Braamfontein, universally known as Braam, is the beating heart of student life in central Johannesburg, sitting between the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Student accommodation in Braam ranges from large NSFAS-accredited residences to budget rooms under R3000, with operators like Campus Africa and South Point running multiple buildings in the area. With cafes, galleries, the Neighbourgoods Market and a buzzing youth culture, Braam offers the closest thing to a true student quarter in Joburg. This guide covers the options, NSFAS-accredited residences, budget rooms, and how to secure a place.
Student accommodation in Braam at a glance
| Item | Details |
| Area | Braamfontein (Braam), central Johannesburg |
| Universities | Wits and UJ (both within reach) |
| Accommodation types | NSFAS-accredited residences, private rooms, shared flats |
| Major operators | Campus Africa, South Point and others |
| Typical cost | From under R3,000 to about R5,500 per month |
| Transport | Walkable to Wits; shuttle and bus routes to UJ campuses |
Why students choose Braam
Braamfontein's appeal is its combination of location and culture:
- Between two major universities: walking distance to Wits and a short shuttle or bus to UJ's Auckland Park campuses, making it ideal for students at either. (See our Kingsway Campus Auckland Park guide if you study at UJ APK.)
- A genuine student quarter: cafes, co-working spaces, art galleries, the famous Neighbourgoods Market on Saturdays, and a lively nightlife
- Transport hub: close to Park Station and well served by buses and shuttles across the city
- Concentration of student housing: a high density of purpose-run residences means real choice across budgets
Student accommodation in Braamfontein NSFAS accredited
For NSFAS-funded students, Braam is one of the best-served areas in Johannesburg. Major operators including Campus Africa and South Point run NSFAS-accredited residences here, meaning they meet the standards set by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and the Department of Higher Education and Training. Campus Africa, for example, operates residences such as Wynton Joy, Braamlofts and others, with a shuttle connecting to UJ APK/APB and Wits campuses.
Student accommodation in Braamfontein NSFAS accredited means NSFAS-funded students can be housed there with the scheme covering accommodation within its cap. To use NSFAS funding, register on the NSFAS portal, choose an accredited residence within the cap, and complete the residence's application so they can confirm your eligibility. Because NSFAS rules change yearly, confirm the current year's terms with NSFAS and your institution.
Student accommodation in Braamfontein under R3000
Budget is a real concern for many students, and student accommodation in Braamfontein under R3000 does exist, typically in the form of:
- Sharing rooms (two or more students per room) in larger residences, which bring the per-bed cost down
- Communal-style residences with shared bathrooms and kitchens
- NSFAS-accredited sharing options that fall within or below the funding cap
When targeting accommodation under R3000, confirm exactly what is included (electricity, water, Wi-Fi), since the lowest headline rents sometimes exclude utilities. Also prioritise safety, security features and proximity to your campus or a reliable shuttle, and verify the residence is legitimate before paying any deposit. Single and en-suite rooms in Braam typically cost more (often R3,500 to R5,500), so sharing is the route to the lowest cost.
How to secure student accommodation in Braam
- Step 1: Confirm your university (Wits or UJ) and how you will commute.
- Step 2: Decide between NSFAS-accredited (if funded) and private options, and set your budget (sharing for under R3000).
- Step 3: Verify the residence and operator are legitimate and accredited, and view in person.
- Step 4: Confirm what the rent includes and the lease terms.
- Step 5: Apply early; Braam's best-value and accredited rooms fill quickly each year.
FAQs
What student accommodation is available in Braam?
Student accommodation in Braam (Braamfontein) includes large NSFAS-accredited residences, private rooms and shared flats, run by operators like Campus Africa and South Point. It sits between Wits and UJ in central Johannesburg, with options from budget sharing rooms under R3000 to single and en-suite rooms.
What is NSFAS-accredited student accommodation in Braamfontein?
It is accommodation that meets NSFAS and Department of Higher Education and Training standards, so NSFAS-funded students can be housed there within the scheme's cap. Operators like Campus Africa and South Point run NSFAS-accredited residences in Braamfontein, many with shuttles to Wits and UJ campuses.
Is there student accommodation in Braamfontein under R3000?
Yes. Student accommodation in Braamfontein under R3000 is generally available as sharing rooms (two or more students) and communal-style residences, including some NSFAS-accredited options within the cap. Always confirm whether utilities and Wi-Fi are included, as the lowest rents sometimes exclude them.
Which universities are near Braam?
Braamfontein is within walking distance of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and a short shuttle or bus from the University of Johannesburg's Auckland Park campuses (APK and APB), making it ideal for students at either university.
How much is student accommodation in Braam?
Costs range from under R3,000 per month for sharing rooms up to about R3,500 to R5,500 for single and en-suite rooms. NSFAS-accredited residences are charged within the NSFAS cap. Prices depend on room type, operator and what is included.
Is Braamfontein a good area for students?
Yes. Braamfontein is central Johannesburg's main student quarter, with a high density of student housing, cafes, galleries, the Neighbourgoods Market and nightlife, walking distance to Wits and good transport to UJ. As with any city area, choose secure, accredited accommodation and be mindful of safety.
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