Top Schools To Kick-Start Your Career

Media/Broadcasting

AFDA As the top film, TV and performance school on the continent, AFDA is the first choice for many aspiring film stars, directors and producers. AFDA has fully equipped campuses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Botswana, where they train graduates to contribute to one of the largest growth industries in the world: entertainment. This film school also offers post and under-grad BAs, MFAs, and BComs. Get more information here.  Oakfields College Moving from high school to college is a big step; it brings with it a new level of freedom, as well as new challenges. At Oakfields College in Edenvale, you can arm yourself with the necessary know-how to tackle the media and broadcasting industry head-on. Oakfield College offers a range of disciplines including film production, marketing and 3D animation, to name a few. Get more information here.

Culinary Arts

HTA School of Culinary Art If you're passionate about cooking and dream of making it your career, the Hospitality Trainers and Associates (HTA) School of Culinary Arts in Ferndale is the place for you. There are full-time, part-time and e-learning programmes to choose from, and you'll gain theoretical knowledge, as well as practical training in the school's state-of-the-art facilities. HTA graduates have gone on to enjoy executive positions in high-end kitchens all over the world. Get more information here.  SA Chefs Academy At SA Chefs Academy in Cape Town, you can expect five-star hotel chefs to work hands-on with you and equip you with the skills and confidence to successfully enter the industry. Classes are limited to 16 students to ensure proper knowledge transfer. The SA Chefs Academy offers a one-year, full-time diploma course; a six-month, full-time certificate course and a six-month, part-time diploma course, all of which have been approved by the City & Guilds of London. Get more information here. 

Brand/Design

LISOF If you're looking for a fashion and retail academy where creativity and raw talent are sewn together to produce the most sought-after graduates in the industry, then check out the LISOF in Blairgowrie. You can choose from a wide variety of disciplines including design, marketing, styling, buying, merchandising and photography. Get more information here.  Vega School At the heart of Vega's educational vision lies the principle of innovation and it's regarded as one of the top brand schools in the country. The Johannesburg branch is in Randburg and offers an extensive range of courses from graphic design, advertising and copywriting to brand management, photography, interior design and more. Their IIE degree is the same standard as one found in any public university or private university. Get more information here.  AAA School Of Advertising Expect more than just knowledge, skills and practical experience at the AAA School of Advertising. Some of the biggest names in the ad agency world started at AAA, and studying here is a sure way to kick-start your career in the industry. The advertising school, situated in Bryanston, offers part-time, full-time and short courses. Get more information here.

Music/Audio Production

COPA If your dream is to rock out or pay the bills as a session musician, then look no further than the Campus of Performing Arts (COPA). Their Johannesburg campus is in Kensington and their Higher Education programmes are accredited by the Council on Higher Education. Further education and training programmes are accredited by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority. Pick your instrument or field and head down this open road. Get more information here. ASE As one of the leaders in their field, the Academy of Sound Engineering in Auckland Park offers degrees, diplomas, higher certificates, and skills programmes in audio production. Note, though that the ASE is not a music school but an institute that teaches disciplines in the field of audio, be it in audio recording or live production. Get more information here. Boston City Campus and Business College Want to make music? Release your creativity in sound? Come and create without restraint at Boston. With several campuses in Joburg, their high-tech learning environment offers students the kind of theory and practical tuition that allows for a hands-on experience. And their most famous alumni is the one and only DJ Fresh of 5FM! Get more information here.