AFDA is a private higher education institution which offers higher certificate and degree programmes that are registered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Our programmes are accredited and we participate productively in the ongoing reaccreditation and quality assurance processes of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) to ensure the quality of our programmes. The DHET certificate number for AFDA is 2001/HE07/012.

From its early beginnings in 1994, AFDA has become one of the leading institutions of its kind in the world today. It has produced some of top film makers and actors in Africa and had made significant contributions towards developing sustainable entertainment industries.

AFDA offers a unique higher education environment where outcomes-based and collaborative learning empowers students with competitive, professional and innovative skills. Be part of a network of highly talented artists, entrepreneurs and practitioners using their ideas to grow the creative economy and change the world.

AFDA offers students studying abroad a unique, affordable and educational opportunity to discover Southern Africa and its diverse population, world-renowned heritage sites, cosmopolitan cities and specialist Higher Education in the creative economy. AFDA International students currently comprise approximately 10% of the total student population and students from all around South Africa. International students enjoy the benefits of malaria-free campus locations, world-class facilities, Southern Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife, and favourable exchange rates as well as our historical sites and experiences.

Our campuses range in size from about 600+ students at Cape Town Campus, 200+ at Durban Campus, 200 + at Gqeberha Campus and about 1100+ enrolled at Johannesburg Campus. The majority of international students enrol at Cape Town Campus but each campus offers a unique setting and location.

IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS
The South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of residence issues a study visa so that you may study abroad in South Africa. If there is no representative, prospective students must apply to the nearest South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission. It is imperative that applicants await the outcome of the visa prior to entering South Africa. Applications can take 6-8 weeks and it is therefore advisable that students apply as soon as possible once accepted/ registered.
During August 2014, Home Affairs contracted VFS Global to handle visa applications on their behalf within South Africa. This would affect all international students currently on study permits wishing to RENEW their permits to continue their studies the following year (meaning students in the country at the moment). This process normally takes
STUDY PERMITS (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS)
• An official letter from the university confirming provisional acceptance and the duration of the course. Some Embassies require a final acceptance which will only be issued with payment of registration, (if applicable) and submission of SAQA documentation.
• Medical and radiological reports (less than six months old).
• A police clearance certificate (less than six months old).
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if relevant.
• Relevant certificate if married, widowed, divorced or separated. • Proof of health insurance cover recognised in South Africa.
• Details regarding confirmed accommodation in South Africa.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, maintenance, accommodation and incidental costs.
• A deposit (a cash amount not exceeding the cost of a single ticket to the applicant’s country of origin). – check with your Embassy on this requirement since not valid for all countries.
(Documents must be certified copies).
More information on Study Permits.
2 months even though they advertise 4 weeks and incurs additional costs. For existing students, visas must be renewed 60 days prior
to expiry. A person who overstays the validity of their visa (any visa) could be deported and not permitted to re-enter for 5 years. Applicants must submit police clearance certificates as part of the study permit application. In some instances, this can take a few weeks to acquire.
Further information on VFS
Degree seeking, semester abroad and exchange students should apply for a study permit to study for longer than three months in South Africa. (Foreign Representation Abroad) Please note that International Student Study Permit Holders may work for 20 hours per week during academic terms.