Graphic Designer
Design logos, packaging, adverts and digital content for brands and agencies.
What the job involves
- Create layouts, logos and visual identities.
- Work to client briefs and deadlines.
- Prepare artwork for print and digital use.
School subjects you need
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy accepted. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution you apply to.
- English
- Visual Arts
- Design
- Information Technology
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Diploma or Bachelor's pass, plus a portfolio at most institutions
- Indicative APS
- Roughly 22–30, with portfolio review often weighing more
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- English: 50%+
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- BA / BTech in Graphic Design3–4 years
Portfolio submission is usually part of selection.
- Design diploma or private college course1–3 years
Check the qualification is SAQA-registered and the college accredited.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R12 000 – R22 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R25 000 – R45 000 per month
- Senior
- R50 000 – R90 000 per month (art directors, freelancers vary)
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of Cape TownUCT · Cape Town
- University of the WitwatersrandWits · Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch UniversitySU · Stellenbosch
- University of PretoriaUP · Pretoria
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- Rhodes UniversityRhodes · Makhanda
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- Sol Plaatje UniversitySPU · Kimberley
- University of South AfricaUnisa · Distance learning, head office in Pretoria
- Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCPUT · Cape Town and Bellville
- Durban University of TechnologyDUT · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- Tshwane University of TechnologyTUT · Pretoria and surrounding campuses
- Vaal University of TechnologyVUT · Vanderbijlpark
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Uklama amalogo, izikhangiso nokuqukethwe kwedijithali.
Afrikaans: Ontwerp logo's, advertensies en digitale inhoud.