University in South Africa
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
University profile
The Academy of Sound Engineering (ASE) is a privately owned higher education institution founded in 1997 and focused on audio technology, music production and television and screen media. It describes itself as having become South Africa's premier entertainment education institution and accepts only a limited number of candidates in each programme. The company is Academy of Sound Engineering (Pty) Ltd and it is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution (certificate 2009/HE07/011).
The main campus is at 82 Richmond Drive, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, partly housed within the SABC Radio Park complex, the country's broadcast hub, so students work alongside professionals in audio and television from the first day. A Cape Town campus is at 15 Wicht Crescent, De Roos Street, Zonnebloem. The Johannesburg campus has Rupert Neve, SSL 4000 and Audient ASP8024 consoles, more than 240 Apple workstations, a Pro Tools 310 certification lab and live sound and broadcast equipment; full-time students have extended after-hours studio access.
Registered programmes are the Higher Certificate in Audio Technology (NQF 5, 1 year, 120 credits), the Diploma in Audio Technology (NQF 6, 3 years, 360 credits), the Higher Certificate in Television and Screen Media and the Diploma in Television and Screen Media. For 2026 the full-time offering is the Higher Certificate and Diploma in Audio Technology; the screen media programmes are not offered in 2026. Part-time short courses include DJ Essentials, Fundamentals of Audio Technology, Electronic Music Production, Pro Tools (PT101 and PT110) and a Music Business Masterclass.
The Diploma in Audio Technology builds from foundations in audio, music, electronics and business in year one, through Work-Integrated Learning and applied practice in year two, to specialisation in year three. Students choose at least one focus area from Broadcasting, Live Event Production, Audio Post Production, Electronics for Audio Production and Electronic Music Production, and 120 credits are allocated to work-integrated learning that can be done through ASE productions, external placements or the student's own workplace. All programmes are full-time, face-to-face, taught on weekdays in English.
ASE is an Avid Learning Partner authorised to teach Pro Tools up to 310 (advanced) level, and graduates receive Avid certification. Industry partners include SAMPRA, CAPASSO, Universal Music Publishing Group, Gearhouse, Bothners and the SABC. Student life includes a student-elected Student Engagement Forum, an annual Open Day, advising and career support.
Students can reduce or spread the cost through early settlement discounts of up to R10,000, interest-free monthly debit orders, and the Student Hero funding service ([email protected], 031 942 7294), which helps students apply or pre-qualify for low-interest study funding. Bank student loans (Standard Bank, ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Fundi) and external bursaries are also possible, and ASE supplies documentation to external bursary providers on request. SAMPRA is listed as an industry partner offering bursaries and awards to ASE students.
Financial aid enquiries: [email protected]. Fees page: https://ase.co.za/fees/.
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View scholarships for Academy of Sound Engineering (Pty) Ltd →Applicants need a National Senior Certificate granting access to Higher Certificate study, or an equivalent qualification verified by SAQA, or prior learning showing an appropriate level of competence, or be at least 23 years old with at least two years of related work experience or prior learning.
Applicants need a National Senior Certificate granting access to Diploma study with Grade 12 English First Language at least 40% or English Second Language at least 50%; or an equivalent qualification verified by SAQA; or prior learning showing an appropriate level of competence; or be at least 23 with two years of related experience or prior learning. RPL and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are assessed under ASE policies and may involve internal or external assessments.
Proficiency in English is required for all programmes and applicants may be asked for evidence or an English assessment. Every applicant attends a consultation interview and orientation day before registering, which includes a listening (ear) assessment for audio programmes and a technical and creative skills evaluation where applicable.
Foreign students must pay the full fee upfront on registration, and book and kit fees before classes start. In addition to the standard documents they submit a certified copy of an unexpired passport, a certified copy of a valid study permit, and a SAQA evaluation of foreign schooling (or Universities South Africa evaluation for degree equivalence) showing equivalence to the NSC. Applicants needing a letter of undertaking for a study permit contact [email protected].
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the online Apply Now form, and applying by mid-year for the following academic year is advised; admission closes when class quotas are filled. After the interview the applicant pays the registration fee to secure a place. Documents: certified copies of qualifications and transcripts, SAQA or USAf matric alignment certificate where necessary, prior learning evidence, a passport-size photograph, certified ID copy, proof of previous surname where relevant, and the completed enrolment contract. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to co-sign. Registration is valid for one academic year. A once-off, non-refundable application processing fee of R500 applies.
Higher Certificate: tuition R84,950 plus non-refundable annual registration fee R10,000 (total R94,950). Diploma: tuition R89,950 plus R10,000 (total R99,950). Fees cover one year of full-time tuition and exclude textbooks, kits and assessment rewrites. Early settlement discounts of up to R10,000 apply; monthly debit orders are R8,495 (Higher Certificate) or R8,995 (Diploma) over 10 months, or R7,723 or R8,177 over 11 months.
Full-time students have extended studio access after hours. There is no on-campus accommodation.
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