Fees and Payment Options

Studying at ADA is a serious investment, and every family plans for it differently.

That is why we give you choices. You can pay upfront and save, spread the cost across the year, finance your studies through a student loan, or apply for a bursary or scholarship.

Fees for each programme are listed on its course page. You choose your payment plan when you complete your online application, and our admissions team is here to talk you and your family through every option.

Apply early, pay in full, and save 10% on your tuition fee.

Early Bird for 2027 has now closed. For study in 2028, the offer is open until 31 July 2027.

This is how you qualify:

• Complete your online application and register by 31 July 2027.
• Pay the full year's tuition in one payment by 31 July 2027.

While the offer is open, the Early Bird price is shown on each course page.

If you missed the Early Bird, you can choose one of three payment plans when you apply.

Secure your place with R4,000

A deposit of R4,000 secures your place on any full time programme. It is deducted from your total tuition fee, whichever plan you choose.

Pay in full: save 5%

Pay the full year's tuition at the start of your studies and take 5% off.

Two payments: save 2%

Split the year into two equal payments, the first at the start of the year and the second due on 3 June, and take 2% off.

Monthly debit order

Spread your tuition across 11 monthly payments, from February to December. Monthly plans are paid by debit order only.

If you need a student loan, we recommend Student Hero.

Student Hero is a free service that matches you with South African student finance providers. You complete one application, and it goes to every lender on the platform.

Student Hero does the following for you:

• It checks whether you qualify before you apply.
• It compares student loans from major banks and specialist funders.
• It sends one application to every provider on the platform.
• It costs you nothing.

When you register on our application portal, answer Yes to the financial assistance question. We send your details to Student Hero and they contact you directly.

If you would like to start right away, you can check your options with Student Hero today. Their website opens in a new tab, so this page stays open for you.

Talent deserves a chance, whatever your family's budget.

Every year, ADA and our partners fund a limited number of full tuition bursaries and scholarships. Our lecturers select on talent, so let your portfolio show your best work.

This is how you apply:

• Complete your online application.
• Tick the bursary or scholarship option on the form.
• Submit your application by 30 November 2026 for study in 2027.

Distinguished Talent Scholarship

Each year, we award one full tuition scholarship per full time programme. Our lecturers review each applicant's portfolio and award it to the strongest talent on the programme.

Higher Certificate bursaries

These bursaries are funded by our industry and business partners and cover the full tuition fee. Our lecturers shortlist up to ten of the most promising applicants on each programme, and the funding partners choose who they will support.

BA in Concept Art bursaries

A limited number of funded bursaries are available for the BA in Concept Art each year. Apply through the same bursary option on your application form.