IFC Case Study | ADvTECH

REACHING LOWER-INCOME STUDENTS
AND EXPANDING GEOGRAPHICALLY
ADvTECH is strategically driven to broaden its market. Recognizing that the economics of education are
changing, that the apex of the pyramid is small, and that the only way to continue to grow is to penetrate new
socio-economic segments, ADvTECH concluded that distance learning offered interesting opportunities. In 2014,
Rosebank College pioneered this new modality and began offering two qualifications, a Higher Certificate and
a Bachelor’s degree at R23,000 (about $1,700). It also introduced “Connected Campus,” which is a blended
learning offering taught in smaller facilities located in secondary cities. In 2016, Varsity College followed with a
Bachelor of Commerce degree and matched the tuition price with its part time programs.
ADvTECH’s distance programs leverage teaching resources and content that has already been created by The IIE.
The Group is constantly experimenting with pedagogy to maximize student enjoyment and engagement. It offers
forums and other collaboration tools for students to feel connected notwithstanding the distance. Currently, about
4 percent of enrollment at these brands comes from the distance modality, leaving significant room for growth.
Although it has not yet achieved scale, these experiences allowed ADvTECH to successfully test the concept.
Recognizing that the
economics of education
are changing, that the
apex of the pyramid is
small, and that the only
way to continue to grow
is to penetrate new socioeconomic
segments,
ADvTECH concluded that
distance learning offered
interesting opportunities.
A New Dawn for Education in Post-Apartheid South Africa | 17