New List of Design Academy of Fashion Courses 2026

Design Academy of Fashion Courses 2026… This is the full and updated list of Design Academy of Fashion courses and fees, programs admission entry requirements, and faculties available for the 2026 intake.

All candidates seeking admission to study at the Design Academy of Fashion for 2026 are hereby directed to check the list of available Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Master, Certificate, Diploma, Distance Learning programs, and Short Courses offered at the Design Academy of Fashion that have gained accreditation before applying.

All you need to know about the Design Academy of Fashion is published here on the application portal.co.za has been obtained from the official website.

Official List of Courses Offered AT Design Academy of Fashion

Below is the list of courses that you can study at the Design Academy of Fashion :

DIPLOMA IN FASHION

The Diploma in Fashion makes use of a hands-on approach by teaching learners how to design, create patterns, and construct garments through various exercises and projects. Learners are exposed to the world of fashion by exploring fashion across the ages and into contemporary fashion culture using trend forecasting. Business acumen is also taught so that students are prepared for the working world.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Subjects will be taught in four different clusters. Which includes a Design Cluster, Technical Cluster, Commercial Cluster, and Contextual Cluster.

DESIGN CLUSTER: The subjects offered in the design cluster are focused on all the elements of creating and rendering your fashion design drawing. From
sketching to illustration and computer-aided design.

TECHNICAL CLUSTER: The technical cluster focuses on the construction of your fashion item. Diploma students will receive in-depth knowledge of clothing technology,
through mastering patternmaking and constructing the perfect fitting garment.

COMMERCIAL CLUSTER: Learners will delve into the business world in the commercial cluster as we look at selling our garments. Marketing strategies that tell a story and drive sales. With a look at planning a range that drives profit and mitigates risk.

CONTEXTUAL CLUSTER: Learners will engage with why we wear what we wear. How do trends start, and when is it just a fad? As we fall in love with the fashion industry.

YEAR ONE | “Who am I?”

Introduction to design development through visual diaries. Sketch ideas and bring them to life on a computer. Create your inspired look.

YEAR TWO | “Who are you?”

Explore and create for different market segments with collaborations with fashion brands and retailers

YEAR THREE | “Who are we?”

Create your own inspired collection for your graduate fashion show and portfolio.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The admission criterion is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the English Language. Matric Certification (certified copy with the required level of completion)

Entrance portfolio comprising of an essay a mood board and a storyboard. Click on the Portfolio Workshop link below for an in-depth look at how to create your entrance portfolio.

For more details on entry requirements, click on the button below.

FOUNDATIONAL COURSE IN FASHION

The Foundational Course in Fashion is an exciting 200-hour course that equips you with foundational fashion knowledge drawing on key aspects of Fashion Design, Garment Technology, Fashion, and Textile Theory.

Whether you are preparing a fashion portfolio, wanting to accelerate your fashion career, or dreaming of creating your designs and turning them into reality; this highly practical course will give you the foundational skills you need.

ABOUT THE COURSE

The Foundation Course in Fashion is a part-time course that runs for 5 months, Monday to Thursday from 13:30 to 16:00.

During the time spent on the course, you will develop knowledge, skills, and an understanding of fashion which culminates in a diverse yet full body of work.

You will develop designing and manufacturing skills which are supported by a well-rounded understanding of textiles and fashion theory.

On successful conclusion of the course, students will receive a certificate of completion. This course is non-credit bearing and is therefore not registered on the South African Qualifications Framework.

THE THREE MODULES:

The Foundation Course in Fashion is built over three modules that expose the learner to Fashion Design, Garment Construction, and Fashion & Textile Theory.

DESIGN

In the Fashion Design Course, you will develop core design skills through concept generation and fashion illustration so that you can create your own fashion mood boards and storyboards.

MAKE

The Garment Technology course will equip you with basic techniques of pattern cutting and garment construction so that you can make your unique fashion product.

EXPLORE

In the Fashion and Textiles Course, you will explore the fashion landscape gain an understanding of fashion trends, fabrics, and fibers, and create your own original textile.

ADMISSION CRITERION

For the DAF Diploma in Fashion | The Cape Town Fashion College

The admission criterion is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the English Language.

Matric Certification (certified copy with the required level of completion)

Identity document / Passport (certified copy)

ENTRANCE PORTFOLIO

ESSAY

Write an overview of your understanding and experience of fashion. The information in your essay is reflective of your character and writing style. Include your background, passions, and future goals. Please do not exceed 2 typed pages or 4 hand-written ones.

STORYBOARD

Create one A3 storyboard consisting of three fashion figure drawings with your designs. Rendered in color. Fabric swatches are optional. (You can also find templates for your figures online)

MOODBOARD

Create one creative A3 mood board that conveys your chosen trend/theme. Incorporate visuals, print, and descriptive words to convey your inspiration for your storyboard/collection. (Ensure images are not blurry or pixelated)

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Applicants who do not live in the Republic of South Africa should read through the following steps carefully. This will indicate the timeframe which should be taken into account when applying. It is suggested that the process commence as early as possible.

Applicants are required to have a Matric Certificate with the relevant endorsement or equivalent thereof. A foreign qualification can be certified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Please note that the process can take anything from 10 to 30 working days. Please check the form for applicable fees.
You may apply at the Design Academy of Fashion in the meantime, however, acceptance will be based on the outcome from SAQA for foreign students.
Proof of payment of the R2600,00 application fee for non-South African citizens must also accompany the application. If you have already received your certificate from SAQA please submit this as well. All copies need to be certified. Please ensure that all copies once scanned are readable.

DAF will send you an acceptance letter once your portfolio is approved, stating the duration of the course you applied for.
You will then need to go to the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate to apply for a Study Visa, using the acceptance letter. The Embassy will advise of any further requirements as well as fees payable before acceptance. The visa may take up to 8 weeks. Once you have received your visa, you can book your trip to the RSA.
On arrival at DAF, a copy of the study visa will be required for your file. The study visa must state specifically that the student will be studying at the Design Academy of Fashion.
DAF does not offer accommodation, We are, however, happy to assist students, where possible, in finding suitable accommodation.

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