How to Apply to AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) 2026 | Complete Guide

Quick Answer: To apply to AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance), visit https://www.afda.co.za/apply, pay the R500 application fee application fee, and submit your documents before September 30 (interview-based; early application strongly recommended). Minimum APS is 24 for most programmes.

How to Apply to AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance)

Thinking about studying at AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance)? Based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, AFDA is a Private Higher Education Institution (Specialised) established in 1994. This guide covers everything you need to know to apply successfully — from APS requirements to application deadlines, bursaries, and step-by-step instructions.

At a Glance: AFDA Fast Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance)
Type	Private Higher Education Institution (Specialised)
Location	Johannesburg (Northcliff), Cape Town (Observatory), Durban
Year Founded	1994
Application Portal	https://www.afda.co.za/apply
Application Fee	R500 application fee
Applications Open	March
Applications Close	September 30 (interview-based; early application strongly recommended)
Minimum APS	24 (varies by programme)
Contact Phone	011 482 0000
Contact Email	apply@afda.co.za

Why Choose AFDA?

Top-ranked South African film school; alumni credits include major international productions.

• Consistently ranked one of the top 25 film schools in the world by The Hollywood Reporter
• AFDA alumni have worked on major international productions including Marvel films
• The school has an on-campus working film studio
• Founded by Herman Lombard in 1994, AFDA has grown to be Africa's leading film school

Faculties and Programmes at AFDA

AFDA offers qualifications across 3 faculties:

• Motion Picture
• Live Performance
• Business Innovation & Technology

Popular programmes include: BA Motion Picture, BA Live Performance, BA Business Innovation, Postgraduate Diploma: Film.

APS Requirements for AFDA

The minimum Admission Point Score (APS) required at AFDA is 24 points. However, individual programmes may require significantly higher scores:

APS range: 24+ plus portfolio and interview

AFDA requires a portfolio and interview in addition to academic qualifications. Minimum APS of 24, but creative talent and portfolio quality are often more important than academic marks. The application process is competitive.

How to Calculate Your APS

Your APS is calculated from your Grade 12 (NSC) subject results. Each subject receives a score from 1 to 7 based on your percentage:

Percentage (%)	Rating Code	APS Points
80–100%	7 (Outstanding)	7
70–79%	6 (Meritorious)	6
60–69%	5 (Substantial)	5
50–59%	4 (Adequate)	4
40–49%	3 (Moderate)	3
30–39%	2 (Elementary)	2
0–29%	1 (Not Achieved)	1

Your APS is the sum of your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation, which is counted at half-value at most universities, or excluded entirely).

Use our free APS Calculator to calculate your score instantly.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply to AFDA

Step 1: Check Programme Requirements

Before applying, confirm the specific APS requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen programme at https://www.afda.co.za. Some programmes require specific subjects (e.g., Mathematics for Engineering, Life Sciences for Medicine).

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will typically need:

• Certified copy of your ID (South African ID or passport for international students)
• Certified copy of your Grade 11 final results (if applying before matric)
• Certified copy of your NSC / Grade 12 results (final matric results when available)
• Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill)
• Completed application form (online or paper)
• Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT-SA) results (required for health sciences)

Step 3: Apply Online

Visit the AFDA online application portal at https://www.afda.co.za/apply. Create an account, complete the application form, upload your documents, and pay the application fee of R500 application fee.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications for 2027 admission typically open in March and close on September 30 (interview-based; early application strongly recommended). Apply as early as possible — popular programmes fill up quickly, especially Medicine, Law, and Engineering.

Step 5: Accept Your Offer

Once you receive a conditional or unconditional offer from AFDA, accept it within the specified timeframe (usually 2–4 weeks). You may need to pay a registration deposit to secure your place.

Step 6: Register for Your Programme

After accepting your offer, complete the formal registration process in January (or mid-year for Semester 2 programmes). Bring original and certified copies of all documents.

Application Deadlines for AFDA

Missing the application deadline is one of the most common reasons students don't get into their chosen institution. Here are the key dates:

• Applications Open: March
• Application Deadline: September 30 (interview-based; early application strongly recommended)
• Results Notification: Typically November–December for the following year
• Registration: January (Semester 1) or mid-year

Pro tip: Don't wait until the last day. Apply when applications open — some programmes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bursaries and Financial Aid at AFDA

Studying at AFDA can be financed through several bursaries and financial aid options:

• No NSFAS
• AFDA Scholarship Programme
• NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation) Bursaries
• SAMRO (music copyright) Bursaries for performing arts

Note: As a private institution, AFDA does not qualify for NSFAS funding. However, many private institutions offer their own bursaries, and bank student loans (Nedbank, FNB, Absa, Standard Bank) are widely available.

Preparing for AFDA While Still in School

The best time to prepare for university is while you're still in Grade 10, 11, or 12. Here's what you can do:

• Focus on your key subjects: Make sure you're strong in the subjects required for your chosen programme
• Use AI tutoring: StudyBuddy's AI tutor helps you master difficult CAPS topics before matric
• Research your options early: Visit open days at AFDA to understand campus life
• Apply for bursaries early: Some bursaries (like Allan Gray, Anglo American) are available while you're still in Grade 11
• Track your APS: Use our APS calculator to know where you stand

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your application to AFDA, the process typically follows these stages:

1. Application Confirmation: You'll receive an email or SMS confirming receipt of your application
2. Conditional Offer: If your Grade 11 results meet the requirements, you may receive a conditional offer
3. Final Results Submission: Submit your final NSC results in January
4. Unconditional Offer: If your matric results meet or exceed the requirements, your offer becomes unconditional
5. Registration: Register for your programme and pay your fees or confirm NSFAS/bursary funding

Comparing AFDA With Other Universities

Not sure if AFDA is the right fit? Here are some things to consider:

Factor	AFDA	Typical Alternative
Type	Private Higher Education Institution (Specialised)	Traditional University / UoT
Location	Johannesburg	Varies
Minimum APS	24	20–37 (varies widely)
Application Fee	R500 application fee	R100–R400
NSFAS Eligible	No	Yes (public) / No (private)

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to AFDA

Still have questions? Our FAQ section below answers the most common questions about applying to AFDA.

Need extra help with your Grade 12 subjects to meet AFDA's entry requirements? StudyBuddy's AI tutor is FREE to start — get personalised help in Mathematics, Sciences, English, and all CAPS subjects. Most students improve their marks by 20–30% within a few weeks.