Friends of Design Bursaries South Africa 2025

Friends of Design – Academy of Digital Arts, established in 2006, is a renowned institution recognized and accredited by the Department of Higher Education.

They offer a variety of programs catering to diverse learning needs.

Their commitment extends beyond education; they actively support skills development within the creative sector and provide valuable study opportunities for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

About Friends of Design Bursaries

Friends of Design Bursaries aim to empower deserving students with a genuine passion for digital arts.

This bursary program targets South African matric graduates seeking a certificate qualification in a design-focused field.

The bursary covers the full tuition fees (currently valued at R76,800) for one of the three SAQA-approved, HEQSF-aligned Higher Certificate courses offered by Friends of Design:

  1. Game Graphics and Multimedia Entertainment
  2. Print Design and Publishing
  3. Web Publishing and Interactive Media

For a more in-depth look at these programs, visit the Friends of Design website.

Friends of Design Bursaries Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure you meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. South African Citizen
  2. Completed Matric
  3. Demonstrable passion for a career in digital arts
  4. Intention to study one of the aforementioned Higher Certificate courses at Friends of Design
  5. Preference is given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds (although not mandatory)

Friends of Design Bursaries Application Requirements

If you meet the eligibility criteria, the application process is straightforward.

This is what you need to do:

  1. Contact Friends of Design:
    • Email info@friendsofdesign.net to request an application form.
    • Ensure your email subject line clearly states: “Friends of Design Bursary – Your Full Name”
  2. Prepare supporting documentation:
    • Include certified copies of your ID document and Matric certificate.
    • Craft a compelling covering letter outlining your passion for digital arts and reasons for applying for the bursary.
    • Showcase your talent through a portfolio of your previous creative work (digital format preferred).

Submitting all the required documentation is crucial for your application to be considered.

Incomplete submissions will be disregarded.

How to Apply

The Friends of Design bursary program operates on a rolling admissions basis.

This means applications are accepted throughout the year, and there is no one deadline to submit your application.

How to Contact

For any inquiries related to the Friends of Design Bursaries, feel free to contact the institution directly:

  1. Telephone: 021 300 0298
  2. Email: info@friendsofdesign.net

I recommend that you reach out to Friends of Design if you have any questions or require further clarification about the bursary program or the application process.