So you want to be a graphic designer and don’t know where to start? Well back in the day when I decided to study graphic design there weren’t many design schools to choose from, but today you have a choice of independent schools, colleges, universities and universities of technology. You can do a short course, diploma or even a degree.
Graphic design is a great occupation! So to help you begin, here is a list of design schools in South Africa:
Independent Schools
AAA School of Advertising – Cape Town and Johannesburg
Visual Communications
www.aaaschool.co.za
College Campus
Graphic Design & Web Development
www.collegecampus.co.za
Greenside Design Center
Graphic Design
www.designcenter.co.za
Inscape Design College – Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town
Graphic Design
www.inscape.co.za
Open Window School of Visual Communication
www.openwindow.co.za
Red and Yellow Graphic Design
www.redandyellow.co.za
Ruth Prowse School of Art
Graphic Design
www.ruthprowse.co.za
Style Design College
Graphic Design
www.styledesigncollege.co.za
Stellenbosch Academy of Design & Photography
Graphic Design
www.stellenboschacademy.co.za
Colleges
Ekurhuleni East College of FET – Benoni Campus
Creative and Social Services Dept
Art & Design
www.eec.edu.za
Universities
North West University
School of Communication Studies
www.puk.ac.za
University of Johannesburg
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
www.uj.ac.za
University of Pretoria
Department of Visual Arts
www.up.ac.za
University of Stellenbosch
Department of Visual Arts
www.sun.ac.za
Universities of technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Faculty of Informatics & Design
www.cput.ac.za
Central University of Technology
School for Design Technology and Visual Arts
www.cut.ac.za
Durban University of Technology – Arts Faculty
www.dut.ac.za
Tshwane University of Technology
Faculty of the Arts
www.tut.ac.za
Vaal University of Technology
Department of Visual Arts and Design
www.vut.ac.za
You may also want to read “Study Graphic Design: Universities vs Independent Design Schools”
39 Responses to “Where to study graphic design in South Africa”
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There is so many varying thoughts on design and style that it really is difficult to please everybody sadly…
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Brilliant. Thanks for the list.
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informative post thank you. Nice read
Very interesting!
How about the long debate “Do you really need a Diploma or Degree to become a Graphic Designer?” I see graphic designer CV’s daily and I am thinking – perhaps not… any opinions?
I don’t think creativity can be taught, but to improve your technique and style, it does help to be educated in the field. Do you judge on CV or portfolio – that is the question?
I’m glad i came across this blog searching on Google for school around South-Africa to study Graphic Design. I can’t make up my mind yet, so if anybody has any advise, please let me know as i live in Poland and want to come study in Johannesburg. Thanks.
Have a great day!
Hi Jacus. I would recommend the Open Window School of Visual Communication – http://www.openwindow.co.za
They are in Centurion which is between Jo’burg and Pretoria. Otherwise the University of Johannesburg http://www.uj.ac.za
In SA the academic year runs from January to November, so you will have to apply for next year, 2012. Good luck!
Cheers Erica! Will have a look at the websites!
nice blog.but am looking for a scholarship in graphic design.i cameroonian and live in cameroon.can u help me pls?
How to decide between University and Independant schools? Please help.
Hi Pieter, thanks for the comment.
That’s a tough one – I think it comes down to personal preference. But, one thing to consider is that independent schools are generally more specific in that you tend to specialise in one area, advertising, animation, Illustration etc. With universities you get a broader education which includes a few areas. I’ll do more research and will try to post the results soon!
Thank you…
Hello Erica..I have found your blog post very useful, thanks. one problem though is that the entry requirements for a BA or diploma is a senior school certificate but I am a Nigerian with a B.Tech degree. I graduated last year with a degree in mechanical Engineering, but my passion is really in the arts, pencil sketches and Photography editing , I am also adept with using the Adobe Photoshop and any design software applications. Can you recommend a Graphic design program that will suit me?
Hi Gabriel! Thanks for the comment! Try Inscape Design College – http://www.inscape.co.za/courses_graphic.php I am sure they will be able to help you! Good luck!
What subjects do I need to choose in grade 10 to become a graphic designer?
Hi Anna-Beth – I am not too sure, as the requirements have changed a lot since I was at Tech. I had a look at a few schools and it seems most of them require a first and second language, maths or maths lit and life orientation. Take a look at this link
Hope that helps!
Hi Erica!
I am a 15 year old student attending Sutherland High School in Eldoraigne, Centurion. I have been doing graphic design for about a year now and it has really become a great passion for me. Next year in grade 10 I will be taking English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Physical Science, Information Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design and Accounting.
What I was really wondering was if there are any bursaries/scholarships available for students such as myself that have talent and are interested in the graphic design field? I can’t seem to find something relevant anywhere.
Thank you for a great blog post!
Regards,
Dewald de Jager
Hi Dewald! Thanks for the great comment! I will have a look and see if I can find any bursaries/scholarships for graphic design students – will post as soon as I find something!
Thanks Erica!
This is great information thanks a lot
Is there absolutely no way I can get into a graphic design school without having done maths? Even with a great portfolio? I did Business Economics instead, as I am highly right brain orientated.
Hey Erica, I must be the exception to the rule, as I do not wish to study graphic design. However, I am looking for a qualified, creative young person to assist me with the design of a corporate identity and
roll-out templates (business cards, letter heads, e-mail newsletter templates, vehicle-adapted design etc), as I cannot afford the sometimes ridiculous fees charged by the larger design studios and ad agencies, and would prefer a graduate who has not yet found a permanent position in the design industry, and would like to earn a fair income assisting me.
Can you make any recommendations? Should I contact some of the design institutes (AAA, Inscape, Ruth Prowse, Michaelis, CPUT) for a list of top 3 graduates, or would you have a cape town based talent you can refer me to?
Many thanks for your kind input.
Best regards,
Al