who is cape town creative academy (CTCA)
FAQs
Cape Town Creative Academy (CTCA) is for curious, determined young creatives (and the parents, teachers, and industry leaders who support them). As South Africa’s youngest multi-award-winning creative institution, CTCA offers a collaborative, transdisciplinary, and student-centred education. We provide a nurturing, hands-on learning environment that challenges students to think differently, experiment boldly, and graduate with work-ready portfolios that shape the future of the creative industry
general admission & application
question: What are the entry requirements for CTCA’s BA degrees?
answer:
To apply for a Bachelor of Arts degree at CTCA, you’ll need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification that meets the minimum requirements for degree study. A portfolio may be required depending on the programme, showcasing your creative potential and passion.
question: How do I apply to Cape Town Creative Academy?
answer:
Applications can be submitted online via CTCA’s website. You’ll complete a form, upload your documents, and submit any required portfolio work. The admissions team will guide you through the next steps once your application is received.
question: When is the application deadline for CTCA?
answer:
Applications typically close in late November for the following academic year, but early submissions are encouraged.
question: Can international students apply to CTCA?
answer:
Yes. International applicants should review visa requirements and qualification equivalence on our admissions page.
programmes / qualifications & curriculum
question: What courses does CTCA offer?
answer:
CTCA offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in:
Each qualification blends theory, practical skills, and industry relevance to prepare students for dynamic creative careers. CTCA is considered to be a leader in Contemporary Art, Motion Design, Interaction Design and Communications Design education, and its philosophy is to train multiskilled professionals who are able to find employment in more than one field.
Each qualification blends theory, practical skills, and industry relevance to prepare students for dynamic creative careers. CTCA is considered to be a leader in Contemporary Art, Motion Design, Interaction Design and Communications Design education, and its philosophy is to train multiskilled professionals who are able to find employment in more than one field.
question: What is the difference between Communication Design, Interaction Design, and Motion Design?
answer:
Communication Design focuses on visual storytelling, branding, and graphic design.
Jobs associated with interaction include any of the following disciplines:
Identity design and brand development.
Packaging design
Publication design
Photography
Illustration
Art Director
Social media creator
Exhibition design
Environmental design
Website desig
Interaction Design explores user experience (UX), digital interfaces, and human-centred design. Jobs associated with interaction include any of the following disciplines:
User Experience design (UX)
User Interface design (UI)
Front-end design
Digital product design
App design
Digital strategy
Usability testing
Motion Design brings visuals to life through animation, video, and time-based media.
Each path offers a unique lens into the creative industry. Jobs associated with interaction include any of the following disciplines:
Motion graphic design
Augmented and Virtual reality productions
Moving media creation for corporates or commercials
Architectural visualisation
3D animation, special effects and compositing for film and television
question: Does CTCA offer Honours degrees or postgraduate studies?
answer:
CTCA offers honours degree qualifications in Communication Design and Contemporary Art. These programmes deepen students’ conceptual, critical, and creative skills, preparing them for entrepreneurial ventures, roles in the creative industries, or Master’s-level study. Graduates leave with a competitive edge, ready to lead, innovate, and build meaningful, sustainable careers.
question: Is CTCA accredited in South Africa?
answer:
Yes. CTCA’s programmes are registered and accredited in South Africa. Please see our accreditation page for programme-level details.
question: Is CTCA accredited or recognised internationally
answer:
CTCA’s qualifications are recognised internationally. The South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a system for recognising and classifying qualifications, providing a framework for understanding the level and quality of qualifications in South Africa. The South African NQF, managed by SAQA, is a 10-level system encompassing general, further, higher, and occupational education and training, where Level 1 is equivalent to Grade 9 and Level 10 is a Doctoral Degree. The South African NQF allows for the transferability of qualifications between countries by making it easier for their education systems to assess and recognise learning acquired elsewhere. Because the CTCA qualifications are accredited with SAQA, our NQF levels are recognised internationally.
fees & financial aid
question: What are the tuition fees for CTCA in 2026?
answer:
Tuition fees vary by programme and year of study. For the most accurate
breakdown, visit CTCA’s Fees & Funding page or contact the finance office directly.
student life & facilities
question: What is student life like at CTCA?
answer:
CTCA fosters a vibrant, inclusive creative community. Students collaborate across disciplines, engage in exhibitions and events, and enjoy access to studios, digital labs, and mentorship from practising creatives. What makes CTCA unique is its incredible location in the heart of Cape Town’s prestigious and award-winning V&A Waterfront district. The campus is right next to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) and surrounded by one of the city’s trendiest cultural hubs. The access-controlled campus offers 24-hour security.
question: Are there Open Days or campus tours?
answer:
Yes – CTCA hosts regular Open Days where prospective students can explore the campus, meet lecturers, and get a feel for the creative energy. Private tours can also be arranged on request.
question: What support services are available for students?
answer:
CTCA’s Student Success team is deeply committed to championing student success. Exceptional care, attentiveness, and dedication are given to students at CTCA.
question: Does CTCA offer access to studios, labs, or equipment?
answer:
Yes. CTCA’s campus provides students with open-plan studios, photography labs, workshops, printmaking facilities, and a Makers Lab with cutting-edge tools such as 3D printing and mould-making.
Studios: Open-plan design studios create a collaborative learning environment.
Photography facilities: State-of-the-art studios for professional image-making.
Workshops: Fully equipped spaces for hands-on production, including printmaking and silk screening.
Makers Lab: Advanced prototyping facilities with 3D printing, mould-making, and fabrication tools.
Art studios & gallery spaces: Students use these for both creative work and exhibitions.
Studios: Open-plan design studios create a collaborative learning environment.
Photography facilities: State-of-the-art studios for professional image-making.
Workshops: Fully equipped spaces for hands-on production, including printmaking and silk screening.
Makers Lab: Advanced prototyping facilities with 3D printing, mould-making, and fabrication tools.
Art studios & gallery spaces: Students use these for both creative work and exhibitions.
question: Is CTCA accessible via public transport?
answer:
The campus is easily accessible with MyCiti bus stops located conveniently in front of the building.
career & industry
question: What career paths do CTCA graduates pursue?
answer:
Graduates work in agencies, studios, and creative tech as designers, art directors, UX/UI designers, motion designers, artists, and producers. The job opportunities for CTCA graduates are exceptional. Our graduates are sought after and in demand, and this is evident through the positions that our alumni hold and the achievements of our alumni.
question: How does CTCA prepare students for the creative industry?
answer:
CTCA prepares students for the creative industry through industry-aligned programmes, expert personalised and personal mentorship, and structured internships. Courses are developed with input from leading South African creatives, ensuring graduates gain the skills, experience, and networks needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
question: Why is CTCA considered to be one of the best institutions or universities to study in South Africa?
answer:
Cape Town Creative Academy has once again solidified its position as one of the leading creative institutions on the continent following outstanding success at the 2024 Loeries Student Awards. The Loeries ranked Cape Town Creative Academy second among institutions, the top three-ranked lecturers teach at CTCA, and the Best Student Award was won by a CTCA student.
In 2024, 25% of our Contemporary Art graduates have held solo exhibitions and projects across Cape Town’s top art spaces!
Our Loeries record includes the following achievements:
2024 The Loeries Awards+1, Bizcommunity
Gold – Student – General Design Dirty Kitchen – Article for publication by Jané Louw Lecturer: Wiehan de Jager
Sliver – Student – Packaging Design The Mount Nelson Hotel – Advent Calendar by Za Grusch Lecturer: Clayton Sutherland
Silver – Student – Packaging Design Negroni – Spirit Packaging Design by Sebastian da Silva Lecturer: Clayton Sutherland
Silver– Student – Packaging Design SUNDAY GIN/Days of our lives by Jess Pitout Lecturer: Clayton Sutherland
Craft – Student – Print & Design Crafts – Illustration Dirty Kitchen – Article for publication by Jané Louw Lecturer: Wiehan de Jager
In 2024, 25% of our Contemporary Art graduates have held solo exhibitions and projects across Cape Town’s top art spaces!
Our Loeries record includes the following achievements:
2024 The Loeries Awards+1, Bizcommunity
Gold – Student – General Design Dirty Kitchen – Article for publication by Jané Louw Lecturer: Wiehan de Jager
Sliver – Student – Packaging Design The Mount Nelson Hotel – Advent Calendar by Za Grusch Lecturer: Clayton Sutherland
Silver – Student – Packaging Design Negroni – Spirit Packaging Design by Sebastian da Silva Lecturer: Clayton Sutherland
Silver– Student – Packaging Design SUNDAY GIN/Days of our lives by Jess Pitout Lecturer: Clayton Sutherland
Craft – Student – Print & Design Crafts – Illustration Dirty Kitchen – Article for publication by Jané Louw Lecturer: Wiehan de Jager