical goals, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Moreover, inclusivity must remain at the heart of these efforts, ensuring that technology bridges gaps for students with diverse needs, including those with learning difficulties or language barriers.” Kruger says a successful implementation of adaptive learning technology needs to consider the following: Put pedagogy first : Choose technologies that support your teaching goals, fostering skills like critical thinking and creativity. Avoid tools that prioritise rote learning or dictate classroom strategies. For example, platforms with real-time analytics can help teachers tailor lessons dynamically while maintaining educational quality. Champion inclusivity : Select adaptive tools that cater to diverse learners, including students with disabilities, language barriers, or varying academic needs. Technologies should bridge gaps, ensuring every student—from those needing extra support to those ready for advanced challenges—feels included and empowered. Empower educators : Invest in teacher training to build confidence in using adaptive technologies. Tools like data dashboards can streamline administrative tasks, freeing teachers to focus on instruction. Free or low-cost training resources, such as UNESCO’s ICT Competency Framework, can support this in resource-constrained settings. Adopt cost-effective solutions : Resource-restricted schools can leverage free or low-cost platforms like Khan Academy, Moodle, or Kolibri, which offer personalised learning and offline capabilities. Mobile-first apps, such as Quizlet, can also deliver adaptive content using widely available smartphones, maximizing access in underserved areas. Stay adaptive and innovative : Regularly evaluate and update your tech practices to align with global trends and local needs. Encourage a culture of agility by piloting small-scale projects, assessing outcomes, and scaling successful initiatives. This ensures long-term relevance in a fast-evolving EdTech landscape. Engage communities : Involve parents, students, and local stakeholders to build trust in adaptive learning. Transparent communication about its benefits—such as improved engagement and equity—can foster buy-in.

Mapping your matric path: guide to navigating subject selection in grade 9

By Tamara Thomas • May 14, 2025

Grade 9 students are currently nearing a critical milestone in their educational journey: selecting the subjects they’ll study from Grade 10 through to their final Matric exams. This choice is a foundational step in shaping their academic journey and future career opportunities, an education expert says. “Even if you’re unsure about what you want to pursue after school, thoughtful planning can help you make informed decisions that keep your options open,” says Wonga Ntshinga, Senior Head of Programme: Faculty of ICT at The Independent Institute of Education , SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. Ntshinga says while making decisions about subject selection can be daunting, it is an important process that will impact both performance and options down the line, and as such, careful consideration must be given to ensure that students choose as well as possible based on their unique strengths and interests. “The subjects you select for Grade 10 to 12 will influence your performance in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. These choices will also affect your eligibility for further studies and certain career paths. The transition from Grade 9 to Grade 10 is significant because your subject combination lays the groundwork for your future academic and professional opportunities. By choosing wisely, you can position yourself for success in Matric while maintaining flexibility for your post-school plans,” Ntshinga says. KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING SUBJECTS Align with your interests and strengths Select subjects you enjoy and where you perform well. Choosing subjects that spark your curiosity will keep you motivated, even when the work gets tough. Reflect on your academic strengths—do you excel in logical subjects like Mathematics or creative ones like Dramatic Arts? For instance, if you’re skilled at problem-solving, subjects like Accounting or Information Technology might be a good fit. Keep your options open If you’re uncertain about your future career, prioritise subjects that provide versatility. Broadly applicable subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or Geography equip you with skills like critical thinking and numeracy, which are valued across many university programmes and industries. Avoid choosing subjects solely because they seem easier, as this could limit your opportunities later. For example, many science and engineering degrees require Mathematics and Physical Sciences, not Mathematical Literacy. Explore career and study requirements Even without a clear career goal, research the subject requirements for fields you might consider. For instance, medicine demands Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, while careers in law benefit from subjects like History or English for their focus on analysis and communication. Check university admission criteria for programmes that interest you. Consulting with a career advisor or attending university open days can also clarify which subjects align with in-demand fields. Consider emerging trends The job market is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with growing opportunities in technology, healthcare, and sustainability. Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or Information Technology can prepare you for these high-demand areas. Thinking about future industries can guide you toward subjects that position you for long-term success.It is particularly important to consider career paths outside of the historically popular 3-4 year staple degrees. These days there is a vast array of options geared towards high-in-demand specialities that are industry-aligned. Investigate your higher education options more widely, as you may find the perfect fit for you, that didn’t even exist a few years ago. Aim for balance Choose a subject combination that challenges you while allowing you to achieve strong results. Including one or two subjects where you can excel can boost your overall Matric performance, which is critical for university admissions. For example, pairing a rigorous subject like Physical Sciences with a more manageable one like Life Sciences creates a balanced load in terms of leaving doors open while also allowing for a great Matric finals performance. Decide between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy Choosing between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy is a pivotal decision. Mathematics is required for fields like engineering, science, or commerce, while Mathematical Literacy suits humanities or vocational paths. If you’re unsure, Mathematics is the safer choice, as it qualifies you for a wider range of university programmes. If Mathematics feels challenging, discuss with your teacher whether extra effort or support could help you succeed over the next three years. “When making subject choices in Grade 9, it is helpful to start from where you want to be in 4 years’ time, and then reverse engineer how you might get there,” Ntshinga says. “Consult teachers, career counsellors, or student advisors at universities both public and private for tailored guidance. Teachers can assess your academic strengths, while counsellors and student advisors can explain how subjects connect to career paths. “Also consider going to university Open Days. Although you don’t yet have to decide what to study, you are almost certain to gain highly valuable insights into your options after school, as well as gaining helpful advice and insights from professionals on campus.”

SENS Announcement | 12 May 2025

By Tamara Thomas • May 12, 2025

ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A FORMER DIRECTOR (RETIRED 30 APRIL 2025) OF THE COMPANY The following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by a former ADvTECH director.

SENS Announcement | 9 May 2025

By Tamara Thomas • May 9, 2025

SENS Announcement | 6 May 2025

By Tamara Thomas • May 7, 2025

ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (‘ADvTECH’) VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT: VESTING OF SECURITIES OF FORMER DIRECTOR WHO RETIRED ON 30 APRIL 2025 The following transaction, in terms of the provisions of the ADvTECH Management Share Incentive Scheme (MSI), is hereby disclosed regarding performance and retention shares that have vested due to the retirement of a former director (accelerated pro-rated vesting in terms of the MSI rules):