Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Animation Course Requirements at Open Window
Open Window Institute · Animation Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Animation is a bachelor's Degree offered by Open Window 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 Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Animation at Open Window
- National Senior Certificate with a pass that allows entry to bachelor's degree study, or an equivalent NC(V) or Senior Certificate result
- At least 55% for English
- A portfolio of three creative works in any discipline
- All applicants go through Open Window's admissions vetting process
- International applicants must contact admissions for guidance and need a SAQA evaluation of their school qualification
- Applicants who do not meet the formal requirements may apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (a limited number of places)
About this course
This NQF level 7 degree (SAQA ID 125640) is Open Window's newest undergraduate qualification, focused on games, 3D animation and motion design. It is for creative learners who enjoy drawing, storytelling and technology and want to build interactive or animated worlds.
How the degree is structured:
- Year 1: three compulsory subjects, Academic Practice, Drawing and Narrative, and Media Perspectives, plus four choice subjects picked from 3D Animation, Game Design, Motion Design, Sound Design and Screenwriting.
- Years 2 and 3: a single major or a double major from Game Design, 3D Animation and Motion Design, supported by theory subjects (research, moving image theory and professional practice) and focus areas such as 2D animation, game development, VFX, stop motion or interactive audio.
Open Window stresses that narrative sits at the centre of these disciplines, whether the story is told through moving images or through a player controlling an interactive experience. Lecturers mentor students to develop their own artistic voice, and learning is hands-on in labs and studios, combined with live online sessions under the hybrid model.
The degree is offered at the Centurion, Johannesburg and Stellenbosch campuses. Graduates can move on to the BA Honours in Visual Communication or the Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Animation
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Animation doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a VFX Artist. 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 Open Window. Ask Open Window directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Open Window’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 Open Window and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Start by booking a session with an Open Window student advisor, then submit certified copies of your ID and latest results and pay the R1 750 non-refundable application fee. Complete the application form and your portfolio, after which your application is vetted and you receive an acceptance letter. Secure your place by paying the R12 000 registration fee and completing the online registration form. Places are limited, so apply early for the January intake.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Open Window Institute’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Open Window Institute.
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.openwindow.co.za/animation-arts/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Open Window Institute before applying.