Expos in the Eastern Cape

Makhanda are a fast way to compare a Walter Sisulu University programme against a private college course, or to weigh a TVET qualification from a college such as King Hintsa or Buffalo City side by side.

Career and education expos in South Africa tend to cluster in the second half of the year, roughly August to November, though some are scheduled earlier, so it's worth checking listings regularly rather than assuming a fixed month. At a good expo you can pick up prospectuses, ask about NSFAS and other funding on the spot, and get a feel for a course's matric requirements without committing to a full campus visit.

Because an expo puts many institutions in front of you at once, go in with a short list ready — your APS score, which subjects you're taking, and whether you're leaning toward a university, a TVET college, or a private, DHET-registered college. Nursing hopefuls should specifically ask whether a stand represents a SANC-accredited college, since not every health-related exhibitor trains registered nurses. It also helps to bring a folder or a large envelope, since you'll likely walk away with several prospectuses and application forms from different institutions.

Rhodes University, Fort Hare and Nelson Mandela University don't need a dedicated stand at every expo to be worth asking about — exhibitors from smaller colleges and NSFAS-related organisations at the same event can often point you to the right contact if a particular university isn't represented that day. Take a photo of any stand's contact details on the spot rather than relying on memory afterwards.

Expos are usually free to attend, though some ask visitors to register online beforehand so organisers can plan numbers — check the specific event page for that detail. As with any listing, dates and venues can change closer to the time, so confirm with the organiser before you travel, especially if you're coming from further afield like Mthatha. Browse the Eastern Cape expos below to see what's coming up.