Where to study graphic design in South Africa

Are you looking where to study graphic design in South Africa? Don’t know where to start? When I decided to study graphic design there weren’t many design schools to choose from. Today you have a choice of independent schools, colleges, universities and universities of technology and can do a short course, diploma or even a degree.



Graphic design is a great occupation so to help you begin, I have compiled a list of design schools in South Africa. To assist future students I have added a school rating system. Please give the schools listed a fair and honest rating.

Study Graphic Design at Independent Schools & Colleges

AAA School of Advertising

2.9/5 - (69 votes)

Boston Media House

2.6/5 - (7 votes)

Creative Academy

3.1/5 - (54 votes)

CityVarsity

2.9/5 - (29 votes)

CTU Training Solutions

5/5 - (2 votes)
  • See Website for locations
  • Diploma: Visual Communication
  • 3 Years (Full Time or Part Time)
  • www.ctutraining.ac.za

Eduvos

4.6/5 - (50 votes)
  • Bedfordview, Midrand, Tygervalley, Claremont, Pretoria, Nelson Mandela Bay, Mbombela, East London, Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Durban and Vanderbijlpark
  • Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
  • 3 years (Full Time)
  • 4th Year Honours in Graphic Design at Midrand Campus
  • www.eduvos.com

ELMI College

3.1/5 - (58 votes)
  • East London
  • Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design
  • 1 year (Full Time)
  • www.elmi.co.za

Friends of Design Academy of Digital Arts

1.8/5 - (84 votes)
  • Cape Town
  • Higher Certificate Graphic Design
  • 1 year (Full Time)
  • www.ada.ac.za

Greenside Design Center

2.4/5 - (43 votes)

Inscape Design College

3.4/5 - (40 votes)
  • Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town
  • Graphic Design Diploma or Degree
  • 3 Years
  • www.inscape.ac

Oakfields College

3.2/5 - (26 votes)
  • East Rand, Pretoria and Somerset West
  • National Certificate in Interactive Media.
  • 010 591 7314 | 012 361 0416 | 021 850 0383
  • 2 Years
  • www.oakfieldscollege.co.za

Open Window

3.8/5 - (11 votes)
  • Irene, Gauteng
  • BA Visual Communication Design
  • 3 Years
  • 4th Year Honours Visual Communication
  • www.openwindow.co.za

Red and Yellow

3.6/5 - (11 votes)

Rosebank College

2.8/5 - (5 votes)
  • Braamfontein, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria
  • Diploma in Computer-Based Graphic Development
  • 3 Years
  • www.rosebankcollege.co.za

Ruth Prowse School of Art

3.3/5 - (7 votes)

STADIO

2.6/5 - (5 votes)

Stellenbosch Academy of Design & Photography

3.5/5 - (8 votes)

Vega School of Brand Leadership

2.9/5 - (9 votes)
  • Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town
  • BA Graphic Design
  • 3 Years
  • www.vegaschool.com



Study Graphic Design at Universities

Nelson Mandela University

3.3/5 - (6 votes)
  • Gqeberha
  • BA Degree in Visual Arts: Graphic Design
  • 3 Years
  • 4th Year Honours Visual Arts: Graphic Design
  • www.mandela.ac.za

North West University

3.9/5 - (7 votes)

University of Johannesburg

2.9/5 - (10 votes)

University of Pretoria

3.3/5 - (9 votes)

University of Stellenbosch

3.7/5 - (8 votes)

Study Graphic Design at Universities of Technology

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

3.9/5 - (7 votes)
  • Cape Town
  • Diploma in Visual Communication Design
  • 3 Years
  • www.cput.ac.za

Central University of Technology

3.8/5 - (6 votes)
  • Bloemfontein
  • Diploma: Design and Studio Art
  • 3 Years
  • www.cut.ac.za

Durban University of Technology

3.9/5 - (8 votes)
  • Durban
  • Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Design
  • 3 Years
  • www.dut.ac.za

Tshwane University of Technology

3/5 - (4 votes)

Vaal University of Technology

3.5/5 - (4 votes)



Short Courses

Digital School of Marketing

2.5/5 - (2 votes)

GetSmarter

3.2/5 - (17 votes)

Keyline Graphics

  • Durban, Ballito and Johannesburg
  • Graphic Designs and Web Design
  • 3 Months
  • www.keyline.co.za

Pixel Craft

3.7/5 - (29 votes)

Red & Yellow

2.6/5 - (5 votes)

Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography

3/5 - (3 votes)
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380 Comments

  1. Hi,
    I live in a tiny town, far from cities.
    So I am wondering if there are any correspondence or oline graphic design courses.
    Or is there anything in Pietermaritzburg or Durban?
    Coco

    Reply

  2. Hi Erica,

    My younger brother wants to study Graphic Design, while searching for private institutions I saw that Style design College was reasonable in terms of prices. The problem is that I can’t seem to get through using the contact details provided on their website. Is it a legitimate institution? Please help!!

    Reply

  3. Brilliant blog. you are helping people on such a wide scale. I intend studying Graphic Design but with a definite intention of going into computer animation. Please advise me as to which is the best institute with regard to the above. Please, also, lay out a course of study for me to achieve my goal. Thank you very much.

    Reply

  4. Hey Erica!

    I am a student from Belgium. At the end of june 2014 i will finish my master of Interior Design. During this school year of 2012-2013, I am doing an exchange in Italy and taking a lot of Communication Design courses. Do you think it will be possible for me to do a Masters of Visual design in South-Africa? (e.g. with showing a portfolio)

    Reply

  5. Hello Erica, love what you’re doing with the blog. Please, i studied economics in the university but along the line, my urge for designs couldn’t be left behind. Now, i want to study Graphics design(Called Communication/Visual Design in some schools) as a postgraduate degree. Please, what do you suggest or which school in SA can you profer. I’m really confused at the moment, i reside in Nigeria

    I don’t understand what the grade 12 certificate is for?

    Reply

  6. Hi Erica,

    I am older than all your usual contacts. (64) I was a graphic designer when we did it all by hand and I was never able to make the conversion to computers. I would like to get back into graphics as the programs and hardware are all so attainable now, but I’m stumbling around looking at software programs on the internet and trying to learn how to use them. I suspect I should do a short course to give me a kick start. Do you have any suggestions? Course, software?

    Reply

    1. Hi Andre, thank you for your comment. For software you will need Adobe’s Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. You can do online courses for these at http://www.lynda.com or you can try teaching yourself with the Classroom in a Book series available through amazon.com or kalahari.com. If you would like to do a short course I would suggest you try http://www.getsmarter.co.za.

      Reply

  7. Hi Erica

    I can’t sketch/draw but i do a lot of communications work which sometime includes doing design and lay outs of newsletters and stuff. I studied a Diploma in Management Service and a certificate in PR now I’m looking for training or a short course in graphics lay out. Where would you suggest i go for this training

    Reply

  8. i just bought a vinyl cutter and wants to start a sign business where do i study graphic designing either in South Africa or Zimbabawe?

    Reply

  9. I am desperately trying to find some short courses for my son from Zimbabwe in graphic design both Corel and adobe and would also need accomodation on site or close by.
    I would also be happy to look at flying a person up here to do the course one on one

    Reply

  10. Erica I just want to thank you for this amazing blog. It is SO helpful. And you are so helpful to everyone just by reading the replies 🙂 from being completely clueless I at least have some pointers now 🙂

    Thanks so much 🙂 really appreciate this page.

    Reply

  11. Thnx for this blog i’ve bee goin around lookin for a design sku to attend. I wny to study Digital media design but i want to focus on web and application development. Im also a self taught graphic designer, i’ve a couple of small projects in my home country.

    Can u recomend me a good sku to study it. 🙂

    Reply

  12. Hi Erica

    Thank you so much for such an amazing and helpful blog. I am currently looking for a graphic designing course but i need your help. I checked with inscape and i find it interesting with their adobe visual design course for less than a year , what am not sure is that, are these short courses or at the end of the course am awarded with a recognized course.

    Reply

    1. Hi Carol. The Adobe Visual Design Course is a Certificate Course, and that’s why it’s only six months full time / one year part-time. Have a look at their three year Bachelor of Design degree or diploma here.

      Reply

  13. Hi Erica,

    I was wondering if you could shed some light on my situation:
    I am currently working full time in the I.T. industry (2 years) but not in the design aspects. I would like to study web / graphic design, but did not do my Matric. I did my GCSEs in 2007 with both I.T. and Art as subjects.
    I have requested information from many colleges advising me on how to enrol, but none so far have been of any help.
    Do you have any advice for me on how to get into a web / graphic design course and where?

    Thank you!

    Reply

  14. Hi there Erica,

    I would love to study illustration. A lot of graphic design collages offer illustration as a supplementary subject. The problem is, I don’t really want to study graphic design, I want to study illustration full time (preferably at a college and not an university). I dream of doing illustrations for storybooks, magazines etc.
    Do you know of any collage in Cape Town that focuses mostly on illustration. If there aren’t any in Cape Town, can you recommend me any other collages in South Africa? Once again, the collage has to focus on illustration and not so much graphic design.

    Your help would be much appreciated, thanks!
    Owen

    Reply

  15. Hi, I’m a matric student (2013) and am wanting to start a career in animation. While The Animation School is mind-blowingly awesome, you only leave off with a certificate and I’m looking for a more concrete qualification. I’ve started looking into a BA in Graphic Design and am wondering which tertiary institute is best to approach? So far I’ve narrowed it down to CTI (which I’ve noticed is not on the list?) and Open Window. Any advice or tips would be appreciated 🙂

    Reply

      2. Hi, I’m a graphic design student at CTI and none of the student advisors can tell me if the degree is recognized internationally. Please help? 🙂

        Reply

  16. Hi. Any one looking to get a quality four year degree in graphic design (also known as communication or information design) should definitely consider the University of Pretoria’s Ba Information Design degree.

    This course teaches you many skills in software such as photoshop and illustrator as well as great skills in design thinking, photography, illustration and animation. The degree is greatly respected in the design industry and recognised internationally.

    Reply

  17. Hello Erica, i’am thankful for this info that you put up, What i want to know if there is any university in SA that takes all the aspects of graphic designing? Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hi Ojo, all the Universities in South Africa listed above focus on all the aspects of Graphic Design – Branding, Advertising etc. If you are looking for more Animation, 3D, web, video etc, then rather look at the Departments of Multimedia. Hope that helps.

      Reply

  18. thank you for the list i am in botswana and i have been searching for months for an online course in graphics design plz help me i want do it online.

    Reply

  19. Greeting Erica
    I am based in Johannesburg and have been following your blog. Your guidance is key to many aspirant graphic designers in South Africa. Being a business person myself and currently doing a part time course in graphic design, I thought, with your permission I should bring your attention to another dynamic institution which is based in Braamfontein (www.artshubinstitute.co.za)and is run by a talented artist who has 20 years in education in this industry. The institution is MICTSETA accredited, situated in a very convenient and accessible location, offers full time and part time courses in Media and Graphic design, Animation, Photography, Motion Graphic, Advertising, Journalism and Web design. The institute also offers short courses in Acting for Film and TV, Radio and TV presenting.
    Program offering is very flexible and can suite many people either on full time or part time bases.
    The website is http://www.artshubinstitute.co.za, PLEASE RECOMMEND THIS WESITE TO YOUR CLIENTS

    Reply

  20. Hi! Thanks for all the info. I’m presently running a masters prog in architecture after obtaining my BSc in d same course but I love to also take a course in graphics design. Please I want to know how possible I can build up on my present course to pursue a career in graphics design and please suggest schools that offer scholarships in it. Thanks in anticipation.

    Reply

    1. Hi Akinkunmi, most courses will accept credits from other degrees, but you will have to check with the administration office before you apply. Sorry, but I don’t know which schools offer scholarships.

      Reply

  21. Hi Erica, I went and did some research on the SDC online courses and eventually came across this article: http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/pinetown-and-westville/pinetown-and-westville-news-general?oid=6663951&sn=Detail&pid=1171469&Style-Design-College-closes-its-doors . I’m a little bit concerned as I am interested in studying their online Graphics Design Diploma (I unfortunately can not study full-time). Do you think that because there have been issues with their Durban campus closing (and what it seems like a few unhappy students/parents claiming “fraud” in the comments section) that I would have any problems with their online courses at all?

    Reply

    1. Hi Nicola, sorry I’m only getting back to you now. I have tried to find out about SDC for you but have had no response. I will let you know as soon as I get an answer.

      Reply

      1. Hey Erica
        I would like to study graphic design but I dnt have matric used to be at a special school so do you think I can coup

        Reply

          1. Hi Erica. I have a Matric certificate I just don’t know what to do at the moment, just wana know what’s good between Graphic n Interior Designer since I’m still undecided.

  22. am doin visual art and design in Zimbabwe, so l nid help which place cn l apply jozi or capetown l also like graphics

    Reply

  23. Hi, Erica, I’m currently in grade 10 and I’m really interested in graphic designing… what subjects are required for graphic designing?

    Reply

  24. Hi Erica

    I am wanting to study web design and then at a later time web development and possibly graphic design. I am looking at buying an Adobe CS6 package and was wondering which package would be the best suited for web design and have the programs that I’ll need for web design? Would I need to get the standard, premium package or master packages?

    Thank you for your assistance.

    Reply

    1. Hi Jocelyn, for web design you will need Dreamweaver, so you can either get the Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design & Web Premium or the Master Collection. For graphic design you will need Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. Hope that helps!

      Reply

  26. Hie erica i am currently studying Fine and Commercial art(graphic design excluded)in Zimbabwe and am Zimbabwean,so is it possible for me to study Graphic Design in South African Colleges and how?

    Reply

  27. Hi, can you only study graphic design as a full time degree? Is there no where that does part time degrees? Want to study graphic design but have a full time job as well. Thanks

    Reply

  29. My son has done his 1st year graphic design course, but wants to now do animation. Can u please direct us (based on Jo’burg) Thanks

    Reply

  30. Hi Erica im interested in studying graphic designing i already complited my matric and did not pass with a university entry level so i was wondering if you can help me with finding the right college to go to, and is it necessary for me to be good in drawing

    Reply

    1. Hi Rea, thanks for your comment. Depending on your Matric subjects, you may be able to do a National Diploma in Graphic Design. Have a look at my post Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements. To be a Graphic Designer you need to have strong artistic abilities, good communication skills and have no problems getting to grips with new software systems. If this is you, then give Graphic Design a try.

      Reply

  31. Hi id like to study graphic design but i dont knw which university i can go to ,n which steps i can take can u please help

    Reply

  32. Hi,my bro is intrested in graphics n design, he aint sure if it will work out for him, his got his study permit n wanna enroll to any southafrican colleges that offer diploma courses in graphic n design, he’s good in artistic abilities as well as communication skills.
    Would you be of any help please !
    Reply via ma email .

    Reply

  33. Hi there. I currently stay in Durban and would like to study graphic design part time. I work from Monday to Sunday. Every alternate weekend I am off. Would it be possible to study? And at which institute would be the best?

    Reply

  34. great info….if you’re talking graphic design in africa, you should mention the zimbabwe institute of vigital arts (ZIVA). saki mafundikwa, a graphic designer, left his career in america to return back to his home town in zimbabwe to open its first design school. he’s an incredible visionary!

    Reply

  35. Hi Erica, I’m a first year student studying a BA in graphic design at a private institution and my subjects are drawing, illustration, commercial art, photography, art and design theory and research, business practice visual communication and graphic design. I was wondering is it possible to transfer to a university?

    Reply

    1. Hi Sihle, if the private institution where you are currently studying is accredited you should be able to get credits for the subjects you have passed. I would recommend you contact the University directly.

      Reply

  36. Hi Erica, I live in another country, and I was wondering when it would be best to apply? I’m currently schooling and I was also wondering if I needed to take any new courses or tests in order to qualify.

    Reply

  37. Hi Erica im still a student at vaal university im doing my second year as a lawyer but i wanted to automotive design i have my designs tht i have done since high school but thy ar hand sketch so do not know if who to contact to sell my designs

    Reply

  39. I studied at a private university in 2000 and graduated in 2002; Midrand Graduate Institute. I also completed a year’s certificate course in copywriting at AAA. I can highly recommend both institutions. I actually lecture at MGI now as a copywriter and history lecturer as well as teach design studio. We have main campus in Midrand and 11 remote campuses in the following areas:

    Bloemfontein
    Nelspruit
    Durban
    Durbanville
    Cape Town
    East London
    Randburg
    Bedfordview
    Pretoria
    Potchefstroom

    Soon to be added:
    Veltevreden
    Port Elizabeth

    Thank you for your blog. I’m assisting a student who cannot afford private fees anymore and you provided all the right answers for me to assist her!

    Reply

    1. My son want to study graphic design the problem is that he tried several time to write matric but he did not pass but he is so good on on this , can you advise

      Reply

  40. My daughter is thinking if studying at Vega Durban in 2015. Am unable to find any comments on the school. What are your thoughts?

    Reply

  41. Hi Erica, my cousin wants to do graphic design at a college in Joburg. Which one can you recommend. I have checked ArtshubInstitute’s website but it doesn’t give content of the course. Now I need a good reference for any college around Joburg.

    Reply

  42. Hi Erica. My son has just finished grade 9 in a school for learning impaired. He is already 19 in Jan 2014. His dream is to become a graphic designer fo a Co in England where they programme and design games. What do you think his chances are of succeeding? We are planning to for him to obtain his grade 10,11 and 12 first and then from there to college or where ever is needed. Do you have any other suggestions on his route to his dream job? Do you think he will make it? Is it possible for someone coming from this kind of school to has success in this field? What subjects does he need to take now at school level?

    Friendly Regards

    Reply

    1. Hi Karen, that is a difficult question. To succeed as a Graphic Designer, you need to be highly skilled and have an eye both for art and for details. For Game Design you need to have a good understanding of computers and computer software. I would recommend you contact the Open Window School of Visual Communication in Centurion. They will be more qualified to assist you. With regards to the required subjects, please see my post Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements.

      Reply

  43. Hi Erica, my daughter want to study a short course in graphic design. Do you know of any college on the east rand area pref. Thanks

    Reply

  44. Hey Erica,
    I am currently living in Australia but I am very interested in studying Graphic Design in South Africa, preferably in Durban. But I need a university or College with accommodation. So I was wondering if you could help point me in the right direction?

    Reply

    1. Hi Kendra, if you require campus accommodation, you should try the University of Stellenbosch, University of Pretoria or North West University.

      Reply

  45. Hi Erica, my nephew is interested in studying graphic design and will apply in 2015. However, for this year he would like to do a bridging or short course instead. Do you know of any institutions in Durban or Pretoria which offer such courses. I have tried Damelin, but they say the course is through correspondence. Is there an institution which offers lectures or classes instead?

    Reply

  46. Hi I’m not sure what to study..a friend advised me ro study graphic design but I know nothing about it.what is it all about. Where will I work? Doing what?

    Reply

  47. Hi Erica! First off: a huge thumbs up on your blog! I am currently in matric(2014) and I am very interested in studying graphics design. I’ve had a look at most of the suggestions you’ve listed but I see that they dont all offer graphics design degrees; for example the University of Stellenbosch offers a visual arts degree. Would other qualifications besides a BA Graphics Design still be a good option in pursuing a graphics design career? Considering some courses dont teach the use of photoshop or other design software used? What would your prefrences be to study graphics design? Much appreciated, Donna x

    Reply

  48. Hi Erica, I wanted to ask, is it a must for a graphic designer to know how to draw physically? Thing is I love the profession but my drawing skills aren’t good at all, so will it be difficult for me in the long run or?…

    Reply

  49. Hi Erika, I’m currently in the process of registering as a graphic design student at CTU. Please advise if their qualifications are certified. Thanks

    Reply

  50. Hi there…
    Please could you kindly recommend a great short course in Jozi where I could learn to design wedding stationery. 🙂

    Reply

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