If you want an accredited Diploma in Graphic Design or a BA Design Degree you need to make sure that you have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi (or equivalent). But what does this mean? Below are some guidelines for you to follow, but please note that different institutions may have specific levels of subject achievement, ie they may only require a 2 for Mathematics on the APS scale of achievement or a 4 for Mathematical Literacy. Some may even have Visual Arts as a compulsory subject. Note also that Life Orientation only has a credit value of 10 and may be divided by 2 in the calculation of the final APS rating.
Study Graphic Design : Diploma Programme
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with an endorsement of a bachelor’s degree or a diploma, or an equivalent qualification, with an achievement level of at least 4 for English (home language or first additional language). You will also need to submit a prescribed portfolio. The Life Orientation score is divided by 2 when calculating the total APS.
- English: (first or second language) 4
- Additional subjects: Any five other subjects with a combined score of 16
Study Graphic Design : Bachelor’s Degree Programme
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an endorsement of a bachelor’s degree, as well as an APS of 30. The Life Orientation score is divided by 2 when calculating the total APS.
| APS scale of achievement | Rating | Marks % |
| 7 | Outstanding achievement | 80-100 |
| 6 | Meritorious achievement | 70-79 |
| 5 | Substantial achievement | 60-69 |
| 4 | Adequate achievement | 50-59 |
| 3 | Moderate achievement | 40-49 |
| 2 | Elementary achievement | 30-39 |
| 1 | Not achieved | 0-29 |
| APS = Admission point score | ||
Designated Subjects
- Applicants who wish to enroll for a degree programme need to ensure that four of their seven subjects are from the designated list.
- The list already includes three of the four compulsory subjects for obtaining the NSC, namely, Languages, Maths or Maths Literacy.
- A learner must then select one or more subjects from the list below, provided that they are not from the same group in order to apply for a degree programme.
| Accounting | Languages |
| Agricultural Sciences | Life Sciences |
| Business Studies | Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy |
| Dramatic Arts | Music |
| Economics | Physical Sciences |
| Engineering Graphics and Design | Religion Studies |
| Geography | Visual Arts |
| History | Consumer Studies |
| Information Technology |
what talent / requirement do i need for graphic design- my grand daughter is looking to see what direction she must build a career. she like drawing 2/3 d yes i said she should have computer literacy. not sure how to guide or encourage her. thanks
Hi there Erica. I’m another, young, starry-eyed designer wanna-be! I love deign and am seriously considering studying graphic design after school (I’m in grade 11). You mentioned earlier that this field is extremely competitive so I fear that the ‘need’ for a gd is being excessively met. I sometimes question myself about whether I’ve got what it takes. What skills, in your opinion, make for a successful graphic designer? I’d very much appreciate any other tips and advice you have me and other aspiring designers.
And thanks so much for your awesome website, it’s been a great help! 🙂
My name is thokozani i just need help i am doing eight subjects(pure maths,physics,lyf science, geography,Afrikaans,english,Lo and busines studies) but still don’t know what course to take in university and i am doing great in all of them so i really need help
Hi Thokozani, thanks for your comment. I am no student advisor, but I can recommend you study what you are passionate about. I always loved art and design at school and that’s why I studied graphic design. Today I can truly say I love my job! Best of luck!
Hi Erica my name is Nozipho I wanted to ask what subjects did u study to be Graphic designer
I’m currently doing maths literacy,economics, tourism,history but not visual art I want to know that can I get into varsity and do music and graphics??
Which is the best institution in South Africa to study graphic design and can you get a stable job? How competitive is it and would you recommend doing a bachelor’s degree or a national diploma? How long can you stay in the field? Where can you get an internship?
Hi Bongiwe, for a list of schools which offer graphic design please see my post Where to study graphic design in South Africa. Graphic design is very competitive so a Bachelor’s degree would be advisable.
Hi.
I don’t do visual art but I take EGD and I’m not really good in drawing. Do you recommend doing a graphics course?
I’m in matric and I LOVE the idea graphic design please help.
Hi Raymond, you don’t have to be good at drawing to be a graphic designer, but you have to be creative!
Hi Erica
I am Home Schooled and do not have a Matric but would love to study Graphic design,, is there a possibility I will still be able to go on a course without a matric certificate .
Hi Erica.
I would like to study animation design. is it the same as graphic designing and where can i study it in South Africa? My subjects are Math Literacy, Visual Arts, Life Sciences, Computer Applications Technology, Two Languages and LO.
Hi Lunga, there are many aspects of graphic design but Animation Design falls more under Interaction Design and Multimedia Design. These focus more on digital media, ie 3D animation, Game Design, Web Design, Video and Sound Editing. Some courses I listed in my post Where to study graphic design in South Africa do include Multimedia Design in their program, but I would recommend rather doing a degree in Multimedia.
Am doing grade 12 and am interested in studying graphic design what l wanted to know is where can l get a school that deals with graphic design
Hi Nteboheleng, for a list of schools offering Graphic Design courses, please see my post Where to study graphic design in South Africa.
Hello Erica
I am a young man who loves drawing and thinking of studying graphic design however i lack information on which institutions offers it and do we have bursaries for graphic design.
I have passed my matric however i fail maths, so will that stop me from being accepted/admitted in an institution.In other words am asking if I do qualify to study graphic design even if i failed maths?
You input will highly appreciated
I thank you
Hi Phistos, for a list of schools which offer graphic design please see my post Where to study graphic design in South Africa. To study graphic design you need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects.
Hi Erica, Im so happy that I came across this site and I hope you still have time to reply to few more comments.
Please help me. Im currently permanently employed but Im struggling to find a school that offers Graphic Design Part time. Can you please point me in the right direction.
Hi Gladwin, sorry I am only replying now. The only part time courses in graphic design I know of are Oakfields College and Friends of Design.
I am currently in grade 11. The subjects currently offered at my school. English, Afrikaans, Maths, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Technology and Cat. I want to be a graphic designer and would like some input on my career choice.
Hi Clayton, I would recommend any subjects which will help develop your creativity, although they are not a requirement to study Graphic Design. For details about graphic design, see my post Aspects of Graphic Design.
Dear Erica,
I trust this email finds you well. My son has matriculated and is passionate about studying Engineering Graphic Design. The subjects he has completed in matric are English, Afrikaans, Maths Lit, Visual Arts, EGD and Civil Tech. Please advise what course he should take and where in Durban these courses are offered. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Hi Ashnee, in Durban you can try Durban University of Technology, Inscape Design College or Vega.
Hi Erica
I am so confused and I dnt really knw what I’m going to do in varsity with this subjects: maths lit;EGD;tourism;CAT;English; Afrikaans and LO… I am in grade 11 any advice please
-Chantell♡
Hi Chantell, if you have a passion for design and being creative, then you should look at studying Graphic Design. If you’re good at computer studies, then you can look at Multimedia Design. Best of luck!
hello I just wanted to know whether you need pure maths or maths literacy to take graphic design…
Hi Aakifah, both are accepted at most schools.
Hi. I’m in grade 11 and have decided to do graphic designing. I take English, Core Math, Zulu, French and Information Technology. Will i be able to study graphic design?
Hi, my name is Andiswa I am in grade 12 and I want to do graphic design, can I do it with these subjects Acc, Business, Economics, ENGHL, AFAL, Maths and LO?
hi erica, i am 31 years old and dont have gr12. i am full time employed and wants to start my career in graphic design, thing is, like u said to become a graphic designer one should need a diploma or degree. fair enough.. but in my situation, no gr12 and full time employment, is there any place to study part time to achieve the diploma? or should i get gr12 first before i can apply to study for a diploma in graphic design?
awaiting your reply,
best regards
nathan.
I would like to do graphic design but I am doing maths lit,g eaography,life sciences and tourism will I be able to qualify?
Hii… I’m Tshwaranang, I’m in grade 9…
Next year I have to choice my subjects that I want to do,but I don’t know which one to take for Graphic Design.. Plz tell me which subjects do I need
Hi,pls,i want to knw the subjects that r compulsory for graphic art coz i want to bea graphic artist
Hi I’m Nikita and I’m in grade 9 I’m not sure if egd and physics is needed to become a graphic designer so what subjects do u need to become a graphic designer?
Hi Nikita, there are no compulsory subjects required to study Graphic Design. But recommended subjects include Art and Design, Business Economics and Computer Studies.
Hi Erica I want to study graphic design at tut next year I want to know if I need ti be good at drawinh
Hi Evidence, yes you do need to be creative to be a graphic designer. All TUT applicants are required to submit a portfolio and based on the results of the portfolio assessment, successful applicants will be invited for an interview and language proficiency assessment. Detailed instructions and information regarding the portfolio will be provided once TUT has received your application.
Hello Erica
i have gone through all these comment and truly speaking this was helpful to me,
but am still having a question, i does have NSC but I failed maths from my subjects,
So should stop me from being a graphic designer?
Hi Elegance, you might still qualify if you have enough Admission Points. See my post Where to study graphic design in South Africa for a list of schools.
Hi Erica I see that there is a 4 by Mathematical Literacy does that mean that I must Aquire 4 subjects higher than 50??
Please contact me as i am looking to pursue my career as a graphic designer and would like more information regarding this
All the information required can be found on my blog – Study Graphic Design
Hi ERICA I don’t do any Arts in school but i love Graphic Designer .It’s possible to study Graphic Desgner if you did study Arts in high school
Hi Wonelisa, you don’t need to do art at school to study Graphic Design, but you do need to be artistic and creative.
Hey Erica my name is Teddy and am in matric.Originally i want to be a footwear designer but there is no proper coarse for that and havent heard of in this country…so i choose to be a graphic designer so what are the requirements as a matriculant?
Hiii my name is jamain i am in grade 11 this year i am interested in studying graphic designing after finishing matric.i do the subjects: cat,business,tourism and mathematics litracey
i want to know if i will be able to study graphic designing with these subjects
Hi Jamain, it will depend if you want to study a Degree or Diploma. For a Diploma you can have any subjects, but for the Degree they need to be recognised NSC 20-credit subjects. I have added these designated subjects to my post.
Hi I’m Simangaliso,I have a problem I wish to study for this course. But I have 22 points will it be very hard for me to be admitted? And do you allow NSFAS
Hi my name is Ayanda, I studies Office Administration and I have a certificate that is equivalent to Matric with the following subjects, English, Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, Business Practice, New Venture Creation, Office Data Processing and Office Practice. Also did a Diploma in Management Assistant but I’m still waiting for my Diploma. I have wanted to study Graphic Design but the main problem I have is the portfolio that is required for me to have? How do I go about trying to compile one? And I would like to know if some institutions do offer Bursaries ?
Hi Ayanda, at most institutions they will send you full requirements for your portfolio once you have successfully registered. Examples of what might me required are still life drawing (like a chair), lettering (arranging letters within a grid), a comic strip and logo conceptualisation. Unfortunately I am not aware of any bursaries.
Hi my name is Sibusiso and I’m looking forward to study graphic design in tertiary and I am a matriculant.My questions is that does universities require a portfolio even if I don’t know how to make it?
Hi Sibusiso, Universities do require a portfolio, but most will send you full requirements once you have successfully registered.
Hi my name is Daniel doing grade 12 and I’m pursuing a graphic designer career and I’m naturally talented in drawing thats the reason why I chose it,but I’m a very introverted person.So please I want to know if I will fit in this career but I love it.thank you!
Hi Daniel, I am also very introverted but I love being a graphic designer. Best of luck!
Can I be a graphic designer with a 24 aps.and how many subjects do I need to pass.
I just finished matic and i want to study graphic design but i did not take engineering graphic and designe at high school.the subjects i did take were physics,maths,life sciences and accounting.now i regret not taking EGD instead of accounting but i am really passionate about drawing and i do beleive that graphic design is the career for me.is there any way i can still persue this flied and still get to study EGD?
Hi Kimone, EGD is not a requirement to study Graphic Design. For a diploma, you will need to have passed five of the subjects listed above with a combined score of 16 and not less than 50% for your first or second language.
HI Erica
My daughter is currently is grade 11 and she is an excellent artist who wants to pursue a career as a graphic designer.
we are based in Pietermaritzburg and i want to check on 2 things,firstly will she still be accepted if she does maths literacy and secondly do they offer this at the university in Pietermaritzburg,i tried to contact them but i dont get any response from them.
Hi Shaun, compulsory subjects for the degree programme are Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. UKZN does not offer a degree in Graphic Design, but they do offer a degree in Digital Arts – digital technology as a production tool, such as digital photography and video, graphic design and visual communication, digital drawing and painting, digital graphic novels and web comics, 3D modelling etc, as well as art forms that reflect on the digital technology as a medium (new media art), such as digital art installation, internet art, augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality etc. The discipline also offers an extremely strong Animation strand, including traditional 2D animation, 3D animation, and experimental animation. If your daughter would rather like to focus on Graphic Design, you can find a list of schools here Where to Study Web Design in South Africa.
Hey there.
I am Thembi Mhambi I am currently in grade 11 @Rhodes high I want to pursue a Degree in Graphic and Design ,but I am looking for a bursery or scholarship and Institutions that offer this Course,I would like help on this journey,Thanks in Advance.
Hi I’m Theitum.I just finished matric last year and i want to study Graphic design.I want to study for a diploma,the subjects i had was,maths,business studies,life sciences and accounting and i do have over 16 and over 50% for my languages.I would like is you could send me some of the institutions that accommodates this career.
Hi Theitum, thanks for your comment. Have a look at my post, Where to study graphic design in South Africa for a list of schools which offer graphic design in South Africa.
Hi, my name is Amy and I have no idea if anyone will respond to this but here goes.
I’m in grade 10 currently taking business studies, visual art and IT, my school refuses to let students take IT if they don’t take pure math, however I am struggling and there are no other tech courses. If I were to leave IT, and take unofficial courses outside of school would I still be able to study graphic design?
Hi Amy, each school/university has different requirements but in general for a diploma you will need English (first or second language) and any five other subjects with a combined score of 16. If you want to complete the degree programme you need Languages, Maths or Maths Literacy and then one or more other subjects from the designated list above.
Hi I am going to study in grafic design university abroad. Can I enter there with IELTS 6.5 and a portfolio or should I study math or something. I will be waiting for you answer.
Hi Nozima, it depends on where you are going to study. I would recommend contacting them to check what their admission requirements are. Best of luck!