Cape Town Film School (City Varsity)

Overview

City Varsity School of Media and Creative Arts, commonly known as Cape Town Film School, is a private creative arts institution located in Cape Town, South Africa. The school offers diploma and degree programs in film, television, multimedia, and related creative disciplines, training students for South Africa's dynamic screen industry.

Cape Town has established itself as one of Africa's most important production centers and a globally recognized filming destination. The city's diverse landscapes, from mountains and beaches to urban environments, combined with favorable exchange rates and experienced crew, attract international productions throughout the year. Major films and television series from Netflix, Amazon, and Hollywood studios regularly shoot in Cape Town, creating a professional production ecosystem that benefits film students.

The school's campus includes studios, editing suites, and production equipment. City Varsity's practical curriculum emphasizes industry readiness, with students producing work throughout their enrollment and building portfolios suitable for professional entry.

Programs Offered

• Higher Certificate in Film and Television -- a one-year introductory program
• Diploma in Film and Television Production -- a two-year production program covering directing, cinematography, editing, sound, and producing
• BA in Film and Television -- a three-year degree program (in partnership with a university)
• Diploma in Multimedia -- digital content creation and design
• Short courses -- intensive programs in specific disciplines

What Students Should Know

City Varsity teaches in English, making it accessible to students from across Anglophone Africa and internationally. The school attracts students from South Africa and neighboring countries including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

Cape Town's international production activity is a genuine asset. Students observe and participate in professional productions, gaining exposure to international production standards and practices. The city's crew base includes experienced professionals who serve as mentors and potential employers for graduates.

Tuition at City Varsity is affordable by international standards, though it represents a significant investment in the South African context. The school offers some bursaries and payment plans. Cape Town's cost of living is moderate by global standards but higher than other South African cities.

The school prepares students for the specific realities of the South African production industry, including the technical standards required by international productions and the creative storytelling traditions of African cinema. Graduates find work in production roles on both local and international projects shooting in the Western Cape.

Notable Alumni

City Varsity alumni work across the South African film and television industries, contributing to local productions and serving as crew on international projects shooting in Cape Town.

See Also

For understanding African production markets, see International Film Markets. To plan your production budget, use the Production Budget Calculator.