Top Film and Performing Arts Courses in South Africa
South Africa’s vibrant cultural landscape and thriving creative industries make it a prime destination for studying film and performing arts. From blockbuster productions to intimate theater, the country offers a dynamic environment for aspiring filmmakers, actors, dancers, and theater professionals.
Why Study Film and Performing Arts in South Africa?
South Africa’s film and performing arts scene is globally recognized, with productions like Tsotsi and District 9 showcasing its talent. Here’s why it’s an ideal place to launch your creative career:
Industry Growth: The film sector contributes over R5 billion annually to the economy, with Cape Town dubbed “Hollywood of Africa.”
Cultural Richness: A blend of African, European, and global influences fuels unique storytelling.
Practical Training: Programs emphasize hands-on experience, from film sets to live performances.
Global Opportunities: Qualifications are respected worldwide, opening doors to international careers.
Whether you’re drawn to directing, acting, or stagecraft, South Africa’s top courses provide the skills and connections to succeed.
Top Film and Performing Arts Courses in South Africa
Below are the best film and performing arts programs, evaluated for accreditation, faculty expertise, curriculum depth, facilities, and industry outcomes. All are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) or equivalent bodies.
1. AFDA – Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium
Location: Campuses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha
Overview: AFDA (The School for the Creative Economy) offers a BA in Motion Picture Medium, renowned for its experiential approach to filmmaking.
Curriculum: Covers directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, and production, with projects mirroring industry workflows.
Faculty: Industry professionals with credits in South African and international films.
Facilities: State-of-the-art studios, editing suites, and sound stages.
Cost: Approximately R87,270/year.
Why It’s Top-Rated: AFDA grads produce a significant share of SA’s commercials, films, and TV series, with alumni like Neill Blomkamp (District 9).
Best For: Aspiring filmmakers seeking a practical, industry-ready education.
2. University of Cape Town (UCT) – BA in Theatre and Performance
Location: Cape Town
Overview: UCT’s Centre for Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies offers a BA in Theatre and Performance, blending classical and contemporary training.
Curriculum: Includes acting, directing, physical theater, dance, and theater-making, with an African focus.
Faculty: Acclaimed performers and directors with global experience.
Facilities: Fully equipped theaters and dance studios.
Cost: Around R32,500–R60,000/year (varies by residency).
Why It’s Top-Rated: UCT’s prestige (ranked #171 globally, QS 2025) and proximity to Cape Town’s film industry make it a standout.
Best For: Performers and directors wanting a theoretically rich, practical program.
3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – BA in Film and Television
Location: Johannesburg
Overview: Wits School of Arts offers a four-year BA in Film and Television, integrating production and theory.
Curriculum: Covers documentary filmmaking, fiction shorts, cinematography, sound design, and screenwriting.
Faculty: Industry veterans and academics with strong research profiles.
Facilities: TV studios, editing labs, and multimedia libraries.
Cost: Approximately R40,000–R55,000/year.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Located in Joburg’s media hub, Wits grads excel in SA’s film and TV sectors.
Best For: Filmmakers aiming for creative and technical mastery.
4. Rhodes University – BA in Drama
Location: Makhanda
Overview: Rhodes’ Drama Department offers a BA with a Drama focus, renowned for its integration of performance and theater studies.
Curriculum: Includes acting, directing, movement, design, and applied theater, with a community focus.
Faculty: Experts in physical theater and South African performance traditions.
Facilities: On-campus theaters and production spaces.
Cost: Around R35,000–R50,000/year.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Hosts the National Arts Festival, offering students real-world exposure.
Best For: Performers passionate about live theater and social impact.
5. University of Pretoria (UP) – BA in Drama and Film Studies
Location: Pretoria
Overview: UP’s School of the Arts offers a BA in Drama and Film Studies, balancing performance and screen arts.
Curriculum: Covers acting, directing, screenwriting, and film production, with modules in screendance and radio drama.
Faculty: Practitioners with experience in SA’s arts scene.
Facilities: Modern theaters and film studios.
Cost: Approximately R46,000–R60,000/year.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Strong focus on multimedia performance and industry-relevant skills.
Best For: Versatile creatives interested in film and stage.
6. Stellenbosch University – BA in Drama and Theatre Studies
Location: Stellenbosch
Overview: A three-year BA focusing on theater arts with a practical and theoretical blend.
Curriculum: Includes acting, directing, stagecraft, and performance analysis, taught in English and Afrikaans.
Faculty: Award-winning theater professionals.
Facilities: Intimate theaters for hands-on training.
Cost: Around R40,000–R50,000/year.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Small classes ensure personalized development, ideal for stage enthusiasts.
Best For: Actors and directors seeking a traditional theater foundation.
7. Act Cape Town – Full-Time Acting for Film Program
Location: Cape Town
Overview: A two-year, private acting course focusing on screen performance.
Curriculum: Covers film acting techniques, voice, movement, and audition prep, using methods from New York and LA coaches.
Faculty: Working actors and directors from SA’s film industry.
Facilities: Professional studios for screen tests and shoots.
Cost: Starts at R113,314/year.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Tailored for screen acting, with direct industry links.
Best For: Aspiring film actors wanting intensive, practical training.
Comparison Table of Top Courses
| Institution | Program | Duration | Cost/Year | Focus | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFDA | BA Motion Picture Medium | 3 years | R87,270 | Film Production | Industry-ready grads |
| UCT | BA Theatre & Performance | 3 years | R32,500–R60,000 | Theater & Dance | African focus, prestige |
| Wits | BA Film & Television | 4 years | R40,000–R55,000 | Film & TV | Joburg media hub |
| Rhodes | BA Drama | 3 years | R35,000–R50,000 | Live Performance | National Arts Festival |
| UP | BA Drama & Film Studies | 3 years | R46,000–R60,000 | Film & Theater | Multimedia training |
| Stellenbosch | BA Drama & Theatre Studies | 3 years | R40,000–R50,000 | Theater Arts | Small, intimate classes |
| Act Cape Town | Full-Time Acting for Film | 2 years | R113,314 | Screen Acting | Industry-focused coaching |
How to Choose the Right Course
Career Goals: Filmmaking? AFDA or Wits. Acting? Act Cape Town or UCT. Theater? Rhodes or Stellenbosch.
Learning Style: Prefer practical (AFDA, Act Cape Town) or theory-rich (UCT, UP)?
Budget: Public universities (UCT, Wits) are more affordable than private options (AFDA, Act Cape Town).
Location: Cape Town (UCT, Act Cape Town) for film; Joburg (Wits, AFDA) for media hubs.
Career Paths and Earning Potential
These programs lead to diverse roles:
- Filmmaker/Director: R300,000–R1,000,000/year.
- Actor: R200,000–R800,000/year (film/theater).
- Cinematographer: R250,000–R700,000/year.
- Theater Producer: R300,000–R900,000/year.
- Screenwriter: R200,000–R600,000/year.
Experience and networking can push earnings higher, especially in SA’s growing film industry.
Conclusion: Launch Your Creative Career
South Africa’s top film and performing arts courses—from AFDA’s filmmaking powerhouse to UCT’s theater excellence—offer world-class training for 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re scripting the next Oscar winner or commanding the stage, these programs provide the tools to shine. This guide, the best online resource, ensures you pick the perfect path to stardom.
