AFDA Fees 2025 – Registration Fees

AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) is one of South Africa’s leading institutions for students pursuing careers in the arts, film, television, and performance industries. Known for its practical and industry-oriented approach to education, AFDA provides high-quality training in disciplines such as film production, drama, music, animation, business of the arts, and more.

If you’re considering enrolling at AFDA in 2025, understanding the tuition fees and other related costs is essential for planning your finances. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the AFDA fees for 2025, including registration fees, tuition fees, and other associated costs.

1. Overview of AFDA

AFDA was founded in 1994 and has since become a leading institution for creative arts education. The school offers programs that blend theory and practice to prepare students for careers in media, entertainment, and arts industries. AFDA has multiple campuses across South Africa, including in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

The programs at AFDA are designed to cater to a variety of career paths within the media and performance industries, such as:

• Film Production
• Television Production
• Animation
• Drama and Performance
• Music
• Business of the Arts
• Post-production and Sound Engineering

AFDA has a reputation for excellence and for producing top talent who go on to work in both local and international markets.

2. AFDA Fees for 2025

The tuition fees at AFDA vary depending on the program, the campus you attend, and other factors such as residency status and accommodation preferences. Below is a detailed breakdown of the tuition fees for the 2025 academic year for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Registration Fees

Before starting your studies at AFDA, you will need to pay a non-refundable registration fee. This fee is required to secure your place at the college for the academic year.

• Registration Fee: R1,500 (non-refundable)

This registration fee is paid once you submit your application and is part of the overall payment to secure your place.

Undergraduate Program Fees

The undergraduate programs at AFDA include degrees in fields like Film Production, Drama, Animation, Music, and Business of the Arts. The fees for these programs are typically the same across all campuses, though some variation may exist based on location. The estimated tuition fees for undergraduate programs are as follows:

Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium (Film Production)

The BA in Motion Picture Medium is AFDA’s flagship program, designed for students who aspire to work in film, television, and multimedia production.

• Tuition Fees: Approximately R60,000 to R75,000 per year

This fee covers tuition for the full year of study and includes access to the necessary resources, workshops, and industry-related experiences. It also covers the use of specialized equipment such as cameras, editing software, and sound equipment.

Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance (Drama)

The BA in Live Performance focuses on training actors, directors, and producers, providing students with the skills to pursue careers in theater, television, and film performance.

• Tuition Fees: Approximately R55,000 to R70,000 per year

This program combines practical training with theoretical study, offering students a broad understanding of the performance industry, from stagecraft to screen acting.

Bachelor of Arts in Animation

This program equips students with the technical skills and creative mindset needed for a career in 2D and 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), and interactive media.

• Tuition Fees: Approximately R65,000 to R80,000 per year

The fee includes practical work with animation tools, access to professional software, and studio resources for animation projects.

Bachelor of Music

The Bachelor of Music degree at AFDA is ideal for students pursuing a career in music production, composition, and performance in various genres.

• Tuition Fees: Approximately R50,000 to R65,000 per year

This program provides students with a solid foundation in music theory, performance, and production, combined with creative and technical courses in sound engineering.

Bachelor of Business of the Arts

This degree focuses on the business side of the entertainment and media industries, teaching students how to manage and navigate creative businesses, including finance, marketing, and production management.

• Tuition Fees: Approximately R55,000 to R70,000 per year

This program includes practical experience in business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship for the arts industry.

Postgraduate Program Fees

AFDA also offers postgraduate programs for students looking to specialize in a specific area or further their knowledge. Below are the estimated fees for the 2025 academic year:

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film, Television, and Digital Media

The MFA is an advanced program aimed at students who want to pursue higher-level creative projects or take on leadership roles in the media industry.

• Tuition Fees: Approximately R90,000 to R100,000 per year

This program is for students who wish to undertake research, creative development, and production at an advanced level. It includes a final thesis or project.

Postgraduate Diploma in Business of the Arts

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business of the Arts is designed for students who have a foundational understanding of the arts and want to focus more on the business side of the industry.

• Tuition Fees: Approximately R60,000 to R75,000 per year

This diploma covers areas such as arts management, creative entrepreneurship, and financial management for the entertainment and media industries.

International Students

For international students, the fees at AFDA are typically higher than for South African students due to additional administrative and visa processing costs. International students can expect to pay an additional 10% to 20% on top of the standard tuition fees.

3. Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to tuition fees and registration fees, there are several other costs that students need to plan for during their studies at AFDA:

Accommodation Costs

AFDA campuses in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban do not offer on-campus accommodation, so students will need to arrange their own housing. The costs for accommodation vary depending on the location and the type of accommodation:

• Accommodation Fees: Typically between R3,000 and R6,000 per month, depending on whether students opt for shared housing, private apartments, or student hostels.

Books and Study Materials

Students will also need to purchase textbooks, scripts, and other study materials. The cost of these materials varies by program and year of study, but students should budget around:

• Books and Study Materials: Approximately R2,000 to R5,000 per year

Equipment and Software

Certain programs at AFDA require students to have access to specialized equipment and software. For example, film production students may need to purchase a camera or software licenses for editing and sound engineering. These costs can vary significantly:

• Equipment and Software: Between R5,000 and R20,000, depending on the program

Transport and Miscellaneous Costs

If you live off-campus or need to travel to different shooting locations, there will be additional transport costs. Additionally, students should factor in living expenses such as food, utilities, and personal costs. You may also have expenses related to extra-curricular activities or industry events.

• Transport and Miscellaneous Costs: Approximately R1,000 to R3,000 per month

4. Payment Options and Plans

AFDA provides several payment options for students to manage their tuition fees:

• Upfront Payment: Students can pay their tuition fees in full at the beginning of the academic year.
• Installment Payment Plans: AFDA offers payment plans that allow students to pay their fees in monthly or quarterly installments over the course of the academic year. Students must arrange this with the finance office before the start of the academic year.
• Bank Transfers and Credit Cards: Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or debit card through AFDA’s secure online payment portal.

5. Financial Aid and Scholarships

While AFDA is a private institution, the college offers financial aid to help students with their tuition fees. Some of the financial support options include:

• Bursaries: AFDA offers a limited number of merit-based and need-based bursaries to outstanding students. These are generally awarded to students with excellent academic performance or those who demonstrate significant financial need.
• Student Loans: AFDA students can apply for student loans from financial institutions or government schemes like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) (though NSFAS generally applies to public institutions).
• External Scholarships: Students may also be able to apply for external scholarships provided by organizations in the media and entertainment industries.

6. How to Apply for AFDA

To apply for the **

2025 academic year** at AFDA, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Online Application: Visit AFDA’s official website and fill out the online application form. Ensure that you provide all the required documents, including your matric certificate, ID (or passport for international students), and proof of payment for the registration fee.
2. Pay the Registration Fee: A non-refundable registration fee of R1,500 must be paid to secure your place at AFDA.
3. Submit Supporting Documents: Along with your application form, submit the required certified copies of your documents and any other materials requested by the admissions office.
4. Wait for Acceptance: After submitting your application, you will receive feedback regarding your acceptance status. If accepted, you will receive an admissions letter with details on how to proceed with enrollment.
5. Register and Pay Fees: Once you’ve been accepted, you must register and pay the tuition fees before the start of the academic year.

The fees for AFDA in 2025 vary depending on the program you choose, your accommodation preferences, and other factors such as equipment or software requirements. Be sure to budget carefully for tuition, accommodation, books, and other living costs. AFDA offers several financial aid options, including bursaries and payment plans, to assist students in managing these costs.

For more information on tuition fees, the application process, or available scholarships, visit the official AFDA website or contact their admissions office.

Apply Now to AFDA for 2025

Visit AFDA’s Official Website to apply and learn more about their courses, fees, and financial aid options for the 2025 academic year. Start your journey toward an exciting career in the arts, film, or performance industries today!