Fashion designers conceptualise and create clothing, accessories, and footwear. South Africa's fashion industry includes high-end designers (showing at SA Fashion Week), retail design for major chains (Woolworths, Mr Price, Truworths), and the growing African fashion export market. A National Diploma or BA in Fashion Design (3 years) is the standard pathway. Business skills are essential for running a fashion label.
Fashion designers sketch and develop designs, select fabrics and materials, create patterns and prototypes, manage production timelines, collaborate with buyers and merchandisers, and present collections at trade shows and fashion weeks.
Visual Arts or Design (Level 4+), English (Level 4+), Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics
Use the free Career Helper APS Calculator to calculate your exact score for each SA university.
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Programme names and requirements vary by institution. Always verify directly with the university before applying.
Achieve APS 18+ with Visual Arts or Design. National Diploma or BTech Fashion Design at CPUT, TUT, UJ, or DUT. Mathematical Literacy is accepted. A strong portfolio is often more important than APS for admission.
Complete your diploma, building a design portfolio and entering competitions (SA Fashion Week's New Talent). Internships at clothing retailers or design studios are essential.
Work as an in-house designer for retail chains or launch your own label. Social media (Instagram, TikTok) is essential for building a brand. African-inspired design for international markets is a growing niche.
What do I need to study Fashion Design in South Africa?
What do fashion designers earn in South Africa?
Can I succeed as a fashion designer in South Africa?
Salary ranges are indicative for South Africa 2026 based on market data. Actual salaries vary by employer, location, and experience.