Open Days in Gauteng

universities of technology, TUT and VUT, all run their own open days for prospective students, usually publicised on their own websites and social media in the months before applications close.

Most public university open days across South Africa cluster between February and May, well ahead of the September-ish application deadlines for the following year, so it's smart to start checking Gauteng institutions' pages from early in the year rather than waiting. On the day, walk the residences if you'll need to stay on campus, sit in on a lecture if it's offered, and speak to current students, not just staff on the information desk — they'll tell you what the prospectus won't.

Gauteng's eight TVET colleges, including Central Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni East, Ekurhuleni West and Tshwane South, also hold open days, but typically announce them only one to three weeks ahead, and usually on Facebook rather than a formal events page — so if a TVET route interests you, follow the specific college's Facebook page rather than waiting for an email. The province's private colleges — around 98 of them, more than anywhere else in South Africa — run open days and info sessions throughout the year, not just in the February–May window, since they set their own intake dates.

At any open day, come with your real matric marks or predicted marks and ask directly whether you'll meet the APS score and subject requirements for the course you want, and whether the qualification is properly registered — public universities and universities of technology are automatically credible, but for any private college, confirm it is DHET registered before you commit. Entry is generally free, though some campuses ask you to register in advance so they can plan numbers, and dates or venues can shift, so double-check on the institution's own page shortly before you go.

Browse the open days listed for Gauteng below.