28th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
25-28 AUGUST 2026
EAST LONDON INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE,
KUGOMPO CITY (FORMERLY EAST LONDON)

REWRITING THE AGENDA:
INTERNATIONALISATION THROUGH A GLOBAL SOUTH LENS

2026 Sponsors, Partners and Exhibitors

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CONTACT US
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University Partners & Sponsors

University of Fort Hare- A Legacy that shaped the world. A future that welcomes it.

 

Founded in 1916, the University of Fort Hare is a historic public university renowned for intellectual leadership, social justice, and the development of African and global change-makers. For over a century, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) has stood as one of Africa’s most influential intellectual institutions, a place where ideas are born, leaders are shaped, and futures are launched onto the global stage. Fort Hare turned 110 this year and is a symbol of African excellence, resilience, and leadership, deeply rooted in history yet boldly oriented toward the future.

The University is based in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, with campuses in Alice, East London, and Bhisho, offering a distinctive blend of rural academic heritage and urban professional engagement. It positions itself as a distinctive African university, advancing excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, research, and social engagement with strong global relevance.

A University that changed history

Fort Hare occupies a unique place in global higher education. It is the alma mater of some of the most influential leaders, thinkers, and change-makers of the 20th century, including: Nelson Mandela, Oliver Reginald Tambo, Robert Sobukwe, Seretse Khama and Julius Nyerere

These alumni went on to shape nations, redefine governance, and inspire liberation movements across Africa and the world. Few universities anywhere can claim such a profound global impact.


Pan-African roots. Global reach.

From its earliest days, UFH attracted students from across Southern, Eastern, and West Africa, fostering a vibrant Pan-African intellectual culture long before “internationalisation” became a global buzzword. Today, that tradition continues:

  • A growing international student community
  • Academic partnerships across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas
  • Research addressing global challenges, climate change, food security, public health, education, and social justice

Student Profile

UFH hosts a diverse student body drawn from across South Africa and the African continent, with a growing presence of international students who contribute to a vibrant Pan-African and multicultural academic community. Students at Fort Hare benefit from small-class engagement, committed scholars, and a supportive academic environment that balances rigorous scholarship with social responsibility.

Academic breadth across six faculties

The University of Fort Hare offers a diverse and comprehensive academic portfolio through its six faculties, providing internationally relevant qualifications grounded in African contexts:

Faculty of Management and Commerce, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science and Agriculture and the Faculty of Health Sciences. These faculties collectively support undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies, combining rigorous scholarship with applied learning and research-led teaching.

Excellence for the 21st Century

UFH is currently in its Decade of Renewal, investing in:

  • Modern infrastructure and digital learning
  • Curriculum renewal aligned to global standards
  • New academic offerings, including the forthcoming Faculty of Veterinary Sciences
  • Research and innovation grounded in African realities with global relevance

Research Strengths

The University’s research agenda focuses on socially responsive and development-oriented scholarship, with strengths in areas such as agriculture and food security, public health, education, law and human rights, social transformation, and rural development.

 An african University. A global citizen.

At Fort Hare, international students do not simply study in Africa
they experience Africa, engage its complexities, contribute to its future, and graduate prepared to lead anywhere in the world.

Whether your ambition is academic excellence, social impact, research innovation, or global leadership, the University of Fort Hare offers more than a degree, it offers a legacy you become part of.

UFH maintains active international partnerships and academic collaborations across Africa and globally, supporting student and staff mobility, joint research initiatives, and international postgraduate training.

Unique Prestige Indicators

The University hosts the UNESCO Chair in Human Rights (Oliver Tambo Chair) and participates in national research initiatives, including NRF-supported research programmes, reinforcing its standing as a centre for critical scholarship and ethical leadership.

Study where history was made and learn where the future is being shaped.

Rhodes University is a research-intensive public university located in Makhanda, South Africa, and home to a vibrant community of over 9 000 students. Founded in 1904, the University has established itself as one of South Africa’s top-performing higher education institutions, consistently ranking among the leading universities in per capita research output and achieving some of the highest student success and graduation rates in the country.

Guided by its vision to be foremost in the generation and advancement of locally responsive and globally engaged knowledge that seeks to create a just and sustainable society, Rhodes University places the nexus of teaching, research and community engagement at the heart of all that it does. It is a place where intellectual curiosity is nurtured, and where graduates are developed to be not only knowledgeable and skilled, but critical, ethical, and courageous leaders; people who will not be content with simply seeing the world as it is, but who can work toward a better one.

 

International partnership is central to this mission. Rhodes University welcomes international students from across the globe. In a recent International Student Barometer Survey, International students indicated that the overall satisfaction at Rhodes is strong at 90%, matching the global average; Satisfaction with the learning and academic experience is at 94%, above the global figure of 91% and value for money is also positive, with 94% agreeing, above the global 85%.

 

Through its dedicated Global Engagement Division, the University creates and sustains strategic, mutually beneficial and collaborative partnerships and alliances with institutions across the African continent and around the world, advancing shared goals in research, teaching and learning, and community engagement. 

 

Rhodes University’s international partnerships are purposeful and knowledge-driven. They are grounded in the University’s commitment to co-creating locally responsive knowledge with global relevance; knowledge that contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, South Africa’s National Development Plan, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Whether through joint research, student and staff exchange, or collaborative innovation, Rhodes University brings to these partnerships the depth of a research culture built over more than a century, and the conviction that where leaders learn, the world is changed for the better.

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is a comprehensive university located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, with campuses across Buffalo City, Mthatha, Butterworth, and Komani. Established in 2005 through the merger of several higher education institutions, WSU is named in honour of the late anti-apartheid activist and statesman Walter Sisulu.

The university is committed to providing accessible, quality education and producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to society and economic development. Offering a diverse range of programmes across the humanities, sciences, health sciences, engineering, business, and education, WSU plays a vital role in advancing teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement within the region and beyond.

As a university deeply rooted in social justice and transformation, WSU continues to strengthen its international partnerships and global engagement while remaining responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

Stellenbosch University is one of South Africa’s leading research-intensive universities, established in 1918 and situated in the Western Cape province, while serving as a substantial hub for continental and international scholarly engagement. Its diverse community spans five campuses and ten faculties and includes over 35,000 students, of whom more than 4,000 are international students from approximately 100 countries, while the institution frames its identity as rooted in Africa and global in reach.

Moreover, internationalisation is embedded across the institution, with a network of more than 350 partners across more than 60 countries, alongside membership in international consortia which include the EUTOPIA European Universities Alliance and the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate. It is further evident that, through its sustained commitment to research excellence, transformation, and impact-driven engagement, the University continues to position itself as a significant African voice within the global higher education community

UKZN

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of Africa’s premier institutions of higher learning, committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and meaningful community engagement.

With multiple campuses across the vibrant province of KwaZulu-Natal, UKZN is a diverse, research-led university that generates knowledge and drives positive societal change.

Building on more than a century of higher education in the province — and over 20 years as UKZN — the University continues to advance African-centred scholarship, cutting-edge research, and transformative learning. This distinguished legacy underpins UKZN’s reputation as one of the leading universities on the African continent.

Wits University: A Century of Excellence, Innovation and Impact

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg, is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities, renowned for academic excellence, innovation and its commitment to social justice. Located in Johannesburg, the economic hub of the continent, Wits has been closely connected to the growth and development of the city for more than 100 years.

Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally, Wits is recognised for excellence across health sciences, humanities, business leadership, engineering, mining research and scientific innovation. Its footprint extends across seven campuses in Johannesburg, with additional sites including a digital innovation precinct, sports complex, rural campus, Sterkfontein Caves, Pullen Farm, museums, galleries, a digital dome and the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, the only private hospital owned by a South African university.

Today, Wits is home to more than 41 000 students, five faculties, 33 schools and over 3 000 courses, supported by a powerful global network of more than 200 000 alumni, including four Nobel Laureates. It is also top-ranked in Sub-Saharan Africa for innovation, with institutes and initiatives such as the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery Institute (MIND), Wits DigiMine and Tshimologong driving advances in AI, data science, mining technology, entrepreneurship and digital innovation.

For international students, Wits offers far more than a study destination. It offers the opportunity to experience a leading African university in a global city, to engage with world-class teaching and research, and to gain a meaningful international perspective. With end-to-end support, from visas and arrival to orientation and student life, Wits provides a welcoming pathway into one of the continent’s most influential academic communities.

Guided by its purpose-driven ethos – Wits. For Good –  the University continues to shape graduates, research and ideas that make a lasting contribution to society, from Africa to the world.

History of UJ
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) was established in 2005 following a landmark merger between the Rand Afrikaans University, the Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Vista University Soweto Campus. This bold restructuring laid the foundation for a new kind of South African university—one that embodies transformation, accessibility, and academic excellence.
Since its inception, UJ has grown into a dynamic, multicultural, and inclusive institution with a student body of over 50,000, including more than 4,000 international students from over 80 countries. As one of the largest contact universities in South Africa, UJ plays a leading role in the country’s higher education landscape.

Located in the heart of Johannesburg, UJ reflects the energy, diversity, and ambition of the city it calls home. Proudly South African and deeply rooted in Africa, the university is committed to realising the potential of higher education for the development of the continent. 

Recognised as the country’s second strongest brand, UJ offers world-class, internationally recognised academic programmes based on curricula informed by cutting-edge developments in both undergraduate and postgraduate education, and that are designed to prepare students for the world of work and for global citizenship. Our curriculum is increasingly reflective of previously marginalised scholarship that talks to a transformation and decolonisation agenda, with Africa at its core 

Industry & Strategic Partners and Sponsors

Momentum Medical Scheme has been the approved and accredited medical aid partner of the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) for the past 25 years, with more than 35 years’ experience taking care of students’ healthcare needs. Momentum Medical Scheme is the 3rd largest open medical aid in South Africa and the largest provider of healthcare cover for more than 30 000 local and international students studying in South Africa.  Guaranteed peace of mind comes standard when students choose Momentum Medical Scheme, giving the access to the best healthcare benefits and providers plus the backing of a respected brand. Momentum Health and Momentum Medical Scheme have just taken home two major awards: the News24 Medical Scheme of the Year Award and the PMR.africa Golden Arrow Award.

CompCare: Your Dedicated Health Partner for Your Studies in South Africa

Navigating healthcare in a new country shouldn’t be a challenge. As one of South Africa’s most trusted medical schemes, CompCare is committed to safeguarding International Students’ well-being throughout their academic journey. From just R625 per month — CompCare is the most affordable international student medical cover available in South Africa and provides accessible, reliable healthcare through our specialised Umbono Plus benefit option.

Empowering Your Health and Success

The Umbono Plus option is meticulously designed for students. It offers more than just cover ─ it is a comprehensive healthcare solution that allows International Students to focus on their studies, knowing that their health is taken care of.

Key Benefits of Umbono Plus Include:

  • Unlimited Hospitalisation: Complete peace of mind with access to private hospitals and quality medical care.
  • Unlimited GP Consultations: Easy access to primary care when needed.
  • Acute & Chronic Medication: Cover for both every day and long-term health needs.
  • Radiology & Pathology: Essential basic screening as referred by the network GP.
  • Wellness & Preventative Care: Comprehensive benefits to keep students functioning at their best.
  • Mental Health Support: Dedicated resources to support students’ emotional well-being.

Our Commitment to You

At CompCare, we provide the high-quality healthcare solutions International Students need to thrive in South Africa. Our agile and adaptive approach is inspired by the dynamic nature of international education. We are constantly evolving to ensure that both students and academic institutions have the robust and trusted health support necessary to succeed on the global stage.

For more information, visit https://studentplan.co.za/. You can join Umbono Plus quickly and easily through the simple online sign-up form available on the website.

 

From only R625 per month.

Simeka Health has been the appointed healthcare consultants for the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) for nearly a decade and have been working with IEASA on reviewing the available offerings and selecting the most suitable medical cover solutions for international students.

FutureAI is a South African AI education and innovation platform dedicated to helping businesses, professionals, and teams unlock the real-world value of artificial intelligence. By combining practical training, strategic guidance, and hands-on experiences, FutureAI makes AI accessible, relevant, and immediately usable across industries. From productivity and marketing to design, automation, and content creation, FutureAI equips organisations with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.

At the heart of its offering is The AI-Powered Experience, an immersive training event designed for non-technical professionals who want to confidently integrate AI into their daily work. Hosted in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, these interactive sessions showcase the latest AI tools, workflows, and business applications through live demonstrations and practical exercises. FutureAI’s mission is to bridge the gap between emerging technology and everyday business success, empowering people to work smarter, innovate faster, and prepare for the future of work.

Visit www.futureai.co.za for more information

QS Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is the leading provider of data, analytics and insight for the global higher education sector. For over 30 years, QS has partnered with universities, governments and employers to advance student recruitment, institutional performance, skills and employability, and ethical innovation worldwide. Drawing on billions of data points, QS enables leaders to make evidence-backed decisions that help their institutions compete globally, plan strategically, and deliver real impact in an increasingly complex international landscape.

Exhibitors

The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) is the natural starting point for anyone wishing to organise a meeting, congress, or business event in South Africa. Serving as a one-stop shop for independent information and assistance, the SANCB provides planners with unbiased and neutral advice on every aspect of hosting and organising conventions and business events within the country.

The SANCB offers a wide range of financial and non-financial support services to academics, associations, and institutions interested in hosting international and regional African conferences in South Africa. By collaborating with academics affiliated with international and regional associations, the SANCB actively works to bring knowledge-sharing events to the country, ensuring that organisers receive the support they need to deliver impactful conferences.

In partnership with South Africa’s city and provincial convention bureaus, the SANCB facilitates collaboration across the business events sector, ensuring a coordinated response to new global trends and evolving requirements from decision-makers.

In today’s rapidly changing world—shaped by new business models, technologies, and ways of working—event organisers face increasing challenges in securing successful outcomes. The SANCB understands these dynamics and is committed to walking alongside organisers every step of the way. By offering advanced yet simplified solutions, the Bureau makes it easier to bid for and host events that create lasting legacies.

 

At its core, the mandate of the SANCB is to simplify the process of hosting business events by providing both advisory expertise and practical support. From the initial bid to the successful delivery of the event, the Bureau ensures a seamless journey, empowering organisers to host world-class, legacy-driven business events in South Africa.

The Southern African–Nordic Centre (SANORD) is a multilateral academic network established in 2006 to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions in Southern Africa and the Nordic region. With 59 member universities, SANORD promotes equitable partnerships in research, education, innovation, and academic exchange, contributing to knowledge generation and societal development across both regions. 

The network supports collaborative initiatives through programmes such as seed funding, postgraduate mobility, conference delegate support, and the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. SANORD’s flagship annual conference serves as a platform for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and students to engage on regional and global development challenges, while advancing internationalisation and cross-regional cooperation in higher education.   

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