Conference
About the conference
The SAPHE Conference will take place on 11 and 12 November 2026. The event offers a valuable platform for academics from the private higher education sector to showcase their research and engage with peers, industry partners, and key stakeholders in higher education.
Conference theme: Private Higher Education: Academic Excellence in an Evolving Society
Sub-themes:
- Teaching and Learning
- Research and Innovation
- Community engagement
The higher education landscape is changing rapidly, locally and globally. In South Africa, policy developments, shifting enrolment patterns, and the need for greater responsiveness to societal needs are reshaping the sector.
Globally, artificial intelligence and micro-credentials are driving new opportunities and challenges, and prompting a re-examination of the value, purpose, and delivery of education.
Against this backdrop, the conference will explore a central question:
How does private higher education advance the sector and exemplify academic excellence in an evolving society?
Venue
IMM Campus Parktown – No. 2, 3rd Avenue, Parktown, Jhb 2193
Venue Name: Gandhi, Shuttleworth, Luthuli
Public Transport option
- Gautrain Routes/ Bus details to be confirmed
Contact details
Conference Secretary: info@saphe.ac.za
Call for Papers
We invite you to submit abstracts for full papers, work-in-progress papers, position papers, or poster presentations to be reviewed for inclusion in the conference programme.
Submission Requirements
1. Abstracts
- The EasyChair submission link will be available soon. In the meantime, please use the submission form below.
- Submission deadline: 11 June 2026
- Feedback on acceptance will be provided by 07 July 2026
- Abstracts must be submitted in English
- Word limit: 250 words (excluding title and contributor details)
- Abstracts not selected for presentation may be considered for poster presentation
2. Full Paper Submission
- Length: 4 000–5 000 words (approximately 10–12 pages), including references
- Papers must include: Introduction (background); problem statement; literature review (theoretical/conceptual framework); methodology; discussion of findings; practical recommendations; conclusion; and references
- Preferred referencing style: APA (7th edition). Guide: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_changes_7th_edition.html
- The full paper title must match the title of the accepted abstract
- Submission deadline: 14 August 2026
- Feedback on acceptance will be provided by
30 September 2026
3. Work-in-Progress (WIP) Presentation
- Abstract required (250 words)
- Full paper length: 1 500–2 000 words (5–7 pages), including references
- Submission deadline: 14 August 2026
- Feedback on acceptance will be provided by 30 September 2026
- Papers must include: Introduction (background); problem statement; literature review (theoretical/conceptual framework); methodology; envisaged findings; conclusion; and references
4. Position Presentation (invited paper)
- 20-minute presentation followed by 10 minutes discussion
- An abstract of the position paper must be submitted
- Submission deadline: 14 August 2026
- Feedback by 31 August 2026
- Submissions should present a thought-provoking idea, concept, or position within private higher education that could contribute to shaping or transforming the higher education landscape in South Africa.
5. Poster Presentation
- 5-minute presentation
- Posters must be submitted in English
- Posters must be presented using a PowerPoint format (1 slide only)
- Poster presentations will be scheduled alongside full paper sessions
- Submission deadline: 14 August 2026
- Feedback: 30 September 2026
- Posters should include: Background; aim/purpose; methodology; findings/results; and recommendations
- Include 4–6 keywords at the end of the slide
Submission and Review Process
- Only staff from SAPHE members may submit papers for the conference.
- Double double-blind peer review process is applied for all submissions.
- All accepted papers, WIP, position papers and poster presentations must be resubmitted to the SAPHE Scientific Committee for inclusion in the Conference Book of Abstracts by 09 October 2026.
Submission Form
Paper Submission
Important Dates
Closing date for abstract submissions | 11 June2026
Announcement of abstract/poster/WIP acceptance | 07 July 2026
Closing date for all (full/ poster/WIP) revised papers | 14 August 2026
Full paper reviews conclude | 30 September 2026
Full paper acceptance feedback to author |
30 September 2026
