The International Teaching, Learning Conference (ITLC), hosted by the University of South Africa’s Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL), has become a leading scholarly platform for advancing dialogue, debate, discourse and conversation on innovation, excellence and transformation in higher education.
Since its inception in 2024, the ITLC has responded to the sector’s evolving needs by creating opportunities for academics, researchers, students, teachers, policymakers and industry partners to share evidence-based practices and explore emerging trends in teaching, learning, student support and curriculum development.
Each conference has extended the scholarly conversation and prepared the ground for the 2027 focus.
ITLC 2024 promoted collaborative scholarship and innovative pedagogies responsive to the changing higher education landscape.
ITLC 2025 fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange and partnerships to strengthen educational practice and research.
ITLC 2026 highlighted resilient, equitable and technology-enabled education systems under the theme ‘Hope through Transformation: Advancing Sustainability, Inclusion, and Digital Innovation in Higher Education Practices’.
Inclusive, human-centred futures through AI, curriculum transformation and sustainable student success.
As higher education enters an era increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence, rapid technological advancement, evolving workforce demands and the need for ethical and human-centred innovation, ITLC 2027 provides an important platform for critical reflection and scholarly engagement. It explores how higher education can remain relevant, responsive and socially accountable while preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
The conference places inclusion at the centre of four interconnected priorities: the ethical and responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence; the transformation of curricula to be responsive, decolonised and future-ready; the pursuit of environmental and institutional sustainability; and the advancement of student success for every learner.
Accessible teaching, assessment, student support and campus infrastructure.
Equitable access, participation and success for learners facing structural barriers.
Belonging, wellbeing, support and pathways that strengthen persistence and achievement.
Inclusive policy and practice shaped by diverse voices and lived experience.
The conference is anchored in Unisa’s CODeL+ vision and aligned with SDG 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education, SDG 10 on reduced inequalities, and the African Union Agenda 2063.
ITLC 2027 aims to inspire transformative scholarship and collective action that will shape resilient, responsive, inclusive and future-ready higher education systems for Africa and the global community. Emerging technologies are considered alongside inclusivity, equity, ethical practice and social responsibility for all students.