Friends of Design Bursaries Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Friends of Design Bursaries Application 2026/2027. Are you a creative and ambitious South African student passionate about design, digital media, and innovation? The Friends of Design Bursaries 2026/2027 are now open for applications, offering financial assistance to talented individuals who wish to pursue a career in the creative and digital design industries. Established by the Friends of Design – Academy of Digital Arts in Cape Town, this bursary programme aims to support deserving students who demonstrate artistic talent, creativity, and dedication but lack the financial means to afford world-class design education.
The Friends of Design Bursary Programme covers studies in a variety of fields such as graphic design, web design, game design, visual communication, and motion design. By providing financial aid, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge training, the programme empowers students to turn their creative passion into a professional career within South Africa’s growing digital and visual industries.
Applying for the Friends of Design Bursary 2026/2027 gives aspiring designers a unique opportunity to gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in a competitive and fast-evolving creative landscape.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to discover more about the eligibility criteria, fields of study covered, how to apply, and the closing date for the Friends of Design Bursaries 2026/2027.
About Friends of Design: Academy of Digital Arts
Established in 2006, Friends of Design – Academy of Digital Arts is one of Cape Town’s leading creative education institutions, dedicated to shaping the next generation of designers and digital artists. Accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the academy offers a wide range of full-time courses, short programmes, online learning, and corporate training.
Located in the vibrant heart of Cape Town’s city centre, Friends of Design focuses on skills development in digital and creative disciplines. The academy’s mission is to empower young South Africans, especially those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue meaningful careers in the growing digital arts and design industry.
About Friends of Design Bursary Programme 2026/2027
The Friends of Design Bursary Programme provides full funding to passionate and talented students who aspire to build a career in the digital arts industry. This bursary is designed for students who have completed Matric and wish to study full-time toward a Higher Certificate qualification at the Academy of Digital Arts.
The institution offers three SAQA-accredited Higher Certificate programmes, each lasting one year (152 credits) and fully HEQSF-aligned. These qualifications provide practical, industry-relevant training in key digital fields:
- Game Graphics and Multimedia Entertainment
- Print Design and Publishing
- Web Publishing and Interactive Media
Each of these programmes is currently valued at R76 800 per student, which is fully covered by the bursary.
To explore more about the available courses, visit the official programme page: www.friendsofdesign.net/full-time-courses.
Eligibility Criteria for Friends of Design Bursary Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements before applying:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed Matric
- Must show a genuine passion and creative talent for digital arts
- Must intend to study one of the Higher Certificate courses listed above at Friends of Design
- Preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
How to Apply for the Friends of Design Bursary 2026/2027
Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply by requesting an application form via email.
Send your request to: info@friendsofdesign.net
Email Subject Line: “Friends of Design Bursary – [Your Full Name]”
When submitting your application, include the following supporting documents (incomplete submissions will not be considered):
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- A covering letter explaining your motivation for applying
- A portfolio showcasing your previous creative or design work
Closing Date for Friends of Design Bursaries Application 2026/2027
There is no fixed closing date – applications for the Friends of Design Bursary are open all year round. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as selection is competitive and spaces are limited.
Contact Details of Friends of Design Academy of Digital Arts
For queries or additional information, contact:
Tel: 021 300 0298
Email: info@friendsofdesign.net
Website: www.friendsofdesign.net
