Academy of Digital Arts

About the Academy of Digital Arts

The Academy of Digital Arts (ADA) is a private higher education institution in the Cape Town city centre. It sits at 186 Bree Street. The school was founded in 2006 and opened its doors in 2007. It forms part of the wider Friends of Design group, which also includes a short course academy, a corporate training division and a design agency.

ADA is registered as a private institution and is accredited by the Council on Higher Education. Its Higher Certificates sit at NQF Level 5, and its Bachelor of Arts in Concept Art sits at NQF Level 7. Classes are small, and lecturers are working industry professionals.

What students can study

For 2027, full-time options include Concept Art, Graphic Design, UX/UI Design and Game and Interactive Media Development. Each of these is a one-year Higher Certificate. A three-year BA in Concept Art is also on offer. Beyond that, ADA runs short courses, corporate training and Fast Track programmes.

How ADA supports students with funding

ADA offers a limited number of bursaries. The best known is the Fast Track Advertising Bursary Programme. In past rounds, the course was fully funded, so students paid no fees. Reports from earlier years also mention a monthly stipend of R2,850.

The programme is a three-month vendor design short course. Students use Adobe's industry software and learn how to design for brands in the digital space. At the end, they earn an Adobe Certified Associate qualification.

The 2022 round was an employment equity opportunity run with the MICT SETA. This shows how ADA often works with sector bodies to widen access to creative careers. However, the details differ by year, so earlier terms may not apply now.

What to know before applying

Past Fast Track calls asked for basic computer skills, confidence working online and an aptitude for design. Applicants also had to show that they would see the course through. Applications were made online, and extra documents were requested after the first step.

Not every year brings a bursary call, and funding, stipends and partners can change. Check the ADA website or ask the admissions team about current bursary options. If you want a full-time qualification instead, ask what financial help exists for that route.

Open days give you a chance to meet lecturers and see student work. Prepare a short sample of creative work if you can. Even simple sketches or designs can show your potential.

Location is another point to weigh. The campus is in the heart of Cape Town, so students outside the city should plan for travel and housing costs as well as fees. The academy has advertised open days, for example one on Saturday 10 October, where you can attend masterclasses and meet lecturers. Use these events to ask about bursaries, payment plans and what a typical course costs.