Where to study graphic design in South Africa
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 & Colleges
AAA School of Advertising
Cape Town and Johannesburg
Visual Communications
www.aaaschool.co.za
CityVarsity
Diploma in Multimedia Design and Production
cityvarsity.co.za
College Campus
Graphic Design & Web Development
www.collegecampus.co.za
Concept Interactive
Diploma: Interactive Graphics
www.conceptinteractive.net
Design School Southern Africa (DSSA)
BA Graphic Design
www.designschoolsa.co.za
friends of design
Cape Town
2 year Digital Design Course
www.friendsofdesign.net
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
Prestige Academy
Graphic Design and Web Development
www.prestigeacademy.co.za
Red and Yellow Graphic Design
Ruth Prowse School of Art
Graphic Design
www.ruthprowse.co.za
Stellenbosch Academy of Design & Photography
Graphic Design
www.stellenboschacademy.co.za
Style Design College
Graphic Design
www.styledesigncollege.co.za
Vega School of Brand Leadership
BA Degree in Brand Building and Management
www.vegaschool.com
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
Short Courses
GetSmarter
Foundations of Graphic Design
www.getsmarter.co.za
You may also want to read “Study Graphic Design: Universities vs Independent Design Schools” and “Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements”
Brilliant. Thanks for the list.
Thank you for another fantastic blog. Where else could I get this kind of information written in such an incite full way? I have a project that I am just now working on, and I have been looking for such information… Regards…
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?
hi, am trying to figure out what school to apply, as a beginner i want to do a fine art course precisely drawing am a graphic artist, but i want to concentrate more on illustration. what do you recommend and advise?
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!
Hi please help me i need a scholer ship im 4rom mpumalanga province,i can design logos
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!
Hi Dewald
We are wanting someone to complete graphics for education purposes for school subjects. We are in the process of creating online supplementary resources. We are interested in viewing your portfolio.
Kind Regards
Cara
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
Hi Erica
Would you happen to know of any college or school that offers the student a opertunity to either a Graphic Design degree online or at home.
Reason I ask is I would like to do a degree in Graphic Design and the thing is I live in Grahamstown and work full time and there are no schools here that offer anything like that and Rhodes Uninversity doesnt do any sort of night classes.
I have done a google search but all I can come up with are Uk and American online colleges, which doesnt help me their payment options are through credit card and I dont and will never get a credit card, and Intec and Damlin Diploma courses.
Thanks for any help.
Hi Samantha, you can try UNISA – You can find out more about the UNISA degree by visiting their website. Best of luck!
Thanks Alot for the reply.
I have found the perfect degree for me and it has programming too, which is also something I wanted to do.
(ps, I actually did look at Unisa before, but must have looked at the wrong place)
Hello Erica. I love your blog. I’m Cameroonian and I’ll like to study in SA. MY first choice was VeganSchool of brand leadership cuz of itz lean towards packaging graphic design, branding & marketing.but it’s too expensive. are there any other schools with similar course structures that i can look at? please?
Hi William, thanks for your comment! Have you tried a University of Technology as they will be cheaper than an Independent School? Try Cape Peninsula University of Technology or Tshwane University of Technology. Good luck!
Please tell me if it is a good idea to study at CTI College?
Sorry Shamila, but I don’t know anything about CTI College. Perhaps you should visit the campus to get a better idea.
Damelin also offers a course in graphic and media design. May I please ask opinions on studying through Damelin?
My seun gaan volgende jaar studeer by Cti in Durbanville. Graphic designing. Hy gaan ar n MGI graad kry. Dra jy enige kennis van CTI .
Hi Erica
I noticed you did not have Vega, listed as one the schools you would recommend? what are your thoughts on Vega?
Love your blog and it has seriously guided and helped me so much
Hi Lisa, thanks for your comment. Vega is good if you wish to go into branding – I have added them to the list – see above.
Hello,
I’am a Graphic Designer Working in a Large Format Printing Company in Nigeria, But I want 2 enhance my creativity n @list av a Higher Diploma in Graphic Design Dat’s y I’am looking 4 a better Graphic School with affordable tution fee in South Africa, Pls I’ll b very glad if u can help me out.
Thanks & Warm Regards
Folaranmi
I WUD REALLY LOVE TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111
what about DSSA (Design School of Southern Africa)?
Thanks for your comment Kay – DSSA has been added to the list, see above.
Hi Erica, I want to go into the Engineering Graphic Design world. I would like to specialise in this field in either special effects or animation. At present I am in gr 10 with Delta Education. My subjects encluded the 4 Complossary English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Lo and Engineering Graphic and Design,and IT. I have a problem at present. Where I am studing may not be acredited by the time I get to Gr 12, but they are the only ones who are providing these subjects for matric. If Umaluzi discredits them, I won’t be able to go to varity. My parents think it my be a good idea if I do the 3 yr course through Boston, the Graphic and Web Desihn Diploma 3 year course,there maybe other choices which we need to investigate. Do you have some advice for me. Thank you Crystal-Rose
Sorry Erica, I forgot to mention Visual Art. tx
Hi Crystal-Rose
Sorry I am only getting back to you now. I would recommend you contact the design institution you wish to attend to confirm what their requirements are. With your listed subjects I am sure you shouldn’t have a problem, but if you do, most schools do offer a Design Foundation programme. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
This become a helpful post for all, at least student can know about the best /better colleges. My friend joined Cat Academy in Petoria South Africa, where computer and technical course are standard to the Industry.
Thanks for the information, students looking for US graphic design you can visit this website http://www.collegeinfo.com/art-design/graphic-design-schools.aspx to have a better idea
Graphic designers how are yourll?well if you are in the Durban area*Kwa Zulu Natal* their is a school for graphic design,Creative Arts College,you can search online their is a 3 year degree course nd their is also animation if you want to further your designing industry thanks.
Hi,i what to knw if i dont hv grade 12 can i also go to graphic design?
Hi Thato. You will need a National Senior Certificate to study Graphic Design. You can find out more here: “Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements”
Ok,thnx
hi! i am working as an administrator and i would like to do graphic design part time, is there a school where i can study part-time attending saterdays classes?
Hi Victoria, thanks for your comment. Depending on where you live, you can try Friends of Design or Vega.
Thank you so much Erica.
helo i was wondering, what qualifications do i need to be at a graphic designing school
Hi Nyasha, have a look at my blog post – Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements
Hi Erica – I’m looking for a short course to study 3D design software like Cinema 4D. Do you have a good recommendation for such course in South Africa? I will be living in Zambia soon so I’m planning to settle in SA the time of the course, and discover in the same time this beautiful country! Thanks for any good advice!
Hello Erica… I studied Fine Arts (Diploma) at Kovsies and done a Photography Workshop at Damelin… At the moment I’m illustrating children Books… I’m interested in Graphic Designing,to collaborate all my skills in a great product….but I need to learn the technical aspect of Graphic design…. I need some structure! Would you suggest a Workshop,sort coarse ……. ???? Friendly Regards Stephanie.
Hi Stephanie. Depending on where you live, I would suggest you try Open Window in Centurion, or if you are in the Cape friends of designs. Best of luck!
Hi all!
I’d like to study via correspondence – graphic design
Can any one recommend any courses?
Thx
Steph
Hi Stephnie, I will be adding a new post soon about studying graphic design via correspondence.
This would also help me greatly. I have been looking for a place to study GD through correspondence this month and I have had no luck at all. Durban is very limited with part time graphic design options
what educational qualifications do i need so i can study graphic design..
Hi Maryam, see my post Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements.
hi,Iam a Tanzanian lady,am looking for a government college university which offer the diploma of printing or graphic design full timeplease help me whwerever in africa
Hi, please see above for the list of universities in South Africa which offer graphic design.
Hi, waar oral kan mens aansoek doen vir beurse in Kaapstad area? Dankie
Great Post Erica.
I’m currently studying Graphic Design at a FET College. They only offer a International Certificates. I was wondering if I should go for a Diploma or stick to what I’ve got.
I would love your insight and opinion.
Sorry for the late post.
Hi Jamie, thanks for your comment. Sorry, but I am not familiar with the FET College Graphic Design course.
Here are a few things to consider when studying graphic design:
1. Ensure that the course takes at least three years to complete.
2. The best design software for today’s industry is Adobe’s Creative Suite, so make sure they use Adobe!
3. Find out if they include an internship as part of their programme.
Best of luck!
Hi Erica,
Thank you Thank you Thank you.
hey people been looking for graphics design school and i went to unisa and when i arrived there i submitted a portfolio of my art works in fine arts. But my problem is i couldn’t apply at unisa becouse i applied late. But iv been plannin to go back on tuesday 2 april. Will they still allow me use my previous portfolio at first or should i start a new one?????….PLZZZZ HELP PPL….
Hi Prince, you should contact the UNISA help desk:
Tsepe Letseka
Tel: 012 429 6243
Email: arthelpdesk@unisa.ac.za
Hi Erica, how would you rate the Graphic Design course at CTU?
Hi Dean, the CTU course looks good, but please note that it is a short course – only 10 weeks.
Hi erica ! do you know of any university that is near durban and joburg , that has graphic designer courses and how much do you have to pay?
Would really help…
Thankz
Hi Caitlin, for more information about the University of Johannesburg Graphic Design see here and for the Durban University of Technology see here. Please contact them directly for course fees.
Hello Erica, I am thinking of studying graphic design next year. What matric finals score do you need to study graphic design? Or does it depend on where you want to study?
Thanks, Ceara.
Hi Ceara, thanks for your comment. You can find out more here: Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements. Hope that helps!
I want to learn how to create and design digital DIY party printables any ideas where I could do a course for this? I believe it’s part of graphic designing, but still unsure.
Hi Laurene, I think your best option will be to learn Corel Draw. You can do a short course like the one offered at New Horizons. If anyone else has some ideas for Laurene, please reply here.
Hey Erica.
Thanks for the list. Its the first one that pops up in Google search so especially well done on that. Don’t worry I already have my Graphic Design degree from AAA so I’m not looking for undergrad advice, just thought that maybe you could add in Friends of Design and City Varsity as they especially focus on Digital Graphic Design which is becoming more of a need these days. I’m busy doing a digital course at Friends of Design in Cape Town myself (after 4 years of working as a Graphic Designer) and they really are brilliant. Prospective students should be aware of the importance of digital and the need for it in the industry. Great blog!
Thanks for your comment Clara! Friends of Design is listed already, but I will add City Varsity.
Hi Erica
Could you please give me info on good colleges or Universities in the Western Cape that offers graphic design. Not a short course. Thanks a lot
Thanks Erica and Carla, really appreciate the advice
) Digital designing is fast becoming very big these days and can’t wait to be part of the industry!! Sadly there’s not much resources in the digital partyware design though, been searching for the past 8 months and even spoke to a few colleges and universities and they can’t seem to send me in the right direction. Some say I need to study web design/desktop publishing and designs, other say graphic design and then I’ve even been referred to 3D and visual art so really confused at this stage. 