Career guide

Desktop Publisher

Conventional

Lays out text and images for print and screen - brochures, magazines, reports - using publishing software to a brief.

School subjects

Grade 12 (NQF 4); Art, Design or Computer Applications Technology help.

How you qualify

A Higher Certificate or Diploma in Graphic Design, Publishing or Desktop Publishing (NQF 5-6), or short accredited courses in the main layout software. Portfolio matters more than the certificate for most employers. Entry requirements differ by provider - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

TVET colleges; DHET-registered private design and publishing colleges

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

Book a Career Pathfinder assessment

A qualified career counsellor works through your child's personality, interests, strengths and subjects, and writes them a report on what fits.

← All career guides