University in South Africa
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
University profile
Ruth Prowse School of Art (RPSA) is a non-profit private higher education institution in Woodstock, Cape Town, housed in the historic Roodebloem Estate at the top of Birkdale Avenue. It was founded in 1970 as the Ruth Prowse Art Centre by the artist Erik Laubscher, taking its name from the artist and heritage campaigner Ruth Prowse (1883-1967), and admitted its first students in 1971. Classes are kept small, with ample studio space and tuition by practising artists and designers.
Three full-time, three-year Diplomas at NQF level 6 (360 credits) are offered: the Diploma in Fine Art (SAQA ID 49864), the Diploma in Graphic Design (SAQA ID 49863) and the Diploma in Jewellery Design (SAQA ID 83426). Fine Art covers drawing, painting and mixed media, printmaking, photography, illustration, video and installation, ending in a third-year body of work and extended essay. Graphic Design combines communication design, illustration, printmaking, photography and Adobe desktop publishing software with work shadowing and real client projects. Jewellery Design covers jewellery manufacture, design, drawing, Rhino digital design and gemology, and the school is a member in good standing of the Jewellery Council of South Africa.
Alongside the diplomas the school runs non-credit part-time courses for people aged 16 and older (for example figure drawing, portraits and painting, and jewellery for beginners and intermediate students) and an Outreach Skills Programme that provides skills development for unemployed adults. A gallery hosts exhibitions and the annual Graduate Show. Facilities include specialised studios and workshops, a library, free Wi-Fi and an art shop that sells core materials to students.
Students elect a Student Representative Council and the school offers one-to-one support from course coordinators; foreign students are admitted on a study visa, and non-SADC students pay a 10% levy. RPSA is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Registration Certificate No. 2009/HE08/001), and its three-year diplomas are accredited by the Council on Higher Education. Because it is private it does not receive government subsidies and NSFAS does not apply.
The school runs a donor-funded scholarship programme to redress educational imbalances and support students without the financial means to study. It can cover full, substantive or partial tuition for the full three-year programme, plus funding towards materials and transport, for students of academic merit in financial need and from historically disadvantaged communities. Donors for 2026 include the Brendalyn and Ernest Stempel Foundation, the St Leger Lindbergh Trust, the South African Society of Artists, SAIFM Art Collaborative, The Click Foundation, DRD Gold and the Finegold Financial Assistance Programme.
Applications are due by 31 October annually. First-year applicants submit the form before their formal application for admission, and the Scholarship Committee of the Board interviews applicants. Students re-apply every year; renewal depends on good class attendance and an average mark above 65%. If a scholarship student fails or discontinues studies, 50% of the award must be repaid within 3 months. No financial assistance is available to first-year foreign students, though second- and third-year foreign students may be considered. Because the school is private and receives no NSFAS support, the number of awards depends on donor funds.
The Financial Assistance form can be requested by email or downloaded from ruthprowse.co.za/pages/about-us; the prospectus is at ruthprowse.co.za/pages/documents.
Ruth Prowse School of Art Financial Assistance Programme →
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View scholarships for Ruth Prowse School of Art →Subject to portfolio and theory requirements, the minimum requirement is a National Senior Certificate (or National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4). For NCV applicants this means at least 40% in three fundamental subjects including the language of teaching, at least 50% in the three compulsory vocational subjects and at least 40% in English, the language of tuition. Applicants still completing Grade 12 can apply on interim results; classes begin subject to successful completion of Grade 12 with Diploma access.
Files should be 72 dpi JPG or PDF. Submit in person at 5 Elson Road, by WhatsApp on 079 255 8355, by email to [email protected], by courier, or via the online application form. There is no application fee. Applications for the 2027 intake are processed from 1 June 2026; places are limited, so early application is advised.
Applicants from another higher education institution are assessed on their higher education and school-leaving results. Mature students aged 23 or older with an NSC who lack some requirements may apply through Recognition of Prior Learning, supported by a portfolio of evidence, CV, motivation letter, recommendations and an interview; a final decision rests with the Executive Head.
Foreign students must hold a study visa before commencing and apply from their home country; documents for the visa are issued once fees are paid (50% of fees must be paid first). SADC students pay the same fees as South Africans, and non-SADC students pay a 10% levy. First-year foreign students settle R45,000 on acceptance before the visa application.
Fees include the R12,000 registration fee, which secures the place. Fees are settled in full by 30 May, or in ten equal interest-free monthly instalments from February to November on written application to the Executive Head by mid-January. Discounts of 10% (paid by 15 January) and 5% (paid by 15 February) apply to the balance after registration. Fees increase annually, typically by CPI plus 1% to a maximum of 10%.
The school has a single site: Top of Birkdale Avenue, 5 Elson Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925, in the historic Roodebloem Estate.
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