Top reasons to study in Gauteng

1. Small province, big-city life

Gauteng is South Africa's smallest province by land area, but about one in four South Africans live here. That's around 16 million people squeezed into a space you can drive across in a couple of hours.

What that means for you: everything is close. Joburg and Pretoria are basically neighbours. There's always something on, someone new to meet, and a shop, gym or late-night food spot nearby. If you've grown up in a small town and want a proper city experience, this is it.

2. Getting around Joburg and Pretoria without a car

Here's the thing: Gauteng was built for cars. But students make it work.

The Gautrain is the big one. It runs from Hatfield in Pretoria all the way to Park Station in Joburg, stopping at Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, Marlboro, Sandton and Rosebank. Another line links Sandton to O.R. Tambo International Airport.

In Joburg, Rea Vaya buses link Soweto with the CBD and Braamfontein. In Pretoria, A Re Yeng buses run between the CBD and Hatfield. Then there are minibus taxis, which go basically everywhere and are how a lot of people actually get around.

Before you pick where to live, check which of these runs past your front door. It'll save you hours every week.

3. Student life in Johannesburg is never boring

Braamfontein is Joburg's art, food and coffee neighbourhood, and it's full of young people.

On Saturdays, head to The Playground market at 73 Juta Street in Braamfontein for street food, local fashion and live music. It took over the spot where the old Neighbourgoods Market used to be. On Sundays, Market on Main at Arts on Main in Maboneng, just east of the CBD, does food, design stalls and music.

For history that actually hits you, go to Constitution Hill in Braamfontein. It's an old prison that held both Gandhi and Mandela, and today the Constitutional Court sits on the same site. The Apartheid Museum at Gold Reef City is a must, and so is a day on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, where both Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived.

4. Sport you can actually go and watch

This is soccer and rugby country.

FNB Stadium, on the edge of Soweto, is the biggest stadium in Africa and the favourite venue for the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Pirates call Orlando Stadium in Soweto home. For rugby, the Bulls play at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, and the Lions play at Ellis Park in Joburg.

Going to a derby with your mates is a rite of passage. Pick your side carefully.

5. The biggest job market in South Africa

Gauteng produces about a third of South Africa's GDP, more than any other province. In real life, that means more part-time jobs, internships, learnerships and graduate programmes within reach.

Sandton is the finance centre (the JSE is there, on Gwen Lane). Pretoria is the country's executive capital, home to the headquarters of national government departments and more than 130 foreign embassies and high commissions. Studying law, politics, international relations or public admin? That's a big deal.

Being close to the jobs means you can do vac work, network and build a CV while you study.

6. Study and work at the same time

Because so many jobs are here, Gauteng is a good place to earn while you learn. Lots of people work full-time and study part-time, through evening classes, short courses or distance learning.

Distance learning means you can study online from anywhere in the province, from Soweto to Centurion to Vereeniging. It's a solid option if you can't afford to stop working, or if you need to stay close to family.

7. Pretoria in jacaranda season

Pretoria is called the Jacaranda City for a reason. From late September through October, the streets turn purple. It's exam season too, so you'll be studying under purple trees, like it or not.

Pretoria also tends to feel a bit calmer than Joburg, which helps if you want city life without the full rush.

8. Highveld weather: storms in summer, sunshine in winter

Summers are warm with afternoon thunderstorms from about November to February, the kind with dramatic lightning that's over fairly quickly. Winters are dry and sunny during the day, but the mornings and nights get properly cold, sometimes below freezing. Pack a heater and a hoodie. Also sunscreen, all year round.

9. Weekend escapes without going far

When you need a break from the city:

• The Cradle of Humankind is about 45km north-west of Joburg. It's Gauteng's only World Heritage Site. You can go into the Sterkfontein Caves and visit Maropeng.
• The Magaliesberg is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve between Joburg and Pretoria, great for hiking and fresh air.
• Hartbeespoort Dam is about an hour's drive from Joburg. It's over the border in North West, so you might also enjoy our guide to studying in North West.

And because O.R. Tambo International Airport is right here, flying home for the holidays is easier than from most places. You'll also meet people from every province and plenty of other countries, which might be the best part.

The not-so-great bits

• Traffic. Rush hour on the highways is rough. Live close to where you study, or close to a Gautrain station or bus route.
• Safety. Like any big city, some areas aren't safe, especially at night. Move in a group, don't flash your phone, and ask people who've lived there which streets to avoid.
• Cost. Areas like Sandton and Rosebank are expensive. Other areas are more reasonable, but compare before you sign a lease.
• Lots of competition for jobs. There are more jobs here, but also lots of people chasing them. Youth unemployment in Gauteng is very high, so start building your CV early.
• No sea. There's no beach. The closest coast is a long drive or a flight.
• Fast pace. Gauteng moves quickly. Some people love it, some find it exhausting. If you want something quieter, have a look at studying in Mpumalanga.

Your study options in Gauteng

Gauteng has the full range: universities (including universities of technology for practical, career-focused qualifications), TVET colleges, private colleges, nursing colleges, and distance learning if you'd rather study online from home. There are also short courses and learnerships. If you're looking at a private college, make sure it's registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). You can check this on our listings. See everything on the Gauteng page.

What to do next

1. Not sure what to study yet? Start with the career guides.
2. Compare your options on the Gauteng page or browse all institutions.
3. Work out how to pay for it with our funding and NSFAS guide.
4. Still weighing up other provinces? Read why study in South Africa.

Frequently asked questions