By Elena Zwick-Sedick, Advisory Transaction Manager at Galetti Corporate Real Estate
South African private colleges are experiencing a surge in popularity among matriculants, requiring these higher education institutions to expand or relocate their physical premises to accommodate the increased demand. According to SAPHE, enrolment in private colleges has increased by 156% from 2010 to 2021.
One key reason for this growth is the limited capacity of public universities to accommodate all prospective tertiary students. Additionally, young people are increasingly seeking alternative education paths, such as niche specializations or practical, hands-on qualifications.
A new home for Inscape Education Durban and Cape Town
As students return to in-person learning post-pandemic, institutions like Inscape Education Group are re-evaluating their premises to better meet the evolving needs of today’s learners. With campuses in Cape Town and Durban, Inscape – South Africa’s first multi-disciplinary design institution- recognised the importance of proximity to emerging design hubs to foster creativity.
In response, Inscape, appointed Galetti Corporate Real Estate to identify new campuses on Park Lane in Umhlanga and at the De Waterkant Centre in the De Waterkant district. The new campuses not only offer plenty of amenities for students but also proximity to industry players in the different fields of education.
What today’s students are looking for in private college campuses
There are certain features which the 21st century student considers to be almost essential for their well-rounded educational development. To compete in today’s fast-paced environment, private campuses should offer the following:
- Proximity to urban centres for convenience and accessibility.
- Abundant study spaces and libraries that contain resources specific to the field of study.
- Sufficient parking to accommodate commuting students.
- Accessibility features like lifts and wheelchair ramps.
- High-speed internet access and specialised technology infrastructure.
- Stringent safety measures including access control for anyone entering campus and CCTV cameras.
- Strategic locations that facilitate industry engagement and networking opportunities.
- Multi-media teaching rooms for immersive learning experiences.
By embracing these principles, private college campuses are evolving to meet the needs of today’s learners, offering dynamic educational environments that prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
