Academy of Digital Arts Bursary 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status
Applications closed Closed 30 June 2026
Provider
Academy of Digital Arts
Field of study
Interactive Multimedia
Academic year
2027
Last checked
September 2026

The 2026 Fast Track Advertising intake closed on 30 June 2026 and started on 6 July 2026; a Fast Track Film intake is listed with dates to be announced.

Naledi KhumaloReviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

The Academy of Digital Arts (ADA), a private college in Bree Street, Cape Town, runs free Fast Track bursary programmes that train unemployed young people in Adobe design and video software over three months, pay them a stipend while they learn and send them out with an Adobe Certified Professional qualification. The programmes are aimed at people who want to start a career in digital advertising or film without a long degree.

About the Academy of Digital Arts Fast Track Bursary

  • Fast Track Advertising: three months of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for poster design, social media visuals, photo editing and print and digital layouts.
  • Fast Track Film: three months of Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects for editing, titles, visual effects, green screen and motion graphics.
  • Both are taught by industry practitioners and end with an Adobe Certified Professional exam.
  • Covers the full programme at no cost, computers, software and materials, the certification exam and a monthly stipend (R11 400 in total for the advertising course).

Academy of Digital Arts Bursary eligibility requirements

  • A qualification at NQF level 5 or equivalent.
  • Basic computer skills; no design or film experience required.
  • Demonstrated motivation and commitment to complete the three months full-time in Cape Town.
  • Preference for unemployed South African youth who cannot afford the academy’s fees.

How to apply for the Academy of Digital Arts Bursary

  1. Open the Fast Track page on ada.ac.za and follow the link to the registration portal when applications are open.
  2. Complete the online form with your ID, highest qualification and a short motivation.
  3. Attend the screening interview at the academy if shortlisted. Successful applicants start on the published intake date.

Academy of Digital Arts Bursary closing date

30 June 2026 for the 2026 advertising intake (closed). Expect a 2027 closing date between March and June 2027.

Contact details

  • Telephone: 021 300 0298
  • Email: info@ada.ac.za
  • Address: 2nd floor, HAK House, 186A Bree Street, Cape Town

Creative students should also see our graphic design bursaries and film production bursaries lists and the Open Window scholarship.

FAQs

1. When does the Academy of Digital Arts bursary close for 2027? +
The 2026 Fast Track Advertising intake closed on 30 June 2026 and started on 6 July 2026; earlier rounds closed in early April. Expect the 2027 call between March and June 2027 on ada.ac.za, and a Fast Track Film intake with dates to be announced.
2. What is the Fast Track bursary? +
A free three-month intensive course at the Academy of Digital Arts in Cape Town, with a monthly stipend, that trains unemployed young people in Adobe design or video software and ends with an Adobe Certified Professional exam.
3. What does it cover? +
The full programme at no cost, computers, software and training materials, the Adobe certification exam, and a stipend of R11 400 in total over the three months for the advertising course.
4. Who qualifies? +
Applicants with basic computer skills and a qualification at NQF level 5 or equivalent, who can show motivation and commitment and attend full-time in Cape Town for three months. No design or film experience is needed.
5. How do I apply? +
Through the Fast Track registration portal linked from ada.ac.za/fast-track, followed by a screening interview at the academy.
6. Who do I contact? +
The Academy of Digital Arts on 021 300 0298 or info@ada.ac.za, at HAK House, 186A Bree Street, Cape Town.
Update note (checked September 2026): the 2026 Fast Track Advertising intake closed on 30 June 2026 and started on 6 July 2026; a Fast Track Film intake is listed with dates to be announced. Earlier rounds closed in early April. Expect the 2027 call on ada.ac.za/fast-track between March and June 2027. The details below are from the 2026 call.

About Academy of Digital Arts

Private higher education institution (digital design)

A group of designers founded the Friends of Design Academy of Digital Arts in 2006, and the academy opened its doors in 2007. The Academy of Digital Arts (ADA) now trains students in graphic design, web design and…

Read the full Academy of Digital Arts profile →

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