Vega – Design. Brand. Business. is a leading private tertiary institution specializing in design, brand management, and business education across South Africa. As part of the Independent Institute of Education (IIE), South Africa’s largest accredited private higher education provider, Vega offers world-class qualifications recognized locally and internationally.
Founded in 1999, Vega is Council on Higher Education (CHE) accredited, with all qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). In 2026, Vega merged with Varsity College, HSM, and MSA to form Emeris, creating an even stronger educational powerhouse.
Vega prepares graduates to become strategic creatives and creative strategists in design, branding, and digital business. With flexible study options including full-time, part-time, and online delivery, Vega meets the diverse needs of aspiring professionals across South Africa.
Vega partners with various financial aid providers, bursary programs, and funding bodies to support student accessibility.
- IIE Student Finance: Specialized financing with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment
- Bursary Programs: Merit-based and need-based bursaries through Vega and external organizations
- Government Student Finance Schemes: Eligible students may qualify for NSFAS support
- Employer Sponsorships: Study sponsorship through employers for professional development
- Installment Payment Plans: Flexible tuition payment arrangements
- Scholarships: Performance-based scholarships for high-achieving applicants
Explore available bursaries, student loans, and financial aid programs through FundiConnect’s tools and partner network.
Vega operates four strategically located campuses across South Africa’s major economic and cultural hubs.
Johannesburg Campus (Head Office): 112 Grayston Drive, Sandown, Sandton, 2196 – South Africa’s largest and most established Vega campus.
Cape Town Campus: 130 Strand Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town – Vibrant campus in the Western Cape.
Durban Campus: 70 Armstrong Avenue, La Lucia, Durban, 4015 – KwaZulu-Natal’s premier design and business education center.
Pretoria Campus: 116 Clearwater Road, Corner Clearwater and Glenwood Roads, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, 0081.
Online & Distance Learning: Vega also offers fully online and distance learning programs maintaining the same rigorous academic standards and industry-recognized credentials as campus programs.
Applying to Vega is straightforward with an online application portal accessible from the official Emeris/Vega website.
- Visit vegaschool.com or emeris.ac.za and navigate to “Admissions” or “Apply Online”
- Create a Student Portal Account to access the application system
- Select your desired program (undergraduate, postgraduate, or short course)
- Complete the application form with personal details, educational background, and program preferences
- Upload required documents: ID/passport, NSC results/academic transcripts, and supporting documents
- Pay the R700 application fee through secure online payment
- Submit before the deadline (30 October 2026 for undergraduate contact studies)
- Monitor your status through the student portal
Late applications after 30 October 2026 incur a R1,750 late application fee.
Key application deadlines and academic calendar dates for Vega in 2026:
- Undergraduate Application Deadline: Friday, 30 October 2026 (late applications accepted with R1,750 late fee)
- 2026 Academic Year Start Dates: Announced in December 2025 on the official Vega website
- Online Application Portal: Open year-round for postgraduate and short course applications
- Campus Intake Schedules: Vary by campus and program—contact your preferred campus directly
Check the official Vega/Emeris website at vegaschool.com for the most current 2026 dates and deadlines.
Vega tuition fees vary depending on your level of study, program, campus, and study mode (full-time, part-time, or online).
Key fees for 2026:
- Non-Refundable Application Fee: R700 for new undergraduate students
- Pre-Registration Fee (Upon Acceptance): R2,000 non-refundable
- Tuition Fees: Vary by faculty and program; specific costs provided upon application
- Late Application Fee: R1,750 for applications after 30 October 2026
- Study Mode Variations: Distance learning and online programs may have different fee structures
Vega offers multiple payment methods and installment plans. For a detailed 2026 fee breakdown, contact the Admissions office or visit the official Emeris/Vega website.
Admission requirements at Vega vary based on your level of study.
Undergraduate Requirements:
- Valid National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma or bachelor degree endorsement
- Minimum APS of 25
- At least 50% in English
- Subject-specific requirements may apply per program
Postgraduate Requirements:
- Completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Minimum GPA (program-specific)
- Professional or academic experience in relevant field (may apply)
- Portfolio submission for design-focused programs
International Applicants: Must provide certified passport copies, official academic transcripts, and English proficiency certification (TOEFL or IELTS).
Vega offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications plus short learning programs in design, brand communication, brand management, and digital business.
- Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Brand Management – 3-year full-time (NQF Level 7)
- Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design – 3-year program for creative careers
- Bachelor of Commerce in Digital Marketing – 3-year full-time (NQF Level 7, 360 credits)
- Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design – 3-year program (NQF Level 7, 365 credits)
- Higher Certificate in Mobile Application and Web Development – 1-year (NQF Level 5, 120 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Brand Building – NQF Level 8, distance and online delivery
- Short Learning Courses – Design software, brand strategy, and digital marketing
All programs emphasize practical, industry-relevant learning with flexible delivery options including online learning.
Have questions about programs, admission, fees, or campus life? Reach out to the Vega Admissions team.
Johannesburg Campus (Head Office):
Phone: +27 (0)11 521-4600
Email: vegaschool.snd@emeris.ac.za
Cape Town Campus:
Phone: +27 (0)21 461-8089
Email: vegaschool.cpt@emeris.ac.za
Durban Campus:
Phone: +27 (0)31 569-1415
Email: vegaschool.umh@emeris.ac.za
Pretoria Campus:
Phone: +27 (0)12 343-3669
Email: vegaschool.pta@emeris.ac.za
Website: vegaschool.com