Higher Certificate in Performing Arts Course Requirements at AFDA
AFDA · AFDA School of Live Performance
The Higher Certificate in Performing Arts is a higher Certificate offered by AFDA for 2027 learners, taking 1 year full-time to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Higher Certificate in Performing Arts at AFDA
- National Senior Certificate (Matric) allowing entry to a Higher Certificate or Diploma, or equivalent
- Applicants without this may qualify by completing and passing the AFDA Entrance Exam
About this course
A one-year, practice-based qualification that introduces students to core performing-arts skills through staging and running a theatre production. Students learn performance technique alongside practical production elements such as props, costumes, sound, lighting and arts management, preparing them for entry-level roles or further study in live performance.
Possible careers
Arts Administration Assistant, Assistant Stage Manager, Front-Of-House/Production Assistant, Junior Performer, Props Assistant, Stage Crew, Wardrobe Assistant
Course intelligence for Higher Certificate in Performing Arts
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Higher Certificate in Performing Arts doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as an Arts Administration Assistant. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like AFDA. Ask AFDA directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
AFDA’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with AFDA and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Applicants apply directly via AFDA's own online application system at www.afda.co.za or at their preferred AFDA campus; this is not a centralised university admissions portal.
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View all Courses at AFDA
- Duration
- 1 year full-time
- NQF Level
- 5
- Campus
- AFDA Johannesburg, Johannesburg
- AFDA Cape Town, Cape Town
- AFDA Durban, Durban
- AFDA Gqeberha, Gqeberha
- AFDA Hatfield, Pretoria
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
Enter your own subject marks and we'll show you real courses you're likely to qualify for, right now, plus what those courses tend to lead to: how in-demand the work is, whether NSFAS is likely to fund it, and how competitive admission is.
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Source: afda.json, last verified 2026-08-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with AFDA before applying.