Open days & events in the Eastern Cape

of Fort Hare, Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, and Walter Sisulu University with campuses reaching toward Mthatha — plus eight TVET colleges and one nursing college, so there's more choice close to home than many learners realise.

Open days are the classic starting point. Most public university open days in South Africa run from February to May, well ahead of the application deadlines that typically close around September for the following year, so it's worth checking a university's own site or social pages early. TVET colleges such as Buffalo City, King Sabata Dalindyebo and Eastcape Midlands tend to announce their open days only a week or two ahead, often on Facebook rather than a website, so following a college's page directly is the most reliable way to catch one.

Beyond open days, career expos and education expos bring several institutions together under one roof, useful if you're still undecided and want to compare options quickly rather than travelling to separate campuses. Smaller, hands-on workshops — CV writing, exam technique or subject-choice sessions — are also run by colleges and community organisations from time to time, and focused info sessions cover a single topic in more depth, such as NSFAS funding or how to apply to a specific programme.

For learners further from a city, or without reliable transport, free webinars are worth watching for too — they need only a phone and a bit of data, and many are recorded so you can catch up later. Nursing hopefuls should note that Lilitha College of Nursing trains students across several sites in the province, and it's always worth confirming a nursing programme is SANC-accredited before applying. Wherever you're considering, remember that dates and venues can change, so always confirm details on the organiser's own page, and check whether registration is needed — most events are free, but some ask you to book a spot in advance.

Browse the upcoming Eastern Cape events listed below to find open days, expos, workshops, info sessions and webinars near Gqeberha, East London, Makhanda and Mthatha.