University in South Africa
Observatory, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
University profile
Cape Audio College, The Institute of Sound Technology, is a private higher education institution in Observatory, Cape Town, devoted to audio engineering and music production. It trains sound engineers, music producers, live sound and broadcast audio specialists through two accredited qualifications: a one-year Higher Certificate in Sound Technology and a three-year full-time Bachelor of Arts in Sound Technology and Production, which it calls its flagship. Its stated mission is to produce skilled, knowledgeable audio engineers who advance audio production in South Africa and abroad, and it has been training audio professionals for more than 30 years.
The campus is in Unit 8B, Waverley Business Park, 48 Dane Street, Observatory. It holds a main studio and live room, an Avid S6 suite and live room, Production Studios 1 and 2, Studio 1, the Tin Pan digital lounge, four Audio Factories, five Beat Factories, a post-production studio with 5.1 surround, seventeen Edit Labs, an online radio station studio, an 85-seat auditorium, a lecture room and a library. The college describes itself as the first audio training institution in the world to fit an Avid S6 console.
Both qualifications cover audio technology fundamentals, music production, radio and broadcast audio, audio post-production, live sound, music business, acoustics and career development. Students attend lectures two days a week, one tutorial a week and workshops, and must complete at least six hours a week of practical time in the studios or Edit Labs. Classes are in English. In the Bachelor's degree, first year covers audio theory fundamentals, second year advanced recording techniques, post-production and radio, and third year specialisation, acoustics, studio design and music business.
Students gain practical experience through Cape Audio Campus Radio, an internet station run by students and graduates, and through Live and Direct, the college's PA hire and live-event service, which gives live sound students work at real events and venues. Short courses run alongside the degrees: Digital (Modern) Music Production, a 12-week part-time Ableton Live course, DJ Fundamentals and Live and Direct, and a school enrichment programme brings Grade 10 to 12 learners to campus for tours and workshops. The college does not run residences but lists recommended student accommodation within walking distance of campus.
Cape Audio College (Pty) Ltd is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a Private Higher Education Institution (certificate 2012/HE07/002, valid until 31 December 2028). It is accredited by the Council on Higher Education to offer both programmes, which are registered on the HEQSF with SAQA (Bachelor of Arts ID 118639, Higher Certificate ID 86184). International students need a valid passport and study permit.
Applicants who register and pay on the college's Open Day (Saturday 10 October 2026, 10:00 to 14:00) for the Higher Certificate in Sound Technology or the Bachelor of Arts stand a chance to win a 50% bursary on their tuition fee.
Applicants who need study finance are referred to Fundi for a student loan. The college does not run other bursary or scholarship schemes.
Details: Cape Audio College home page and Bachelor of Arts page.
Cape Audio College Full-Time Bursary →
Browse the scholarships listed for Cape Audio College (Pty) Ltd and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Cape Audio College (Pty) Ltd →Bachelor of Arts: an appropriate National Senior Certificate, endorsed for Bachelor's study, or an international equivalent approved by SAQA. Higher Certificate: an appropriate National Senior Certificate with at least Higher Certificate endorsement, or an international equivalent approved by SAQA. No APS is stated. Computer literacy and English comprehension are essential, and applicants sit a computer literacy and an English comprehension test as part of an entrance interview.
Applicants without an NSC or equivalent who have suitable workplace experience, or who are aged 23 or older, may apply for a recognition of prior learning assessment through the administration department.
International students must hold a valid passport and study permit. Required documents: certified copy of the passport identification page, certified copy of the study permit, certified school qualification and results (or a provisional statement), academic transcripts and proof of sufficient English literacy (for example TOEFL if English was not studied at school). Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA online. A study permit can take up to three months, and students are not admitted without one.
Certified copy of the South African ID or passport, certified NSC results (or a provisional statement if exams are not complete) and transcripts or certificates of any further qualifications.
Download the full-time or part-time application form, complete it and email it with the signed Terms and Conditions to [email protected], or use the online enquiry form. Once the R1,000 application fee is paid, the application is processed and the applicant is contacted for an interview. Successful applicants pay the registration fee (R7,750) to secure a place. The international registration deadline is November of the previous year. 2027 registrations are open: the Higher Certificate starts on 15 February 2027 and the Bachelor of Arts on 22 February 2027 (subject to change). An additional US$100 (subject to exchange rate) applies for the Avid Pro Tools textbook.
Observatory campus, Cape Town: Unit 8B, Waverley Business Park, 48 Dane Street, Observatory, 7700. All teaching takes place here. Office hours are 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 16:00 on Fridays.
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