our credentials

The marketing communications world is a fast-paced creative hub that remains relevant by evolving with the times. In 1986 the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) recognised a need for highly skilled and innovative thinkers who could leave school and make valuable contributions to agencies from day one. So we created AAA, an institution that not only provides real-world experience, but also creates curricula that reflect the current and diversified needs of communication professions.

• Owned by the ACA – the official, representative association of advertising and communications practitioners
• IAA and SAQA accredited
• Registered by the DHET as a PHEI (Private Higher Education Institution).
• Our qualifications are accredited by the CHE (Council on Higher Education) and recorded on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
• Rated by Austrian Lürzer’s Archive as one of the best advertising schools in the world

We believe that one-on-one attention is needed to transform a good student into a great one. Enhancing your learning and improving creative or strategic output can only be achieved in smaller classes. To ensure you get the attention you deserve, we limit the number of students per course.

Step into our school and immerse yourself in a study life which mirrors agency life. Our integrated approach to teaching marketing communications delivers real-world experience from day one. We blend theory with practical, while also incorporating the challenges of ever evolving technologies and new media.

Building your professional network begins here. Learn from respected academics who’ve also earned their stripes in the marketing communication world. And be mentored by legends in the profession. Our open door policy ensures that, when needed, we can advise and assist.

In a rapidly changing world, we understand that applying studies from ten years ago won’t work today. With this in mind we remain current and fresh by designing curricula which evolve with the needs of the marketing communications profession and changing technologies.

We don’t just encourage excellence, we expect it. It’s why our students win more awards than any other local advertising school. We provide you with the knowledge, tools and technology to excel. Each year the best creative is entered for local and international awards, with many winning. This attests to the standard and skill set of our current students.

All our final year full-time students are placed in ACA-member agencies as part of a four-week internship programme. Here, each may be given the opportunity to attend client meetings, brainstorm brand campaigns, present their work and produce the final creative. It’s an opportunity which can result in job offers.

committed to empowerment

In a country where over 60% of youth live in poverty, untapped brilliance can and does go undiscovered. Our goal is to try to find and nurture these hidden talents. It’s why we endeavour to identify, recruit and educate talented individuals from previously disadvantaged groups.