For more than 30 years, Afda has remained at the forefront of creative education, continuously evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing creative economy. As Africa's leading school for the creative economy, Afda has built its reputation on anticipating industry shifts, embracing new technologies and developing graduates who don't simply follow trends, they create them.
As applications for 2027 are open, Afda enters another exciting phase of growth with the launch of the Bachelor of Fine Arts & Design (BFAD), the successful opening of the new Afda Hatfield Campus, and the continued expansion of future-focused learning through innovative short courses such as the Vertical Micro-Drama Storytelling Short Course. Together, these initiatives reinforce Afda's commitment to preparing graduates for careers in a rapidly evolving creative landscape.
Introducing the Bachelor of Fine Arts & Design
Launching in 2027 at the Johannesburg and Cape Town campuses, the Bachelor of Fine Arts & Design (BFAD) has been developed for a new generation of artists, designers, makers and innovators who move seamlessly between traditional creative practice and emerging technologies.
The qualification recognises that today's creatives are no longer confined to a single discipline. They sketch ideas, design immersive experiences, create physical and digital installations, develop prototypes, explore artificial intelligence, and collaborate across industries to solve complex challenges.
At Afda, creativity has always been viewed as more than artistic expression. It is a driver of innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership. The Bachelor of Fine Arts & Design reflects this philosophy by empowering students to transform original ideas into sustainable careers through intellectual property creation, commercial thinking and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Students will explore drawing, painting, photography, fabrication and design while engaging with emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, digital fabrication, immersive media, extended reality (XR), interactive design and creative prototyping. Through project-led learning and industry collaboration, graduates will develop portfolios that are artistically ambitious, technologically advanced and globally relevant.
A creative ecosystem unlike any other
What makes Afda's Bachelor of Fine Arts & Design unique is its production-based learning environment.
Rather than studying in isolation, Bachelor of Fine Arts & Design students become part of an interdisciplinary creative ecosystem where they collaborate with filmmakers, performers, writers, entrepreneurs, business innovators and fellow designers on real productions and creative projects.
Students have access to state-of-the-art production resources, traditional fine art studios, AI-powered creative software, digital fabrication technologies, VR and AR equipment, photography facilities and emerging creative technologies. This environment enables them to develop installation art, production design, functional art, immersive experiences and commercially viable creative projects while building portfolios that reflect the realities of today's creative industries.
Supported by practising artists, designers and industry professionals, students graduate with the skills, networks and entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in the global creative economy.
Afda Hatfield: Expanding access to creative excellence
AFDA's continued growth is also reflected in the opening of its fifth national campus in Hatfield, Tshwane.
Officially launched in 2026, the new campus brings Afda's internationally recognised creative education model to one of South Africa's fastest-growing academic hubs. Located in the heart of Hatfield, the campus offers students easy access to Gauteng's creative industries while extending opportunities to aspiring creatives from Pretoria, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
The Hatfield campus embodies Afda's collaborative approach to education, where creativity, innovation and industry engagement converge to prepare students for meaningful careers across film, television, performance, writing, business and the creative industries.
Preparing creators for the digital storytelling revolution
Afda's commitment to innovation extends beyond degree programmes.
Recognising the explosive growth of mobile-first content and the global creator economy, Afda recently introduced its Vertical Micro-Drama Storytelling Short Course, a four-week hybrid programme that teaches aspiring creators how to conceptualise, produce and distribute compelling vertical stories for today's digital audiences.
The course combines online learning with on-campus production, introducing students to story development, smartphone filmmaking, directing, editing and platform-native storytelling. Designed for aspiring filmmakers, performers, content creators, entrepreneurs and gap-year students, it reflects Afda's ongoing commitment to ensuring graduates remain at the forefront of emerging industry trends.
Building the next generation of creative leaders
The launch of the Bachelor of Fine Arts & Design, the expansion of Afda's national campus network and the introduction of future-focused short courses are all part of a broader vision: preparing graduates not simply for today's creative industries, but for those that are still emerging.
As artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, digital platforms and entrepreneurial thinking continue to reshape the creative landscape, Afda remains committed to developing graduates who can adapt, innovate and lead.
Whether creating award-winning films, launching creative businesses, designing immersive experiences, producing mobile-first content or building the next generation of cultural enterprises, Afda graduates are equipped with the skills, confidence and collaborative mindset to make a lasting impact.
The future of the creative economy belongs to creators who embrace change, think across disciplines and transform ideas into opportunities.
With the launch of the Bachelor of Fine Arts & Design in 2027, the continued success of the Hatfield campus and an expanding portfolio of innovative programmes, Afda is once again leading the way.
Create. Build. Own. Lead.
Your future starts here.
