Why Open Day matters

Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions a young creative will make. Prospectuses, websites and social media can tell you what an institution offers, but nothing replaces experiencing it for yourself.

That is why Afda Open Day on Saturday, 10 October 2026 matters.

For prospective students and their families, this Open Day is about more than choosing a qualification. It is about discovering who you could become, what opportunities are available to you, how you can fund your studies and how you can start planning your creative future.

Who is BFAD for?

Afda’s new bachelor of fine arts and design (BFAD) is designed for a new generation of artists, designers, makers, creative entrepreneurs and innovators who want to combine traditional artistic practice with the technologies shaping tomorrow’s creative industries.

Launching in 2027 at Afda Johannesburg and Cape Town, the three-year degree brings together disciplines including drawing, painting, photography, fabrication, design and installation, alongside digital fabrication, immersive media, AI, extended reality, interactive design and creative prototyping.

It is for creatives who don't want to choose between art and technology but want to explore where the two meet.

Why Afda?

At Afda, creativity is experienced through collaboration, production, real projects and industry engagement.

Open Day gives prospective students and their families the opportunity to meet lecturers and current students, explore Afda's facilities, experience the campus environment and ask the questions that matter before making a study decision.

It is also an opportunity to discover Afda's broader creative ecosystem, from film and television to live performance, creative writing, business innovation and the new BFAD. Afda's project-based approach is designed to develop industry leaders, not just graduates.

What can I become?

A creative career no longer has to fit neatly into a single job title.

With BFAD, your future could take you into fine art, design, digital creation, immersive experiences, installation, creative technology, entrepreneurship, content creation, brand development or intellectual-property creation.

Afda's wider programmes can lead into careers across film, television, performance, writing, business, media and the broader creative economy.

The question is no longer simply “What can I study?”, it is, “What can I create, build and become?”

Why should I apply?

Because the creative economy is changing and the opportunities are expanding with it.

Afda is expanding access to creative education and the future creative economy.

BFAD reflects this shift by giving emerging creatives the opportunity to develop their artistic practice while learning to work with technologies, ideas and creative platforms that are reshaping the industry.

Open Day allows students to experience that environment before making their decision and to start planning for 2027 now.

What financial options are available?

For many families, the question isn't simply “What do I want to study?” but “How will I fund it?”

That conversation needs to start early.

Afda provides information on bursary opportunities and study-loan options, with its funding resources listing opportunities available to prospective students. Afda advises applicants to check eligibility carefully and apply early, as funding opportunities are competitive and may only cover part of tuition or other costs.

Open Day is therefore an opportunity to move from ambition to a practical financial plan and to understand the options available before 2027 begins.

More access. More opportunity. More creative futures with Afda.

Afda is also giving students and families more ways to plan for an Afda education.

First ever early enrolment starts in October for Afda.

Early enrolment gives prospective students and their families an opportunity to get ahead, plan their 2027 studies and take the next step towards an AFDA education.

Enrol before 30 October and receive longer payment terms. We help you plan.

It is part of a broader commitment to opening doors to creative education and expanding opportunities for all.

So, if you are considering BFAD, or any of Afda's creative programmes, don't wait until next year to start making decisions about your future.

Open Day is your opportunity to step inside Afda, ask the right questions, explore your options and start building your plan for 2027.

Afda Open Day

Saturday, 10 October 2026
10am –1pm
All Afda campuses nationwide
Free tickets via Quicket

Next step? Enrol today.

Your 2027 starts now.

Book your free open day ticket via Quicket

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