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 |
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
hi im 25 can u help me i left schul 6 years ago in gr11 bt doin nite schul nw an very interest in grafic design what subject do i take an hw great a my chances pls n thanks
I’m in grade 12 this year and I want to study graphic designing next year, but I’m not sure which institution to go to. I do some of the required subjects but neither design nor visual arts. What are my chances of being admitted in one of the universities mentioned above? please help!
Comment:i wuld like to study GD so my problem is we dont have art classes at my school so is it possible that i cn learn more abt GD n attend classes.
Hi i would to know what is recommended for a pupil that did civil technology but didnt do maths and physics?
Hi Lunga, each school has varied specifications and levels of subject achievement. It’s best to contact them directly.
Hi there,
I am a Business Analyst at a leading bank for the past 10 years now. I really would like to learn a different trade and I have always been interested in Graphic Design, but never really had the opportunity to pursue it.
Is it too late to start now? And how do I get into it?
Thanks.
Hi Prae, it’s never too late! But I would only recommend it if you can afford to study full time for at least three years. Best of luck!
Good afternoon, I am done with high school and have obtained above 50% for the required subjects to obtain bachelors. I have also done Computers Application Technology I have” job shadowed” graphic design. Do you think realistically I will be considered because im done with high school and have computer training.unfortunately I have only done art in grade 8. since my high school is science and math orientated. I would like to study at CPUT, AAA offers creative brand communication for R 59 5000. is there a difference between creative brand design and graphic design there’s defiantly a great price gap between the two courses.
Thanking you in advance.
Nicole Lewis
Hi Nicole, thank you for your comment. Because you have a National Senior Certificate and have had computer training you should be considered, but your acceptance will also depend on your portfolio and in some cases, an interview will be required. For a comparison between AAA and CPUT, please see my post Study Graphic Design: Universities vs Independent Design Schools. Best of luck!
hi dc z ayanda i wuld like 2 study graphic design but i dnt knw wht 2 coz i dnt money plz help
Hi Erica,
I am a 31 yr old Zambian man,living in Zambia!Ive spent my life drawing stuff and being amazed at animated adverts.I studied a computer systems engineering diploma and adv diploma 6years ago but have not really worked in IT.Spent a long time in different jobs and then in transport as a fleet manager and later operations manager.However It just hit me a couple of days ago tht what I would love to do was design graphics and adverts and what not.The problem is I cnt find a distance course degree that i can do to follow this passion.please advise what i can do as i cant move my family over to the republic of south africa for me to access the required education.Thanks a lot.
Hi Moono, sorry I am only replying now. The only courses I am aware of are http://www.styledesigncollege.co.za and http://www.getsmarter.co.za. UNISA also offers a Degree of Bachelor of Arts (Culture and Arts) with specialisation in Multimedia Studies. You can find out more here. Best of luck.
Hi, my name is Lindsay and I’m currently in grade 11. I really enjoy the idea of being a Graphic designer when I get out of high school. I know the requiurements for a graphic design college program, but I was wondering if it would benefit me if I took a mathematics in grade 12. Do schools consider picking someone with a grade 12 math over someone who didn’t?
Hi Lindsay, thank you for your comment. It really depends on which college you apply at. I personally would recommend you take mathematics, but at the end of the day your acceptance will most likely be decided by your portfolio and in some cases your interview.
well i would love to talke is as a career….
Im doing english home language.afrikaans,acccounting,mathematical L, L.O , geography and business studies…..
june results was not good at all…but i passed…my levels for june exams is as follow
English- 47% = level 3
Afrikaans- 50% = level 4
Life orientation- 61 = level 5
MLMMS-58% = level 4
Accounting-39% = level 2
Business studies-37% = level 2
Geography-35% = level 2
or do you have something else for me to study….please i really need help
Hi Erica
I hope i’m at the right place to ask some questions about Graphic Design. Here goes… I am 25 years old, i have done Coreldraw Layouts and designs since 2006. At this stage I am running the whole front of house at a medium printing company BUT I don’t have any papers to verify that I’m a Graphic Designer. I must also add that I’m not earning a bad Salary The possibility is there, that I can take over the company in a few years BUT I would also like to have something more behind my name in case that I want to apply for a Job in Capetown or Gauteng for instance. I had a look around and saw that some of the following is mentioned in the requirements when Graphic Designer Posts are advertised:
• Able to work on the following software applications :
Photoshop CS5/CS6;
Adobe Illustrator CS5/CS6;
InDesign CS5/CS6 ;
Basic Flash & Dreamweaver CS5/CS6
I am strongly thinking about doing the above mentioned Certificates through, Intec or College SA. But still I won’t have a Certificate for Coreldraw although I am using it since 2006 and currently I’m using Corel x5. Some Advice Please? Would you suggest that I do all those courses, will it increase my chances of getting a better job with better pay? Maybe in Guateng or Capetown or Pretoria??
Kind Regards
C*
Hi Christo, I would highly recommend getting a qualification in the Adobe suite, especially Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. If you would like to do web design, then Dreamweaver too. Design agencies will only take you seriously if you have these skills. You will see once you learn to use Adobe, you will not want to use anything else – it’s expensive because it’s that good! Best of luck.
Hello there erica 🙂 uhm… I’m currently in grade 12, I’m an okay above average art student , I’m actually currently applying to cput btech in graphic design though I live in jhb. I was wondering, would I be at a disadvantage because I don’t have any computer skills training? It makes me nervous, I can make art but I’m not computer savvy like everyone else it seems
Hi Kefliwe, thanks for your comment. You don’t have to worry, once you are at CPUT they will teach you all you need to know about computers, and you will love it! Best of luck with your course.
Hi Erica, I have just finished high school and I’m in love with graphic design, but I didn’t take visual arts in school. Could you please suggest a design school where I don’t need to have an intensive visual portfolio.
Hi Ollie, unfortunately to be accepted at an accredited Graphic Design school you will need a good representation of what you can do. Visual arts may not be required, but you need to make an impression with your portfolio. I’m sure if you spend a few hours working on it you will create something great! Remember they are not looking for professionals, they are looking for raw talent which they can help turn into greatness. Best of luck.
Hi Erica,
Excellent info, not only this article but also ‘Where to Study Graphic Design’ – Thanks.
My question is, in terms of applying to CPUT: What format should the portfolio be presented in?, i.e.:
1. In an A3 flipfile, with the pieces all in A4 on an A3 background, or
2. In an A4 flipfile, or
3. ??
4. ??
Hi Craig, thanks for your comment. I would recommend an A3 flipfile with work in A3 unless required in A4 which you then mount onto A3 black board. Best of luck.
Hi Erica
I am 20 years old and made up my mind that I want to do graphic design.. But I don’t know where I should I enrol. Some people have suggested the open window school of design or university of johannesburg. What do you suggest?
Thanks so much
Hi Cazzy, thank you for your comments. Personally I would choose Open Window, but both are excellent choices for Graphic Design. I would suggest that you visit both schools, talk to some of the students there – you’ll soon know which is the right place for you. Best of luck.
Thanks for replying 😀
I just have one more question please? Hehe
.. Would you advise doing short courses at open window or going full time? 🙂
Definitely full time. If you want to be taken seriously in the Graphic Design community, you need to study for at least three years. Hope that helps!
Hi,I am choosing my course i just wanted to say do you need physical science to become a graphic designer
Hi Mashir, thank you for your comment. No, physical science is not a compulsory subject for graphic design.
Hi Erica im a confused Grade 10 learner, i would like to do something realted to art especially Graphic Design but im worried about the subjects i took which are C.A.T, Life Science. and History does this mean that no art insitute will never accept me and that my dreams are shattered
Hi Modi, to do a degree in Graphic Design you need to have a South African National Senior Certificate with at least four of these subjects with a rating of 4 (50-59%) or more
If you don’t have four of these subjects, you can do a diploma in Graphic Design. For this you need to a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (40-49%) or more in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects listed in my blog posting above.
hai my name is Nigel,I just want to know if I can study the subjects that I failed last year when I was doing grade 12.I wnt 2 study them wth ma career choice which is graphic design but I dnt knw if its possible ..I failed pure maths,physical science and life scince
Hi Nigel, it is possible for you to study Graphic Design, if you redo the subjects you failed. Have a look at National Senior Certificate Repeat Learners for Grade 12 at Intec College. You can also re-write your matric at your old school or apply to Damelin or Abbott College.
im ketshepaone from northern cape at kuruman. Im in grade 11. And i don’t kow what to do in my life. But im doing geografie, geskidenis, lewens wetenskap,lewens orientering,wiskendig geletterheid.first additional language english.huistaal. Please help me..
Hi Ketshepaone, thank you for your comment. If you enjoy art, drawing and being creative you could pursue a career in Graphic Design. Have a look at my post Aspects of Graphic Design to see what Graphic Design is all about. For schools which offer graphic design see Where to study graphic design in South Africa.
I am Aaron Nana Ampaw Boateng, a graduate of the University of Ghana and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Food Science. I wish to take up a 2 year diploma course in Graphic Communication in your institution. Is it possible for me to since I didn’t do any visual arts in the University
Hi Arron, you can find a list of schools offering Graphic Design/Communication on my blog post Where to study graphic design in South Africa. Please contact the school directly by clicking on the links provided.
How Much is the application fee
It depends where you apply. See the list of school here: Where to study graphic design in South Africa
hi, i would like to have some info on art colleges in south africa. my niece is finishing high school in namibia , and is very interested in doing art. she might not finish with great grades but she is very good in math, art and english, and i understand she could start with something like an access course to bring her up to level of college entrance . please advice, on requirements, fees, etc.
kind regards
rejoice
Thanks for your comment Rejoice. You can find a list of schools which offer Graphic Design on my blog post Where to study graphic design in South Africa. Some schools, like Inscape offer Design Techniques and The Design School Southern Africa (DSSA) offers a Higher Certificate in Art and Design which are both access courses for Graphic Design.
Hie i am currently studying Fine and Commercial Art(graphic design excluded)in Zimbabwe, so is it possible for me to study graphic design in South Africa and how?
Hi Mhlanguli. Have a look at University of Johannesburg. You can find out more about the requirements for international students here.
Hi, I need help what career can I follow with this subjects : accounting, physical science, computer applications technology and mathematics plz help
Hi Erica.
I’m in grade 9 now and I’m thinking that I want to take graphic. Design. But I’m not that creative but I’m kind if good. At drawing 🙂 so if ever I go for graphic. Design. Will it affect. My course or my studies
Hi Allysa, to be a graphic designer you need to have a creative flair, ie you must enjoy drawing and creating things. You need to be self-motivated and have a strong work ethic. Designers must have an obsessive attention to detail. If this is you, then you can become a great graphic designer!
Hi Erica, my name is faeez, I have done a diploma in graphic design but I would now like to do my bachelors,but I didn’t not get enough marks for the bachelors degree is there any way to do it?
Hi Faeez, it will be best to speak directly with the school where you would like to do your degree. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
ey this web is a life saver tjo
Hi I’m Obonolo and currentlyin grade 11 !!!I want to study graphic designing as well as interior designing and I’m doing history,CAT,Maths Lit ,Life Science ,Setswana*HL*,English*2nd language* and L.O so will I be able to study both of them wth the subjects that I’m doing now?
Hi Obonolo, I am note sure what the requirements are for Interior Design, but for Graphic Design, if you want to do a Degree you need four of the subjects listed above under For the Bachelor’s Degree Programme and for a Diploma you need to have a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects (see recognised NSC 20-credit subjects).
Hi Erica I’m Sibusiso I’m starting my grade 11.at school I’m doing Design,Business studies,economics,Maths literacy,English,Zulu,life orientation. I want to study Graphic design after I’m done with my grade 12,I’m very good when it comes to Design and Business,economics I’m worried about my English as I got level 3 and in maths literacy I got also level 3 in grade 10 my worry is that if it happens my performance stays the same in English & maths literacy will I still qualify to study graphic Design
Hi Sibusiso, with an achievement rating of 3 you will qualify for the National Diploma Programme, but to do a degree you will need higher marks. Keep working hard and I am sure you will be able to qualify. Best of luck.
Hi. I applied for graphic design course and I have met the requirements of level 4 for english but my mathematics is low. I wanted to know if I could be considered…
Hi Mario, you can still be considered, as long as you have an achievement rating of 4 or better in four subjects chosen from the designated subject list above. Mathematics is not a compulsory subject to study graphic design.
hi erica i am a Ghanaian completed my diploma in computer graphics and i want to feather my education in animation how can i apply using diploma certificate from Ghana.
Hi Senam, you can try the UJ Department of Multimedia – BTech: Multimedia They require a National Diploma: Multimedia or an equivalent qualification of an equal standard. The applicant will also need to submit a proposal, digital portfolio and attend an interview.
Hy Erica my name is Thandile Qwele and i’m currently doing Grade12 and i want to do Graphic Design…my subjects are Mathametical Literacy,Life Sciences,Tourism,Consumer Studies,Life Orientation,Xhosa(HML).English(FAL).With.the.subjects.am.doing.will.i.qualify?…please.help!
Hi Thandile, depends on where you apply and also what your final marks are. You do have four subjects listed from the above designated subject list, so now you will need an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better for these subjects. Your acceptance will also depend on your portfolio and in some cases, an interview will be required.
Thank you Erica. Now what i would like you to explain for me is the Portfolio part. What do they want in the portfolio…thank you!
When you apply to study Graphic Design, an exact brief on the portfolio will be forwarded to you if you meet the minimum admission requirements. Submission of a prescribed portfolio
will contain a number of set tasks, like still lift drawing, lettering, a comic strip, logo conceptualisation and visual analysis.
Hy am dng science stream wth math lit so i nid hlp of a unique course that i cn qualify for!!
very good at graphic design have what it takes hungry for an oppitunity to prove what I am capable of
Hey erica I was wondering my school doesn’t offer any arts as subjects and I’m passion is creating new things and I’ve really been on a mission to get into graphic design..I see you say its very competitive..but what I want to know is the pay worth the risk to go for it..and I only have business maths lit CAT life science as my extra subjects would I still be admitted to graphic design with it..
Hi Tristan, thanks for your comment. Art is not a compulsory subject to study Graphic Design in South Africa. With a minimum of 30% for your language of teaching and an achievement rating of 4 for four of the subjects listed above you will qualify for the degree course. Once you had been accepted you will still need to submit a portfolio and may need to have an interview at your chosen school. Keep working on your art in you own time, explore photography and if you can, get familiar with creative software. I would say it’s worth it!
i matriculated last year, i was doing maths nd science.my final results are home language=65 level 5,english=43 level 3,maths=43 level 3,life science=41 level 3,agric ==45 level 3 physical science =32,APS total is 19.do i qualify to study information technology(it)?
Hi Mashigo, when you choose your school to study at, they will give you their list of admission requirements.
hey my name is ipeleng sithole am in level 4 in vuselela colloge am doing marking now and graphic design i want to do graphic full time after my level 4 but i really dont know at what school to go to and if i can afford the school do u think if i pass in good marks they can pay for me. what school do you think its best for graphic?
Hi Ipeleng, thank you for your comment. For a full list of accredited graphic design schools in South Africa, please see my post Where to study graphic design in South Africa. When you apply to your chosen school, ask if they offer financial assistance.
Am thato i like doin engineering graphic design becouse i lov it but i do maths literacy,machanical engineering,sciene an EGD whr can i study for EGD wth maths literacy aftr matric
Hi Thato, yes you can study Graphic Design with Math Literacy, as long as you have a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 or better in four subjects chosen from the list above.
hy i am in grade 10 and i am doing graphics and design,cat and business studys i wanted to ask if its possible in south africa to get a job of graphics with such subjects after i am done with school
Hi Steve, to get a job in Graphic Design you need to have a diploma or degree from one of the schools listed on my blog post – Where to study graphic design in South Africa. Also have a look at my post Study Graphic Design: Universities vs Independent Design Schools for more details about studying Graphic Design.
Hey am willing to study graphic design bt am a little bit confused whether the following subject are recommended to study it…….math literacy,geography,histrory,agricultural science,engilsh,setswana and lyf orientation help please
Hi Lebogang, your subjects will allow you to study graphic design if you receive a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching and an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in four of your other subjects. Please note that admission for Graphic Design also requires the submission of a portfolio and at most schools, an interview.
Hi Erica my son has passed level 4 in mechanical eng but now hw wants to do graphics at university ,can they allow him .
Hy im from newcastle im at grade 11 this year i love being a graphic designer that my only choice i have after finishing matric next year and im doing the following subject: history, mathematical literacy, geography, life science, english, life orientation and isizulu home language. I need someone who can help me to find the school