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.
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.
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 | ||
| 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 |
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my son is looking into graphic design but he does design as a subject at school not visual arts. Would he stand a greater chance of getting into an independent design school or university if he did visual arts than design. he's currently doing grade 11. his other subjects are english,afrikaans,geography,L>O,life sciences,maths.
Hi iam currently doin grade11 I love drawing iam doing the following subjects lo,english,cat,geography,afrikaans,maths literacy and economics can you help find the careers which has drawing,I also want to know which university should I go to in south africa,is it easy to get the job after doing the career?is the salary resonable?
Hi Faith, Graphic Design is a very competitive occupation but the salary is reasonable. You can find a list of schools which offer Graphic Design here: Where to study graphic design in South Africa
Hi Shulah, Design is not listed on the degree designated subject list, but your son is already doing four subjects from that list. It seems to me that Visual Arts is preferred, but I would recommend that you confirm it with a university first.
Hi Erica
My Son, currently in grade 9, is interested in studying graphic design. I have no idea what graphic design is and do not want to shatter his dreams. Is it a well paying job that will sustain a moderate lifestyle?
Thanks for your comment Shawn! Graphic Design can be a very well paying job, but it is very competitive. If your son is very creative, has advanced IT skills and likes to think outside of the box - he will do well as a graphic designer. You can find out more about graphic design by reading my previous post: Aspects of Graphic Design. You can also find out more here.
hi i wana do graphic designing,I am in grade 12 at the moment and i have a passion for drawing and i am unsure what career i would take with this course im taking please help
Hi Lindz, thanks for your comment. As I told Shawn, you can find out more about Graphic Design by clicking on the links I gave him above. Good luck!
Hi ,more dan nythn in dis world I wud lyk 2 b a graphic designer how do I go about it?
First of all, you will need to be able to spell!!!
I really want to do Graphic designing but which university can I go to in south africa to study Graphic designing and mathematics literacy is accepted
Hi Kay, Mathematical Literacy is accepted at all universities but you must have an achievement rating of 4. Please see above under FOR THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMME, for a listing of all designated subjects.
Hi Erica. I'd like to do graphic design - typesetting. Am an editor and now want to increase my skills level. Aren't there (short courses) I could do over a period (say from 6 months) and on a part-time basis? With what I'm involved in there's great potential for profit. 3-4 years though is long for me as a parent probably without income. Thank you for your advice.
Thanks for your comment Buli! For part time courses you can try AAA School of Advertising or The Open Window. Good luck!
i want to teach engineering grapics and desing and so when i check the prospectors they dont give me the spesific course,i need help coz i have wasted the hole year looking arround please help (jtlhoaele@yahoo.com)
Hi Erica,
My son, 18, is doing his IGCSE this year and is interested in (practical) graphic design studies. Where in South Africa can he start a (short) training ? Thanks for your reply.
Jan Betlem
Hi Jan. Your son can try openwindow.co.za or styledesigncollege.co.za.
For a full list of Graphic Design Schools in South Africa, please see Where to study graphic design in South Africa