For many prospective students, choosing what to study is exciting. Choosing where to study is important. But one of the most overlooked decisions happens even earlier: understanding how you are going to fund your education.
Every year, thousands of talented young South Africans delay or abandon their dream careers because they assume higher education is financially out of reach. In reality, many opportunities are missed not because funding doesn't exist, but because students begin looking too late.
The students who are most successful in securing financial support often have one thing in common, they start planning early.
Whether you're pursuing filmmaking, live performance, creative writing, business innovation, content creation or design, funding should never be treated as an afterthought.
Just as you would prepare an academic application, researching bursaries, student loans, scholarships and payment options should form part of your preparation for tertiary study.
Many funding providers have strict application windows, academic requirements and supporting documentation that need to be submitted months before classes begin. Waiting until you've been accepted can mean missing valuable opportunities. AFDA encourages prospective students to explore every available funding avenue as early as possible and to understand the timelines involved.
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding tertiary education is that there is only one way to finance it.
Today's students have access to a growing range of possibilities, including:
Understanding these options allows students and families to make informed decisions rather than emotional ones.
The earlier these conversations begin, the more choices become available.
An Open Day isn't simply about choosing a qualification. It's about understanding the complete journey.
Speaking directly with admissions staff and funding advisors allows prospective students and parents to ask practical questions such as:
Having these conversations early reduces uncertainty and helps families build realistic plans for the future.
South Africa's creative economy continues to grow across film, television, streaming, advertising, gaming, music, digital content, live performance and entrepreneurship. These industries need skilled creators, innovators and business leaders.
An education is not simply a cost, it's an investment in the knowledge, networks, professional experience and entrepreneurial mindset that can shape an entire career.
Preparing financially is part of preparing professionally.
Afda believes every prospective student deserves access to clear, practical information about funding and study pathways.
If you're considering joining Afda in 2027, attending Open Day is one of the best opportunities to learn about qualifications, admissions, funding guidance and the application process, all in one place. Visitors can meet academic staff, tour industry-standard facilities, explore career opportunities and ask questions about the funding landscape before applications close
Saturday, 22 August
10am - 1pm
All Afda campuses nationwide
Discover why the next generation of filmmakers, performers, business innovators, content creators and creative entrepreneurs choose Afda to launch their careers.
Visit Afda in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha or Hatfield and take the first step towards planning not only your education, but your future.
Reserve your free ticket via Quicket https://www.quicket.co.za/events/388311-afda-open-day/#/ and start your journey towards creating, building, owning and leading in Africa's creative economy.
