Diploma in Graphic Design Course Requirements at Inscape
The Diploma in Graphic Design is a diploma offered by Inscape for 2027 learners, taking 3 years 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 Diploma in Graphic Design at Inscape
- National Senior Certificate with a pass that allows entry to diploma study, or SAQA verification of an equivalent
- Art or Design at school, or a related higher certificate, is expected
- Competence in English at NQF level 4
- Mature age exemption and Recognition of Prior Learning are considered
- International applicants need a SAQA evaluation of their school qualification
About this course
The Diploma in Graphic Design (SAQA ID 48438) is a three-year, full-time, career-focused qualification for learners who want to become working graphic designers. It is more practical and less research-heavy than the Bachelor of Design, while still covering the full range of design skills.
You learn to create visually engaging, well-researched and sustainable design solutions for both print and digital platforms. Studio work spans design for print and digital platforms, supported by design theory and professional practice. Projects are based on industry-style briefs, and you build a portfolio throughout the three years.
Fees include tuition, starter stationery and equipment, software and textbooks. The diploma sits at NQF level 6 and is taught on campus with a February 2027 start. It is also the entry qualification for the Advanced Diploma in User Experience Design.
Inscape describes its programmes as up to 90% practical and taught by lecturers who work in industry. Contact students attend studio classes at a learning hub with workshops, a library and material samples, while distance students learn online; all students get free Wi-Fi on campus and online resources such as LinkedIn Learning and Grammarly.
Possible careers
Graduates start as junior graphic designers in agencies, design studios and in-house marketing teams, or work freelance. The Advanced Diploma in User Experience Design is a direct next step.
Course intelligence for Diploma in 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
Diploma in Graphic Design doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. 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 Inscape. Ask Inscape directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Inscape’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 Inscape and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply online from the course page on inscape.ac, which takes you to Inscape's enrolment portal, and pay the R1 000 non-refundable pre-verification fee. Have your ID or passport, school results or NSC, and any post-school transcripts ready; international applicants also need a SAQA evaluation or USAf exemption and a study permit. Pay before 30 September 2026 to secure early-bird 2027 rates, either upfront or with a 10% deposit and 11 monthly instalments.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Inscape Education Group’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Inscape Education Group.
View all Courses at Inscape
- Duration
- 3 years full-time
- NQF Level
- 6
- Fees
- 2027 early-bird tuition R69 900 plus R8 500 study pack per the course page; R1 000 pre-verification fee. Confirm with the contact fees guide.
- Application deadline
- Early-bird payment by 30 September 2026
- Campus
- Pretoria Learning Hub, Pretoria
- Midrand Learning Hub, Midrand
- Cape Town Learning Hub, Cape Town
- Umhlanga Learning Hub, Umhlanga
- Stellenbosch Learning Hub, Stellenbosch
- Stellenbosch School of Business and Innovation (SBI), Stellenbosch
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.inscape.ac/courses/diploma-in-graphic-design/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Inscape Education Group before applying.