Course Code
SAQA 94796
Faculty
Design and Technology
Accreditation
HCERT.FD
1 Year
Starting February 2026
Tuition from R35400
The Higher Certificate in Fashion Design prepares students for working in the local fashion design industry. The course offers students an opportunity to develop an industry ready fashion design portfolio. The programme equips students with the essential skills needed to develop contemporary garments promoting sustainable design principles. These garments including the patterns, technical drawings and renderings are showcased in a final design portfolio, typically needed for job applications. An emphasis is placed on how responsible fashion design can contribute towards a circular economy in both local and global markets.
A Higher Certificate is a one-year; full time face to face learning course or a two-year part time distance learning course that allows students the opportunity to work towards accessing a higher qualification such as a Diploma or Degree. Students choosing to use the Higher Certificate to advance their studies, still need to meet the institutional entrance requirements. The Higher Certificate allows for entry into the job market by providing hands on fashion design knowledge and skills. An industry relevant Higher Certificate will include work integrated learning as part of the curriculum to prepare you for the working world.
Higher Certificate in Fashion Design
This qualification is an introduction to basic garment design and construction. It includes history of costumes, textile exploration and business basics like fashion planning and professional practice management for fashion designers.
Subjects:
Readiness (24 Credits)
This subject prepares the student to succeed in their studies and in the workplace. It explores essential skills such as digital literacy, communication, design thinking, critical thinking, global awareness, and personal development.
Work Integrated Learning (24 Credits)
This subject introduces the student to the world of work. They will build a professional identity, learn what employers expect, and prepare documents like a CV, portfolio, and online professional profile. They will also complete 240 hours of industry engagement, including job shadowing, workplace immersion, volunteering, or simulated industry tasks.
Fashion Foundations (24 Credits)
This subject introduces students to the essential creative building blocks of fashion design. It develops foundational skills in illustration, visual thinking, textile awareness, trend interpretation, and early design exploration. Students learn how fashion ideas are generated, communicated, and shaped by culture, markets, and materials.
Fashion Practice (24 Credits)
This subject focuses on the technical, hands-on processes required to turn design ideas into garments. Students learn basic patternmaking, garment construction techniques, sewing skills, and how textiles behave in the making process. They also explore circular and sustainable construction approaches.
Fashion Tools (12 Credits)
Fashion Tools introduces the digital and technical tools used in the contemporary fashion industry. Students learn how to create technical drawings, digital illustrations, patterns, and presentation boards using industry-relevant software, while building confidence in digital workflows.
Fashion Industry (12 Credits)
This subject explores how the fashion world works, from planning and merchandising to trend forecasting, fashion history, sustainability, and new circular business models. Students gain a broad understanding of the fashion system, professional roles, and the commercial forces shaping the industry.
1 Year Application - Starting February 2026
All students studying towards a qualification that is offered via the distance mode must have access to data and a reliable internet connection.
*Pre-Verification Fee is non-refundable.
Visit the Fees and Funding section or download the fees booklet below.
This qualification provides students with the competencies required to progress a career in fashion design, or to study further within the discipline.
Potential careers include:
Ensuring that every active participant is challenge-ready, work-ready, life-ready and society-ready.