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
- Cape Town and Johannesburg
- BA in Creative Brand Communication
- 3 Years
- www.aaaschool.co.za
Boston Media House
- Countrywide
- Diploma in Media Practices
- 3 Years
- 4th Year Specialising in Graphic Design
- www.bostonmediahouse.ac.za
Creative Academy
- Woodstock, Cape Town
- BA Visual Communication Design
- 2 Years
- www.creativeacademy.ac.za
CityVarsity
- Cape Town and Braamfontein
- Diploma in Multimedia Design and Production
- 3 Years
- www.cityvarsity.co.za
CTU Training Solutions
- See Website for locations
- Diploma: Visual Communication
- 3 Years (Full Time or Part Time)
- www.ctutraining.ac.za
Eduvos
- 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
- East London
- Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design
- 1 year (Full Time)
- www.elmi.co.za
Friends of Design Academy of Digital Arts
- Cape Town
- Higher Certificate Graphic Design
- 1 year (Full Time)
- www.ada.ac.za
Greenside Design Center
- Greenside, Johannesburg
- BA Degree in Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- www.designcenter.co.za
Inscape Design College
- Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town
- Graphic Design Diploma or Degree
- 3 Years
- www.inscape.ac
Oakfields College
- 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
- Irene, Gauteng
- BA Visual Communication Design
- 3 Years
- 4th Year Honours Visual Communication
- www.openwindow.co.za
Red and Yellow
- Cape Town
- BA Visual Communication
- 3 Years
- www.redandyellow.co.za
Rosebank College
- Braamfontein, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria
- Diploma in Computer-Based Graphic Development
- 3 Years
- www.rosebankcollege.co.za
Ruth Prowse School of Art
- Cape Town
- Diploma in Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- www.ruthprowse.co.za
STADIO
- Bellville, Cape Town
- BA Visual Communication Design
- 3 Years
- www.stadio.ac.za
Stellenbosch Academy of Design & Photography
- Stellenbosch
- BA Visual Communication
- 3 Years
- 4th Year Honours Visual Communication
- www.stellenboschacademy.co.za
Vega School of Brand Leadership
- Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town
- BA Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- www.vegaschool.com
Study Graphic Design at Universities
Nelson Mandela University
- Gqeberha
- BA Degree in Visual Arts: Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- 4th Year Honours Visual Arts: Graphic Design
- www.mandela.ac.za
North West University
- Potchefstroom
- Degree in Graphic Design
- 4 Years
- www.puk.ac.za
University of Johannesburg
- Johannesburg
- BA Communication Design
- www.uj.ac.za
University of Pretoria
- Pretoria
- BA Information Design
- 4 Years
- www.up.ac.za
University of Stellenbosch
- Stellenbosch
- BA Visual Arts
- www.sun.ac.za
Study Graphic Design at Universities of Technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Cape Town
- Diploma in Visual Communication Design
- 3 Years
- www.cput.ac.za
Central University of Technology
- Bloemfontein
- Diploma: Design and Studio Art
- 3 Years
- www.cut.ac.za
Durban University of Technology
- Durban
- Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Design
- 3 Years
- www.dut.ac.za
Tshwane University of Technology
- Pretoria
- National Diploma Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- www.tut.ac.za
Vaal University of Technology
- Vanderbijlpark
- Diploma Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- www.vut.ac.za
Short Courses
Digital School of Marketing
- Online
- Various Graphic Design Courses Offered
- 3 – 8 Months
- www.digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za
GetSmarter
- Online
- UCT Graphic Design Online Short Course
- 10 weeks
- www.getsmarter.co.za
Keyline Graphics
- Durban, Ballito and Johannesburg
- Graphic Designs and Web Design
- 3 Months
- www.keyline.co.za
Pixel Craft
- Berea, Durban
- Graphic Design Course
- 12 Weeks
- www.pixelcrafttraining.co.za
Red & Yellow
- Online
- Graphic Design Course
- 14 Weeks
- www.redandyellow.co.za
Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography
- Online
- Digital Design
- 3 Weeks
- www.stellenboschacademy.co.za
Hi Erica
My daughter has graduated with a degree in Education from CPUT.She now wants to do a graphic design course but not for 3 years.UCT is offering a short course.Is that advisable and what can you do with it in her situation?
Hi Gameda, sorry but a short course won’t be enough to get a permanent job in Graphic Design. Your daughter should at least do a one year course, have a look at friends of design.
Hello Erica
Im in a dilemma here, Im considering the e-learning option of Style Design college, it all sounds wonderful, only problem is How do i know for sure if it’s accredited by South africa? I found an article where their Accredited status was stripped a few years ago. This is what their site says :
Accreditation is an ongoing process as colleges such as SDC strive to improve and add new programs to meet the needs of industry. SDC enjoys accreditations and affiliations with the following bodies below. South African applicants are required to contact these bodies for information on the program accreditation status before applying.
How am i supposed to contact the SA bodies to verify? I’d really appreciate any help you can offer
Hi Danny, sorry I am only getting back to you now. Unfortunately I don’t know much about Style Design College, but to find out if they are accredited have a look at the Council on Higher Education website.
Hi Danny
Qualification and site accreditation or in this case re-accreditation is ongoing (Annual). I concur with Erica with regards to verifying accreditation status at Council on Higher Education. Remember that international accreditation is also an important consideration.
My name is Malcolm I’m 38 years old and would love to get into graphic design. Am I too old and how do I go about doing it. I did a course in 1995-1997 did not pursue it as I went into something else .I am currently residing in Gauteng and I am unemployed.(Where can I get an internhip)
Hi Malcolm, if you already have a diploma in graphic design, I would recommend doing a refresher course in the Adobe suite. For online courses see my post Where to Study Design Online? or try online video tutorials & training at http://www.lynda.com. You then need to update your portfolio in print and online. You can set up a free portfolio at Behance or wordpress.com. Lastly, sign up to bizcommunity.com and add your CV. Best of luck!
Hi Erica,
I am currently residing in JHB. I have experience and a diploma in photography, but when applying for jobs most need graphics experience as well. I would like to do a course in graphic design and was wondering where are good colleges in JHB?
Hi, I want to does a graphic designing course. I have a full time job staying in Mpumalanga. I did a short course for 3 months. but I am still struggling with coral draw. I do all my designs in Adobe photoshop. I want to upgrade myself. I don’t mind going to joburg everyweekend. I need weekend classes. pls help.
Hi Erica,do youby any chance know if the cityvarsity campus is any good?
I have a question ,do you have a one year course for Graphi Design, how much the deposit, how much all in all?, how do you pay. I want to start by January 2015.
Hi..
My name is caroline. Am 18.from Kenya…
am kindly requesting if you know any best graphic design colleges.
and their requirements to enter the school as well..
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE..
Hi Erica
I want to study graphic design but unfortunately I cannot do a full 3 year program, Please advise on where I could go and inquire, that will not cost me fortune. What I was thinking is doing all the adobe creative suite courses and apply for an internship, will that be enough to apply and get a proper internship? Alicia
Hi Erica
I would like to know how an organisation (vega) could be included in the ranking system which you have in place?
I look forward to your response.
kind regards
Grant Kauffman
Hi Grant, so sorry I am only getting back to you now. The ranking system was faulty, but I have corrected it now.
Hello. Do I need an art portfolio for graphic design? I’m getting mixed answers from a lot of universities. I’ve taken Chemistry, English Lang, maths and computer studies in AS.
Hi Muneeza, thanks for your comment. Each university will specify their own portfolio requirements. Exact briefs of portfolios and entrance assessments will be forwarded to you if your application has met the University’s minimum admission requirements.
Hey erica
I would love to go to the other schools for graphic design but finances are not on my side is rosebank college any good ???
1) graphic design is by no means cheap. You will need to meet requirements. Average cost for said course is around R17k to R20k. 2) get a job; study part time. That could help you pay off your fees over the viable period. Otherwise, get someone to loan you money for the course, or, if possible, get a scholarship. Nuff said.
Hi Erica my name is aviwe i want to know when should i apply if i ddnt apply for graphic design this january?
dear aviwe,
Its a simple case of go-back-to-the-institution-of-choice-and-ask-for-their-future-dates-of-admission. A simple phone call or a quick visit to their web site should suffice.
Hi am Ndumiso am 18 years From Durban in South Africa. I want to study the Graphic Design and I’m lost I don’t know where to study Graphic Design. The Graphic Design school that I know they don’t do “games” which is what i want to study i don’t Mind full time or part time if I’m studding what i want.
pixelcrafttraining is a good place, i guess. Be careful not to underestimate an institute’s degree of relevance when considering their influence in helping you towards your goal. Graphic design is a simple term with far-reaching capabilities.
Hi I’m interested in the Style Design college graphic design course , I was wondering if you have had any reviews from others about the college , I have emailed them to ask about the accreditation and they say they are not accredited in South Africa as they are an international college. Does that mean that I should do a National degree instead of a international one. Really like that its all online, as I work Fulltime and would still like to get a degree.
Thanks you for your time
i always say; the simplest choice sometimes is the best. Erica did a great job of curating some of the best places to study.
http://www.ericadesigns.co.za/where-to-study-graphic-design-in-south-africa/
Hi,what’s the best places to study graphic design in durban?
not a hard question to get answered. Google ‘graphic design courses durban’. Voila
Hi am 16 years old and am in grade 11 and i want to become a graphic design so my problem is that i dont know that which course should i study for to become a graphic design
Hi Langavi, you need to study a diploma or degree in graphic design to become a graphic designer. For more information please see Study Graphic Design: Universities vs Independent Design Schools and Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements.
Hi, thanks for the post. Aside from a two week professional design course at a university, I am a largely self-taught editorial designer (with over 10 years layout (quark/indesign/basic photoshop and ilustrator) experience. I am looking to hone my skills in this area and in art direction but work commitments mean I can’t afford a year of study time. Any suggestions? Much appreciated.
Hi Erika, many thanks for your useful service. My nephew wants to do design (animation) after matric, he is currently in level 1 (grade 9). We are looking for a good art school where he can do visual art/design, do you know of any except mainstream high schools that offer these subjects?
hi.yes I wanna study graphic designing but at moment I m still weighing my option.
Hi Erica
I initially went to study GD after school at PUK. For some reason I changed my mind and went a different route. Now we are running a small construction business, and starting a commercial crocodile farm, but I still feel I want to make GD a part of my career as well. Where can I study in a distance learning situation?
I am in Matric this year. I would like to know about you bursaries for 2016.
Where can I look for a person that will show me the ropes , so that I can be absolutely sure that this is what I should
do!
Hi ive just completed a short course graphic and web design. now the institute i was at never even mentioned\assisted me in compiling a portfolio.im currently thinking of pursuing my path in graphics(improving my studies) and im self learing adobe but now a friend advises that i should move into the animation path but im
not so sure about that..help do you think its a good idea
Im stressing about my subjects…im gr 11 now and really want to be a graphic designer…my subjects are CAT…EGD…dasign and math lit….are these subjects right??
Hi Carien, thanks for your comment. Have a look at my post Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements.
Hi Erica.
I could not get into UP as I only have a 26 and not a 30 APS score although I have a degree pass. I am currently in matric. Should I take a gap year and try aim to get into UP for Information design or is there somewhere else that offers Information design thats just as good. I live in Newcastle so closer to home would be good.
Hi Megan, if you can get into UP, that would be ideal. For more on admission requirements, see my post Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements. Best of luck!
Hi Erica.
I am a young student, currently in grade 10, trying to figure out the different subjects needed for Graphic Designing. I do the subjects Physical Sciences, Visual Art and Geography. This term I received the percentage of 49 for Physics which I was very disappointed with, so I thought of the decision of changing the subject Physics to Business Studies. Will this have any effect on the career choice I am trying to do? What are the compulsory & recommended subjects needed for Graphic Designing?
Pleas contact back me so that I’ll have answers to these questions and so that I’ll make a more cleverer decision, for I don’t want to mishandle my future.
Hi Esie, thanks for your comment. For admission requirements, please see my post Study Graphic Design: Admission Requirements.
Hi Erica
I need basic graphic design understanding and application, I’m in my mid-40’s and would like to do a short course either full-time or part time. I’m computer literate
I’m in KZN, I have a home based embroidery, screen printing and other related printing business, to be brutally honest, I outsource most of the business as I’m unable to do what some customers want, the demand is growing and I need to shape up as well. I have some basic self-taught understanding of Corel Draw, very basic. I have studied material from UCT (GetSmarter: Graphic Design Short Course) and Pixel Craft (12 Week Graphic Design Course) in Durban, both courses that I think are relevant start in May 2015. Firstly, (1) is what is offered by these institutions relevant to my business and secondly, (2) if what they offer is relevant, which one do you recommend most? Please help!
Hi Du, both will give you a good basic understanding of graphic design, but I do like the fact the Pixel Craft includes Photoshop and InDesign as well!
good day
Can you study part time for a diploma or degree?
What would be an average price of these courses more or less?
Unfortunately there are no recognised part time degrees or diplomas available in South Africa for Graphic Design. See my post Study Graphic Design: Universities vs Independent Design Schools for prices.
Hi Erica
I was wondering is it possible at all to study graphic design without being able to draw? I have always wanted to draw and enjoy being creative but havent had the opportunity to pursue it before. I am in a fortunate position to pursue my interests, can you give me advice on how to go about?
do I need to do a short course on how to draw before enrolling for graphic design?
Hi Mandy – drawing is not a requirement for graphic design, but you do need to be creative. If your application has met the school’s minimum admission requirements, they will forward you exact briefs of portfolios and entrance assessments. To ensure that your portfolio stands out from the rest, I would recommend doing a drawing course first. Best of luck.
Hi my name is Promise Alalibo and am interested on the part of studying how to make movie, really i don’t know what they call it as a course but i think scrip writing. if there is any way that i can get connection to study in south Africa….. please Facebook is Promise Alalibo. Thanks! Plsssss
Hello
I’m coming from an outside country to study graphic design in Pretoria, SA. I’ve been surfing from site to site in order to find out what could be the best school or university to study graphic design. After all this investigation I found out 3 schools that seemed great for what I want to pursue as a full-time career; University of Pretoria, Open Window School of Visual Communication, and DSSA. In your most honest opinion and for being someone that have been in this field for quite long time, which of this school have the best graphic design program and where would you recommend me to go and have a degree BA in Graphic Design? Please help! I’m very undecided about it!
Hi,
I have a BTech in Marketing (CPUT). Now I have an interest of doing graphic design for a duration of 6 to 12 months. I wont mind doing presentations or assignments but seating for an exam will be a bit problem. just want to know which institution can cater for me .
…one more thing I cant draw, and don’t have portfolio just a passion for graphic design and web development.
Hi, I did my Diploma & B-Tech in Jewellery design an manufacture at UJ. For the last 3 years I’ve been work at a jewellery company as jeweller but mainly as a CAD designer. I want/need to expand my abilities and/or qualifications , very interested in graphic design. I’m looking for something recognised, that also covers photoshop and illustrator (comprehensively). What do you recommend?
Hi. I’m from iran. . I have a question. What is the difference between bachelor of design and bachelor of arts?
Hi Sepideh, thank you for your comment all the way from Iran! In South Africa a Bachelor of Arts is a three year programme studied on a full-time basis and includes the study of humanities, social and cultural studies, languages and music. You might be thinking of a Bachelor of Fine Arts, which is different in that it covers painting, drawing, sculpture etc. A Bachelor of Design focuses on the study of Graphic Design or Visual Communication. This includes Advertising, Illustration, Packaging, Typography and Brand Identity (see my post Aspects of Graphic Design). Hope that helps!
Hi
My son wants to study graphic design he has a choice between a 3 year diploma or a 3 year degree – he is very creative but struggles with theory – which is better diploma or degree?
Hi Karen, both the diploma and degree courses focus on the practical side of design, but the degree will mostly take four years to complete. For more info, please see my post Study Graphic Design: Universities vs Independent Design Schools.
Hi,
I’m considering studying at Inscape college I don’t know whether it’s a good choice in currently in grade 11 and I actually want to be an art director of some Sorts to bring in a subtle salary (because my parents don’t believe in graphic designing as being a credible profession) between open window and Inscape which should I pick? Price is not a problem at all
I want to study graphic design to eventually become an art director for a magazine/fashion brand/publisher. please guide me as to what to study
Hi Erica,
Great website! I had a prospective student visiting our Open Day in Somerset West this past weekend, and she told me about it.
Oakfields College is opening up a campus in Somerset West and we are busy enrolling for our 2016 intake. Our contact details are 021-8500383 if you would be kind enough to list it with our other branches’ info. Feel free to pop in for a visit in the New Year if you are ever in our area. Our campus is stunning and we hope to inspire creativity in an amazing setting.
Thanks so much!
Ursula Vlismas, Principal,
Oakfields College, Somerset West
Hi
I was wondering if maybe you could help me with my decision on where to study. I’m battling to choose where to study Graphic Design. For me its between Vega School or Open Window, but I’m not sure, could you maybe guide me since you know more about the field.
Hi Charne, it’s a personal preference, what did you decide?
Hi Erica,
Currently, I am a production assistant/visual services officer where I work. But I’d like to do a course in motion graphics to broaden my knowledge. What kind of course would best suit my need and Which is the best school for me in South Africa as a beginner?
Hi Kenechi, have a look at openwindow.co.za, they have a short course in motion graphics. Otherwise, try inscape.ac.za
Hi
I need some advice/direction please:
My son did Visual Arts at school (grade 12 level) and has been registered for the Graphic Design course at CPUT cape town, but has been placed on a waiting list. However, he has been provisionally accepted for his 2nd choice, which is IT. But his heart is set on his first choice. If he does not get acceptance at CPUT, what would you recommend would be his best option/ route to follow as he is very talented and creative and I would not want him to feel despondent because of non-acceptance.
Kind regards
Abraham (dad)
Hi Abraham, I hope your son has heard if he has been accepted at CPUT? If not, there are many independent schools which offer Graphic Design in Cape Town.
Hi Erica. Due to limited finances I’m considering a year course through open window. Will I get a job with that as it’s not a degree or diploma?
Hi Jamie, if you want to be a Graphic Designer, I would recommend rather doing a diploma or degree. Graphic design is such a competitive field that even with a diploma you can battle to find a job.
Hi Erica I’ll be doing my third year in computer based graphic development at Rosebank College this year. I would have liked to study for a degree but my qualification did not meet minimum admission requirements for a degree.
I want to study further, hopefully get my honors and masters one day. I was just wondering would I have to spend another 3 years studying for a degree in graphic design before getting my honors and master? Do you have any suggestions that will allow me to get where I want to be without spending so many years at school?
Hi
i’m doing grade 12 this year and i’ll like to be a Graphic designer but my school subjects are; Mathematics, Physics , life sciences and agricultural sciences. Being a graphic designer which subjects are required and levels of subjects??
Hey Erica! I’m a first year BA graphic design student and would like transfer to an e-learning institution. I was just wondering if my degree would be recognized and if I would have trouble getting a job if I get an international degree as opposed to a national one?
Hi Erica, do you know where I can study for Interaction design (UX Design) , but where I still can get an degree in it? Please help me… I`ve been looking forever and I`m struggling !
Hi
I completed Matric in 2014. I have a distinction for Design subject. I wanted to study Design subject but most of universities and colleges have specific courses such as Graphic Design, Interior Design, etc. I cannot choose one of them. I would like to study Diploma/Bachelor of Design as general. I noticed that Australia (University of South New Wales) has this subject for 4 years course. I wonder if South Africa have it. If you know this kind of course. Please assist and suggest what should I do.
Thanks.
I’ve finished my matric last year & im keen in studying graphic design at tut but I don’t have a design portfolio what should I do if I ain’t studied GD before.?
Hi Erica
I’m very good at drawing and I’m thinking of applying at TUT for graphic design course but the problem is that they need a portfolio when applying for graphic design and I don’t know what to put inside the portfolio. should I include like my favorite pictures of artist that I have drawn??