7 of the top fashion schools in South Africa

By Temo Mpodi

Top-tier fashion education. Top-tier mindset. Top-tier creativity. Choosing where to study fashion is a big deal. It’s your first step towards becoming the next big name in South African fashion (or at least someone who knows how to sew on a button properly).

Back in the day, fashion schools were as rare as a perfectly fitted off-the-rack blazer. But times have changed, and now you (or that stylish friend of yours) have options. Lots of them. So, if you’re looking to strut your way into the industry, here are five fashion schools in South Africa that could be your perfect fit.

Villioti Fashion Institute

Want to hone your fashion skills and think like an entrepreneur? Villioti Fashion Institute is all about practical, hands-on training to prepare you for the real world. Led by industry expert Spero Villioti, this institute has international affiliations with Parsons School of Design and FIT (New York), which means you get access to global fashion courses and a broader industry perspective. Not too shabby for a fashion school in Joburg!

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

This isn’t just another university; this is the University of Johannesburg, and their Fashion Department is where creativity meets the hustle and bustle of the City of Gold. They offer a BA Honours in Design (Fashion) and a Master’s in Design (Fashion Design), so whether you want to start your career in fashion or take it to the next level, UJ has got your back. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by Joburg’s vibrant fashion scene, which is basically a catwalk in itself.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – where creativity meets cool. Their Fashion Department is the place to be if you’re a fashionista with a passion for innovative design and a conscience (they’re all about sustainability and community). You can snag a Diploma in Fashion or take it to the next level with an Advanced Diploma. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, who knows, maybe the fashion world will be your runway!

https://www.cput.ac.za

Design Academy of Fashion (DAF)

No fashion without design. No fashion without creativity. And definitely no fashion without connections. DAF is all about exploring design, pattern-making, styling, and everything in between. They even offer short courses, like Fashion Styling, which runs for eight weeks at a cool R6 000. Perfect for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the industry without committing to a full degree.

Stadio School of Fashion

Situated in Cape Town, the fashion capital of SA, Stadio School of Fashion is internationally accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC). Their mission? To shape the future of fashion and retail with cutting-edge curricula that reflect industry trends. With a strong emphasis on creativity and real-world engagement, this is where you go to make fashion magic happen.

https://stadio.ac.za/school-fashion

FEDISA Fashion School

FEDISA is one of the most well-known fashion institutions in South Africa, with campuses in Cape Town and Sandton. It offers degrees and diplomas in fashion, equipping students with the skills needed for both the creative and business aspects of the industry. With a strong focus on digital fashion and sustainability, FEDISA ensures that graduates stay ahead of global trends. If you want to be at the forefront of innovation in fashion, this might be your perfect match.
https://www.fedisa.co.za/

Cape Town College of Fashion Design (CTCFD)

CTCFD is a boutique fashion school that prides itself on small class sizes, ensuring personalised attention for each student. Their courses range from a Higher Certificate in Fashion Design to a Diploma and Advanced Diploma, all designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Located in the heart of Cape Town, it offers an immersive experience where creativity flourishes.

https://ctcfd.co.za

Whether you’re all about couture or dream of launching your own ready-to-wear line, these schools will set you on the right path. The South African fashion scene is booming, so go on, grab your sketchbook (or sewing machine) and get started!