By Charmaine Ndlela 

Advtech group has officially rebranded IIE Rosebank College to Rosebank International (RI) , marking a major milestone in its ambition to become a fully-fledged private university and expand its footprint across Africa

The launch, held at the Braamfontein campus on Friday under the theme, “Educating Africa’s Next Era,” signalled the institution’s broader expansion of access to higher education across the continent.

RI confirmed during the launch its existing operation in Ghana through the establishment of Rosebank International University College (RIUC), marking Advtech ‘s first university outside South Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Geoff Whyte, Group CEO of Advtech, said the institution was experiencing rapid growth and was on track to become South Africa’s largest private tertiary institution.

“This name change and new corporate identity better reflect Rosebank International’s ambition to become Africa’s largest and most respected private university. We are already making good progress towards this goal with significant and accelerating enrolment growth both locally and abroad,” Whyte said.

He revealed that Rosebank International added more than 10,000 students during the latest registration cycle, with student growth occurring at nearly three times the rate of its closest competitor.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Mimmy Gondwe welcomed the launch, describing it as an important development for the country’s higher education sector.

“This development reflects the kind of bold private-sector innovation South Africa needs in the Higher Education sector to drive skills development. Together, the public and private sectors can work towards realising our shared goal of expanding access to quality university-level education while producing skilled graduates who are empowered to drive our economy and the African continent forward,” she said.

Gondwe said the department will continue to pursue partnerships focused on technology, innovation and digital literacy to strengthen educational access and student support.

“May this launch mark not only the beginning of a new chapter for Rosebank international but a also renewed commitment to building a higher education system that is inclusive, innovative , globally revelant and responsive to the future of our continent,” she said.

Managing director and President of Rosebank International, Professor Linda Meyer said the rebrand represented more than a name change but an opportunity in creating international academic collaboration.

She described the transition as a “defining moment in higher education”, saying Rosebank International aims to become a globally respected Pan-African institution focused on transformation through education.

She highlighted the role of education in addressing South Africa’s unemployment crisis, noting that graduates continue to have significantly lower unemployment rates compared to the broader youth population.

” Education remains the single greatest force for transformation in Africa. Our mission is to democratise access to quality higher education, pursue excellence without compromise and prepare graduates who will lead with integrity, purpose and impact,” Meyer said.

Meanwhile, Chief Mabizela Director; Operations and Sector Support of Universities South Africa (USAF) described the transition as a “declaration of intent”. 

“This rebranding reflects a vision of growth and internationalisation, positioning Rosebank International as a pioneer among private higher education institutions.” 

Rosebank College was established in 1948. 

Inside Education 

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