Top 15 affordable student apartments for foreign students in Johannesburg

Johannesburg—locals call it eGoli, The City of Gold—pulses as South Africa’s commercial engine. The University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg pull in thousands of international students yearly, drawn by strong academic programs and the chance to study in one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.

But here’s what nobody tells you until you’re knee-deep in housing websites at 2 AM: finding a place to live that doesn’t drain your bank account while keeping you reasonably safe is harder than it sounds. You need something close enough to campus that you’re not spending hours commuting, cheap enough that you can still afford to eat, and secure enough that your parents back home can sleep at night.

This breakdown covers fifteen accommodation options where monthly rent sits between R4,000 and R8,000. These aren’t luxury apartments—expect to share space in most cases—but they’re legitimate residences near UJ and Wits that won’t leave you broke by semester’s end.

1. Apex Studios, Braamfontein (Thrive Student Living)

One minute from Wits. Not “close to campus”—literally one minute walking. R5,050 monthly on a twelve-month contract gets you furnished rooms with cooking basics: microwave, induction stove, fridge. Security runs 24/7 with monitored access. For Wits students who’d rather spend ten extra minutes sleeping than commuting, this setup works beautifully. The Wits accreditation helps with visa paperwork too.

2. Yale Village, Braamfontein (Respublica)

Twenty meters from the Wits main gate on Empire Road. You could probably throw a rock and hit the campus entrance, though maybe don’t test that theory. Around R7,200 monthly, which stings a bit, but you’re paying for proximity and serious amenities: unlimited Wi-Fi, gym, pool, 24/7 biometric security. They run a residence life program specifically to help international students plug into the social scene quickly rather than spending your first semester eating alone in your room.

3. Urban Einstein, Rissik Street

Inner city location with solid transport links. Two-person shared rooms start at R4,699 with water and electricity included, which genuinely helps when you’re watching every rand. This sits at the budget end deliberately—perfect for students who know their way around city transport and don’t mind a more urban environment. Less hand-holding here, more independence required.

4. Kingsway Place (Thrive Student Living)

Near Kingsway Avenue, the main route into UJ Auckland Park. NSFAS-UJ accredited, which signals their focus on University of Johannesburg students specifically. Single rooms at R5,950 monthly—actual private space within budget, increasingly rare. If you need quiet for studying or just prefer living alone, this delivers without breaking your budget ceiling.

5. St Davids Place, Parktown (Campus Central)

Parktown location serving Wits medical and education students. The thirteen-bed shared units starting at R5,333.33 monthly represent the absolute floor for Wits-area accommodation. You’re prioritizing cost above everything else here, accepting high-density communal living for rock-bottom pricing in an established neighborhood with solid security.

6. The Albany, Parktown (Campus Central)

Also Parktown, slightly quieter than Braamfontein’s constant buzz. Three-bed shared units from R5,833.33, or private studios around R7,750 if you stretch to the upper budget limit. The apartment-style setup—multiple bedrooms sharing kitchen and lounge—works well for small groups of friends who want to live together near Wits without the chaos of larger shared arrangements.

7. Arteria Parktown (Thrive Student Living)

Brand new for 2025, seven minutes from Wits Medical and Education campuses. Entry pricing at R5,270 takes advantage of launch rates before they inevitably climb. New construction means modern security tech, fresh facilities, no maintenance backlogs. If you’re targeting Wits medical programs and want contemporary housing at budget rates, this timing works in your favor.

8. Quintal Student Living, New Doornfontein (Aspire)

Walking distance to UJ Doornfontein campus. Around R7,500 monthly, higher than some options, but you get fully equipped private kitchens and en-suite bathrooms even in shared units. The walkability factor cuts out shuttle dependency entirely, and that private bathroom during your adjustment period? Worth considering if it fits your budget.

9. Mill Junction, Newtown (CJ Students)

Newtown location with industrial-chic design, rooftop braai area with city views, dedicated study rooms. Estimated R5,500 monthly. The critical feature for UJ students: scheduled shuttles directly to campus, which eliminates the main logistical headache. 24/7 monitoring plus biometric access handles security while you’re figuring out the city.

10. Crescent Studios (Thrive Student Living)

Another 2025 new build in Braamfontein, one minute to Wits main campus. Starting from R6,730 monthly for that new-construction quality and supreme proximity. Fully furnished with modern appliances—you basically arrive and unpack. Mid-range pricing for students whose primary concern is academic convenience over saving every possible rand.

11. Richmond Central (Thrive Student Living)

Positioned for efficient access to both Wits and UJ transport routes. Estimated R5,500 monthly for shared entry units. The Thrive brand offers consistency, useful when you’re booking from overseas without physically touring properties. You know what you’re getting: reliable security, professional management, standardized quality.

12. Horizon Heights (Thrive Student Living)

Strong transport links to multiple campuses. Entry shared accommodation runs R6,000 to R6,500 monthly. Positioned slightly higher because they emphasize aesthetics and quality—better interiors, nicer common spaces. If you want your daily environment to feel comfortable rather than purely functional, this balances affordability with upgraded living experience.

13. RISE Student Living

Multiple locations near major campuses and transport hubs. Around R5,000 monthly for shared units. NSFAS accredited, so documentation checks out easily for visa applications. Reliable starting point for budget-conscious international students still researching options.

14. Wits Junction and Accredited Off-Campus Housing

University-vetted properties in immediate campus vicinity, around R7,500 monthly. Higher cost, but you get guaranteed access to Wits’ extensive free transport service running until midnight. That subsidized, secure shuttle system directly addresses late-night safety concerns and transport expenses.

15. Campus Central Economy Units

Parktown location prioritizing maximum cost savings. The highest-density thirteen-bed rooms start from R5,333.33 monthly. Basic essentials covered: security, furnished study areas, shared facilities. Strictly for students facing serious budget constraints who can handle high-density communal life in exchange for substantial savings.

Conclusion

Finding decent accommodation in Johannesburg between R4,000 and R8,000 monthly is absolutely achievable. The properties listed here offer legitimate combinations of security, location, and value. Your South African academic experience starts with securing a safe, logistically sound home base.

Balance rental costs carefully against safety protocols, community support, and included transport when comparing options. Focus your search on university-accredited properties or recognized student housing brands for maximum reliability and compliance.

Don’t postpone applications. Quality spaces in international student housing fill up and stay filled. Research these accredited providers, confirm 2025 contract specifics, and secure your lease sooner rather than later. Johannesburg offers remarkable academic opportunities—starting with the right accommodation makes everything else easier.