NQF 5
qualification level
The Higher Certificate in Design: Graphic Design is a higher Certificate offered by GDC for 2027 learners, taking 12 months full-time, or 12 to 24 months part-time online 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.
Do you qualify
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Higher Certificate in Design: Graphic Design at GDC
- NQF 4 competency in English, or Grade 11 plus completion of GDC's Foundation Programme in Digital Design and Arts.
What you study
About Higher Certificate in Design: Graphic Design
An introductory design qualification covering design thinking, visual communication and professional design practice, giving students a foundation before progressing to degree level study.
After you graduate
Careers After Higher Certificate in Design: Graphic Design
Course intelligence for Higher Certificate in Design: Graphic Design
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 Design: Graphic Design doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Design 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 GDC. Ask GDC directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
GDC’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 GDC and NSFAS.
Step by step
How to Apply for Higher Certificate in Design: Graphic Design in 2027
Apply online or schedule a consultation appointment.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Greenside Design Center College of Design’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Greenside Design Center College of Design.
Answers
Higher Certificate in Design: Graphic Design: Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Similar options
Related Courses
Source: Greenside Design Center College of Design prospectus. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Greenside Design Center College of Design before applying.