Our Tuition Fees

Yes, the tuition fees for the online diploma are the same as the on-campus programme, as both offer the same high-quality qualification, academic support, and access to expert lecturers.

What Equipment Will I Need to Study Online?

For the diploma and any of the short courses, you will need:

• A laptop or desktop computer

• Webcam and headphones (recommended)

• Stable and reliable broadband internet connection (10–25 Mbps download, 3–5 Mbps upload)

These requirements apply to all programmes. Some short courses may require additional equipment, which you can find listed on the individual short course pages.

You’ll also need specific software depending on your programme. Visit our short courses page for details on the software for each short course, or download the Prospectus for information about the software used for the Diploma in Digital Animation. 

Tuition fees include free access to Autodesk Maya, Adobe Suite, and Toonboom Harmony. You’ll receive a full list and installation instructions once you've registered.

Yes. Our Cape Town campus offers secure, on-site residence for first- and second-year students. The residence consists of five single rooms and eight shared (two-person) rooms. Second-year students have priority access to the single rooms.

The residence includes:

• A telephone for emergency numbers such as police, ambulance, and security

• A shared laundry area with an automatic washing machine, tumble dryer (free to use), iron, and ironing board

• A dining area with a fridge, microwave, kettle, and dining tables and chairs

• A TV lounge with comfortable lounge suites and a flat-screen TV

• A canteen that provides three meals per day at scheduled times

• Ablution facilities with separate male and female bathrooms, each with showers, basins, and toilets

Costs:

Single Rooms:
• Annual rental for a single room: R105,000 per resident
• Payable in 10 equal instalments of R10,500 per month starting 1 February to 1 November 2027.
• Term breaks have been taken into account.

Shared Room:
• Annual rental for a shared room: R90,000 per resident
• Payable in 10 equal instalments of R9,000 per month starting 1 February to 1 November
2027.
• Term breaks have been taken into account.

Students who choose to study at the Johannesburg campus need to arrange their own accommodation.

No, an application fee is not required. 

We offer South African applicants three settlement options for paying fees. The first option is to pay the settlement in full, the second is to pay the settlement in four equal instalments, and the third is to pay the settlement in 10 equal instalments. Please see the Prospectus for more information on these payment structures. 

The Animation School only awards internal scholarships in second and third year to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, skill, and work ethic.

For first-year students, we recommend exploring the following external funding opportunities:

• Student Hero is a funding platform that connects students with multiple funding providers. You can apply online, check your affordability, and get guidance on student loan options.

- Email: hello@studenthero.co.za

- Tel: 061 585 3490

• National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) offers bursaries to talented South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Applications typically open in July for a limited two-month window.

• Oasis Bursary Programme provides support for students through its award-winning investment firm.

• MultiChoice Talent Factory offers full tuition bursaries for students entering second year or higher at qualifying institutions.

• Nestlé Bursary Programme is focused on upskilling young talent through education support.

We encourage students to begin their funding search early and reach out to these organisations directly to explore the best options available.

Because animation software is demanding, students need a powerful desktop computer to complete the Diploma in Digital Animation online. Below are the minimum and recommended specifications:

Minimum (Mid-Range) Requirements:
• Intel i7 processor
• 32GB RAM
• 512GB SSD (for fast performance)
• 1TB hard drive (for storage)
• 4GB graphics card
• 27-inch monitor
• Microsoft Windows
• Gaming keyboard and mouse (for durability and responsiveness)

Recommended (High-End) Specifications:
• Intel i9 processor
• 64GB RAM
• 512GB SSD + 1TB hard drive
• 6GB graphics card
• 27-inch monitor
• Microsoft Windows
• Gaming keyboard and mouse

We strongly recommend using a Windows desktop setup rather than a laptop, as it offers better performance and reliability for the intensive software used throughout the course. Investing in the right equipment will ensure students can fully engage with the course content and avoid unnecessary technical issues.