Emeris has announced a R63 million investment to expand access to higher education through its newly launched Fee Assistance Plan. The initiative is designed to support South African students who face financial barriers to entering tertiary education.
The plan will create opportunities for more than 2 000 first-time undergraduate students by offering partial tuition assistance to qualifying applicants from households earning less than R800 000 per year.
Expanding Access for First-Time Undergraduates
The Fee Assistance Plan is open to South African citizens and permanent residents who have been accepted into a full qualification at Emeris and are enrolling in undergraduate studies for the first time.
The plan covers a portion of tuition fees only and supports students for the duration of their studies, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress. The aim is to reduce financial barriers that prevent many capable students from starting or continuing their studies.
According to Dr Andre Abrahams, Executive Dean: Academic at Emeris, the investment reflects a long-term commitment to equity and sustainability in education.
“Private institutions bring flexibility, diverse programme mixes and the ability to scale and respond faster than traditional models,” says Abrahams. “This agility allows us to design financial and academic frameworks that open doors for students who might otherwise be excluded, while maintaining the rigour and relevance employers expect from graduates.”
Addressing South Africa’s Higher Education Gap
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on inclusive and equitable access to quality education and lifelong learning.
South Africa’s current gross tertiary enrolment ratio sits at approximately 27.2 percent. This remains well below the global average of 39 percent and the upper-middle-income benchmark of between 57.6 percent and 60.6 percent. These figures highlight the urgent need to expand higher education capacity and improve access pathways.
Emeris’ Fee Assistance Plan helps close this gap by expanding enrolment opportunities while maintaining academic standards.
Student Wellbeing Beyond Financial Support
Emeris emphasises that access to funding alone is not enough to ensure student success. All students, including those supported through the Fee Assistance Plan, have access to mental health, career guidance and academic support services.
These measures align with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which promotes good health and well-being as a foundation for long-term development.
“Access to education becomes meaningful only when students are supported to enrol, persevere and graduate,” says Louise Wiseman, Managing Director at Emeris. “Affordability alone is not enough. Wellbeing and academic support are essential if students are to complete their qualifications and contribute meaningfully to the workforce.”
Scholarships and Additional Entry Pathways
In addition to the Fee Assistance Plan, Emeris offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for high-performing and talented students. These include:
• Academic scholarships for top matric achievers
• Leadership bursaries for students who held senior leadership roles at school
• Sports scholarships for students competing at the provincial or national level
These pathways support students who excel academically, in leadership or in sport, enabling them to refine their skills and compete at a high level within their chosen fields.
A Model for Collaborative Higher Education Growth
“The Fee Assistance Plan at Emeris shows what becomes possible when affordability, support and purpose align,” says Abrahams.
As South Africa’s higher education landscape continues to evolve, Emeris’ R63 million investment demonstrates how private institutions can play a meaningful role alongside public providers. By expanding access while prioritising student success, the initiative offers a sustainable model for developing the next generation of graduates.
