02 Feb Illuminate Your Future in 2026 with the World’s Leading e-Learning Lighting Design Courses – Jan/Feb 2026 Newsletter

The year 2026 has arrived with a surge of energy and change. The world looks very different to the one we left behind in 2025, and uncertainty surrounds us all. Even so, this is not a year to retreat. This is a year to rise and to illuminate your future with BHA School of Lighting‘s range of online learning lighting design courses.

In the midst of global shifts and constant noise, opportunity still shines brightly. If you focus on your goals, strengthen your skills, and invest in your future, 2026 can be a year of remarkable growth. My advice is simple. Stay informed, but do not let negative news or the voices of others drain your enthusiasm or distract your attention. Protect your focus and keep your ambition clear.

Now more than ever, strong qualifications matter. Professional lighting design demands far more than installing downlights, sketching decorative coves, or arranging table lamps to imitate layers of light. True expertise comes from a deep understanding of lighting theory, a disciplined approach to design, and a willingness to learn with intention and purpose.

So how do you build that expertise?

If you are not yet a BHA School of Lighting student, the best time to enrol is now. Do not wait for the perfect moment. The range of BHA SoL short courses and our premier course, the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering & Lighting Design course, are affordable, and our payment plan options make it easier than ever to begin your journey.

Students from more than fifty countries choose BHA School of Lighting‘s premier course. The reason is clear. Our Advanced Diploma curriculum is the most detailed, complete, and desirable programme of its kind. It covers every essential light and control technology and is continually updated to include the newest developments, including the expanding influence of artificial intelligence in lighting and lighting design. This quality was confirmed through the independent EAHEA accreditation process, not through our own opinion.

In addition, students also benefit from an array of value add-ons. All Advanced Diploma students now receive free access to two of the world’s leading design tools. AutoCAD, valued at USD 2095 per year and Revit, valued at USD 3005 per year. This is a combined software value of USD 5100 per student, included at no additional cost.

Our partnership with Relux provides every student with a Relux Desktop Third Party Licence for the full duration of their studies. Valued at approximately USD 84 per student, this essential tool offers real world experience in professional lighting design software. These benefits ensure that every student can work with industry standard tools from the moment they sign up for our premier lighting design course.

Although 2026 has just begun, we are already preparing major advances that will enhance our training and strengthen your future.

Curriculum Updates: We are progressing well with significant updates to both First Year and Second Year modules in the Advanced Diploma course. These include new material on artificial intelligence in lighting design and expanded content on emerging technologies.

New Emergency Lighting Course: A completely new Emergency Lighting Course is in development. This course will include all international standards for emergency lighting design, ensuring global compliance and providing students with knowledge that is relevant anywhere in the world.

Student Support: Our commitment to exceptional support continues with our free Online Student Support Sessions on the first Wednesday of every month and a Relux Desktop Support Group hosted by Daniel Hammond, offering guidance and practical advice. As well as free mentorship available for every student who need personal guidance and assistance if they are signed up for our Advanced Diploma and Relux Desktop courses.

Major New Development Underway: Watch this space. BHA School of Lighting has exciting developments on the horizon. Work on a completely revised Advanced Diploma course is well advanced, with many new topics, significantly updated content, as well as a new course accreditation  We will share more details in due course. For our current Advanced Diploma students do not despair, you will be migrated automatically to the new course once it launches. This transition will be seamless, with no additional fees and no interruption to your studies. Every student will benefit from the most up to date learning experience the moment it becomes available.

As we step into 2026, the message is clear. The world is changing fast, and those who choose to grow, learn, and sharpen their skills will rise above the uncertainty. Lighting design is a profession built on knowledge, precision, creativity, and continuous learning. If you want to illuminate your future, now is the time to act.

THE BENEFITS OF EAHEA GLOBAL ACCREDITATION OF BHA SCHOOL OF LIGHTING

🌍 Global Recognition from the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA)

• A BHA qualification is now recognized across 170+ countries, enhancing its international credibility and portability.
• Graduates gain greater acceptance by employers, professional bodies, and higher education institutions worldwide.

✅ Quality Assurance & Credibility

• The school’s teaching practices, institutional integrity, and administrative standards have been rigorously evaluated and approved.
• Students and employers can trust that the programs meet established global benchmarks for academic excellence.

🎓 Enhanced Academic Outcomes

• EAHEA accreditation promotes continuous improvement in curriculum, teaching resources, support services, and learning outcomes.
• This commitment translates into stronger educational experiences and better preparedness for professional challenges.

🚀 Improved Career & Mobility Opportunities

• With internationally recognized credentials, students are better positioned for employment or further studies overseas.
• Accreditation facilitates smoother credit transfers, participation in exchange programs, and recognition by global professional bodies.

🌐 International Collaboration & Networking

• BHA’s alignment with EAHEA connects students to a broader global academic network, promoting cooperation and knowledge exchange.
• Opportunities for joint projects, webinars, and interaction with an expanded scholarly community are enhanced.

📈 Enhanced Reputation & Trust

• EAHEA accreditation adds a layer of prestige to BHA, increasing student confidence and signalling value to employers.
• The school gains broader promotion and visibility through EAHEA’s channels, benefiting learners indirectly.

📋 Transparency & Verification

• Students receive official EAHEA-accredited transcripts, Advanced Diplomas and certificates, and can have their credentials verified through EAHEA’s online registry.

In Summary

EAHEA accreditation means that students at BHA School of Lighting can expect:

• Globally recognized credentials
• High-quality, trustworthy education
• Better academic support and outcomes
• Enhanced career prospects and flexibility
• Expanded global connections
• Transparent, verifiable qualifications

These benefits not only affirm the rigor of BHA’s lighting design programs but also significantly enhance the value and utility of its qualifications in today’s globalized professional landscape.

BHA SCHOOL OF LIGHTING STUDENT NEWS

Celebrating Academic Excellence at BHA School of Lighting

Congratulations to the following students who have successfully passed the first year examinations of the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering & Lighting Design course, we wish you all the best success as you begin your learning joourney in the second year of the course:

Ahmed Al Farsi, City of Barka, Sultanate of Oman
Avinash Reddy Gopu, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

We wish the following BHA SoL students well, as they prepare for their First Year exams of the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering & Lighting Design course:

Petrus Cilliers, Centurion, South Africa
Shamiljan Nadampadi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Constance Mokou, Polokwane, South Africa
Kelvin Mwendia, Nairobi, Kenya
Heena Gyandchand, Tamil Nadu, India
Mzukisi Maxin Luciano Keli, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

We wish the following BHA SoL students well, as they prepare for the final phase of Second Year and their preparations for the final examinations of the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering & Lighting Design course:

Priyanka Praful, Bangalore, India
Savas Seckin, Istanbul, Turkey
Helen le Roux, Polokwane, South Africa
Sikhumbuzo Zwane, Johannesburg, South Africa
Shane Language, Cape Town, South Africa

Welcome to all our new BHA SoL students, we hope you enjoy your learning experience of your chosen course:

Stephen Aggrey Ambogo Owino, Nairobi, Kenya – Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering & Lighting Design Course
Amir Sohail Khan, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Foundation Lighting Course
Azeemuddeen Tajuddin – Relux Desktop Software Course
Mina Adly, Cairo, Egypt – Foundation Lighting Course
Enela Sula, Wismar, Germany – Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering & Lighting Design Course
Abdul Al-yahyawi, Jeddah, Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Foundation Lighting Course
Clayton Davidson, Durban, South Africa – Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering & Lighting Design Course

BHA SoL Student Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following past & present students who celebrated their birthdays in January & those who will celebrate theirs in this month of February 2026! We hope the next year of life brings great success and prosperity, and above all good health!

Armand Gouws, Gqeberha, South Africa (Graduate) – 10 January
Magie Parra, Perth Australia – 10 January
Mbongiseni Welcome Mkandla, Johannesburg, South Africa – 11 January
Azeemuddeen Tajuddin, Doha, Qatar – 16 January
Heena Gyanchand, Tamil Nadu, India – 20 January
Ayazhan Assanova, Almaty, Kazakhstan – 21 January
Veronia Mahrous, Cairo, Egypt – 26 January
Syed Azadar Bukhari, Bubai, United Arab Emirates – 27 January
Andrea Montero Salazar, San Jose, Costa Rica – 29 January
Petrus Cilliers, Centurion, South Africa – 1 February
Osama Ahmed Shafik, Cairo, Egypt – 1 February
Rishi Roopnarain, Johannesburg, South Africa – 13 February
Scott Williamson, Doha, Qatar – 16 February
Wiaan Von Benecke, Nelspruit, South Africa – 22 February
Chaitanya Dang, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India – 23 February

UPCOMING BHA SOL ENLIGHTENED COMMUNITY EVENT

Working as a Lighting Designer: Myths & Realities with Guy Kornetzki (CPD Activity)

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Free to attend for all architects, electrical engineergs, interiors designs, lighting designers & lighting professionals.

Date: 19 February 2026

Time: 5:45pm for 6pm – 7pm SAST (UTC+2)

Presenter:Guy Kornetzki (London, UK), Associate Lighting Designer & Professional Member of the Society of Light and Lighting

About: We often talk about Lighting Design or the Lighting Industry, but we rarely talk about what it means to be a lighting designer. This webinar aims to offer an honest and informative overview of some of the key aspects of what it means to be a lighting design professional.

In this webinar, Guy will cover the WORK, the PROFESSION and the PRACTICE, including unique insights that will hopefully help you to make better sense of your professional journey. So whether you are thinking of starting a career as a lighting designer or you are thinking of your next move, this is a great opportunity to hear about what may lie ahead and make informed decisions.

Presenter Bio: Guy Kornetzki started in lighting at 17 years old, as a stage lighting technician and made his way through to becoming a designer. He worked in theatre, opera, dance and concert lighting for some 20-years before transferring to architecture in 2007. Projects worldwide include super-prime residentials and developments, hospitality, workplaces, facades, landscape, public realm and masterplanning.

Guy has worked for various award-winning lighting design consultancies over the years and collaborated with some of the biggest names in architecture, interior design, construction and project management. Guy is a great believer in inclusive design, collaboration and empowering people to feel welcome and achieve their best.

More about BHA School of Lighting’s support partner: The Virtual Lighting Design Community is a global virtual network that empowers, inspires and educates the lighting design community. Always better together!

A place where we can exchange views on a variety of issues, share our knowledge and insights and informed debates on emerging topics. Vld.community is a virtual platform that will facilitate new ways of thinking and connecting innovative ideas that address global lighting issues.

Become a VLDC member at https://vld.community/

JOIN A PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING COMMUNITY

We encourage all of our Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering students to apply for student membership for little or no fees at local and international professional lighting institutions and lighting network communities. By becoming a member you will gain access to further study material, courses, workshops, webinars & stipends.

BHA School of Lighting is proud to be affiliated with the the International Association of Lighting Designers, the Institute of Lighting Professionals, the Virtual Lighting Design Community, The Lighting Police, Women in Lighting and the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa.

Find more info about each organisation and community here.