FSA College - Cape Town Film School

Our applications for 2026 are now open. You are welcome to apply at this link now. But before you do that, do yourself a favor and read more below to be sure we're the right school for you!

South African supporters looking to donate locally can now do so through our Film School Africa Trust account!

Simply EFT your generous donation to: Film School Africa Trust, FNB Bank, Acct. 624 6822 4341, Checking Account *Just remember to note FSA College to support education or reference an individual student if you feel lead.

We have identified a need for students to have a time where they are removed from any and all other influences; where they are given the opportunity to have a Christian-based, full-time film school experience.

We are accredited through MICT SETA as an NQF Level 5, and consider ourselves a training facility where students can learn and grow. Students can expect to graduate with a working knowledge of the film industry and a reel of which they can be proud, allowing them to apply for jobs in the booming South African film industry. If they remain for a third year, they can expect internship and practical work experience that will build their professional CV. Our College film school training is available on a beautiful campus in Somerset West (Cape Town). We are open to all students looking to study at a faith based tertiary institution with on campus housing.

We have graduated many students from our college level program and we are proud to boast that most graduates were quickly snatched into paid positions, and nearly all 3rd year attending students were working within 6 months of completion of the course.

We have a beautiful campus that contains classrooms, a large pool, 32 seat theatre, men's and women's student housing and campus staff housing in the heart of Somerset West.

Our live-in program will continue to have an emphasis on previously disadvantaged students who can apply for scholarships (bursaries), while incorporating students from all walks of life.

Please note for those applying for a bursary, our bursary works differently from those at other schools. When you apply by filling out the application, you then also need to submit bank statements for yourself and your family. We need to assess your level of need so give us as much information as you can. Then based on that information, if you are selected for a bursary, you and your family/friends/support team will be required to contribute something to your education on a monthly basis. We will, in addition to covering your housing, equipment, books and meals, also give you R500 monthly for toiletries and R400 for weekend meals. If you are not up-to-date on your school fees payments, then the toiletry money will be applied to your school fees.

All students contribute to their education with us, even those with a bursary, but that amount is based on your ability. The absolute minimum for this is R8000 for the year, or R800 a month over 10 months. While this might feel like a lot, remember that everything else is covered for you and you're given a bit of cash as outlined above. This is our way to ensure that you and your family are engaged in your education. If you're looking to go to school to support family with bursary money, we are not the place for you. If you're serious about getting trained so you can start making money as soon as you finish your 3rd year, then we're the perfect place for you.

The annual fee for the first year of study for African students at FSA College is R85,000, this is broken down as R60,000 for training and R25,000 for housing and all utilities, including internet. (Please note, if you were to pay for a shared flat in Cape Town near other institutions it would cost you at a minimum R75,000 for the year, so this is a real deal.) If you are in need, there are bursaries available. Housing is included in the cost of tuition, and it is required that you live on campus when you attend Film School Africa College. There are no hidden fees for equipment, books or projects added throughout the year, and no equipment purchases are necessary to attend. A meal plan is an additional cost of R3000 a month over the course of approximately 7(.5) months – so an additional R21,000 in total for meals for students not on bursary.

Our film courses are both educational/theoretical and practical! Film is a very hands-on course of study, and while the theory is important, we are preparing you for the market place so that you can gain employment upon graduation. FSA is a very supportive and holistic Christian learning environment, as we seek to grow each individual according to his or her needs.

If accepted, you are joining a Christian learning environment and on campus family culture. You can expect to sign a code of conduct that you might think is restrictive, but is in fact beneficial for the growth and acceptance of all students. This includes, speaking entirely in English, not drinking or engaging in sexual activity, among other things. If this isn’t something you’re prepared to commit to for the duration of your time at FSA College we would encourage you to apply elsewhere.

Watch some of our favorite FSA College student films from the past few years by clicking here!

You can find more details below (it says 2019 but the information is still relevant).

Cape Winelands Student Festival: a new festival is coming to the Winelands

Launching in August - a student focused, international short film festival!

Only students. Only shorts. Only an incredible red-carpet experience.

You can soon submit your short film at FilmFreeway.com!

Save the dates, August 7th-10th in 2025. Screenings will be held Thursday evening, and all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Selected short films will all be screened at live screenings at least twice. There will be indoor and outdoor venues (weather permitting) at Film School Africa in Somerset West, with potentially more venues added depending on ticket sales.

Screening schedules to be announced in July. Filmmakers are encouraged to come for a long weekend and take in multiple screenings. Our awards evening will take place Saturday August 9th. Reach out to us for recommendations on accommodations locally and we'd be happy to send you details. There are also numerous Airbnb's in the area.

Prizes for best short film, best cinematography, best high school short film, best South African short film, best screenplay, best edit, best documentary, best high school short, best actress and best actor.