Frequently Asked Questions

Emeris is an original name, inspired by the words “Ephemeris” that means the trajectory of celestial objects, and which gives the notion of direction and the Latin word “Emeritus” which means “merit” and earned success. 

Combined the name symbolises the individual’s path to success.

The path to success at Emeris is defined by our active learning approach, which is highly engaging, and which leads to student success and excellent employment rates!

The change in name is part of a strategic evolution of The IIE’s Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE Vega and IIE HSM uniting to enhance our ability to deliver exceptional higher education under the Emeris name. Emeris is a brand of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd which is responsible for all regulatory and contractual aspects.

The unification allows us to consolidate resources and expertise, enabling us to further improve the delivery of educational services across our growing campuses, expanding academics, student support and student life. This positions us for future growth and enables us better to serve our students as we prepare them for a changing world. The transition is also a crucial step towards our aspiration of becoming a "private university" as new legislation, to be introduced soon, will permit private institutions which meet the criteria to use the word "University" in their name. 

The IIE's Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE Vega School and IIE HSM has chosen this approach to advance excellence in teaching, learning, student support and student life. This move also aligns with the evolving structural requirements of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and positions us for future growth and allows us to better serve our students in a rapidly changing educational space. The DHET are in full support of the changes to the restructure of The IIE and the name change to the institution.  

The restructuring of The IIE's Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE Vega School and IIE HSM is a crucial step towards our goal of meeting the anticipated criteria to be a university in name. This criterion is to be finalised by the publication of changes to Higher Education legislation in SA.  University status will allow even greater opportunities for Emeris to contribute to the advancement of higher education in South Africa.

However, it is important to remember that all qualifications of the institution are accredited by the Council on Higher Education and already have the same standing as any university in South Africa.  The laws of South Africa have previously not permitted Private Higher Education Institutions to call themselves Universities. The Department of Higher Education and Training is due to release criteria for a new structure for Public and Private Higher Education institutions soon. 

All previous and future qualifications conferred in the name of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd remain valid. We are working with the various regulators regarding the criteria to be recognised as a fully-fledged university, which includes conferral of qualifications. 

All regulatory and contractual aspects under the name of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd have been transferred to Emeris. As such, there is no regulatory impact on your qualification or studies. Qualification registration, accreditation, credit weighting, qualification code, module codes and minimum completion time will remain unchanged.  Our approach to education, active learning, personalised student support and engaging student experiences will always be the foundation of our commitment to our students.

Yes, all regulatory aspects for the Emeris name have been met. Qualification registration, accreditation, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) ID number, credit weighting, qualification code, module codes and minimum completion time will remain.  

Emeris is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education. You may refer to the Department of Higher Education and Training register of Private Higher Education Institutions. You can also visit the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) website to validate that your qualification is registered on the NQF under The Independent Institute of Education. You can also contact either the DHET or the CHE to confirm the registration and accreditation of the institution and its qualification. You can visit the SAQA website here: https://regqs.saqa.org.za/search.php?cat=qual