A Not necessary , in fact we had students in the past who did'nt have art as a subject at school and they did better than the students with art as a subject.

Also we teach photography from the basics.

Q Do I need to come for an interview if I want to become a student at SIPS?

A No, Only complete the registration form and send with deposit and A4 motivation letter for approval.

Q What are the % for male and female students at Sips?

A Same as at other colleges, about 20 % of our students are male.

Q Do I have to make use of the accommodation that Sips offer?

A No, it is optional. We have found  over the past 13 years that the students who use our accommodation made great friends and study, socialize and protected each other and thereby became better friends.

Q Before what date should I register  at SIPS?

A As soon as possible because we only accept 30 students and we fill up quickly, usually before September, so we suggest that you register before 1 August to prevent the late registration penalty.. 

Q What are the minimum requirements to be accepted at SIPS?

A You must have grade 12 and it doesn’t matter what subjects.  You must also have the proper equipment as indicated e.g. 35 mm SLR. film or digital camera,  and a video camera if you also choose video production as an additional subject.

Q Which camera equipment do I have to buy?

A You either have the option to buy the camera through us at very reasonable prices, which is quoted on request in October or you can buy your own 35 mm.camera. SLR, film or digital camera. It is very important that you buy a manual Single Lens Reflex camera. Brand name is not important but what is very critical is that it can operate in a manual mode e.g. that you can choose different shutter speeds and f-stops manually. You can either use a standard lens, which is very limited with your camera or a slightly better, 35 to 80 mm zoom lens. You will also need a tripod and a flash. If your budget allows it you can buy an 80 to 200 mm zoom lens but you can do this at a later stage or after the first few months on the course. Basically any video camera will work. If you have the option buy a video camera with a remote microphone socket.

Q Do I need to bring my own computer?

A It would be an advantage but you don’t need one. It is always useful to have your own computer available after hours to type your projects but we supply a computer if you take computers as a subject. Lately it only make sense, if you buy a digital camera you also need a proper computer to work your picture on.

 Q How do I know which subjects to choose?

A The dual purpose of SIPS is to let you have up-to-date experience in multimedia and let you complete your year and specialize in one subject.

The additional subjects in the first semester will compliment your photography career, eg. video, graphic design, make-up and advertising will help you in your photo studio to make more money.

During the first semester you must take one compulsory subjects, photography again.  Also during this semester  you can choose additional subjects.

Q Do we complete any tests and exams?

A Yes, you will complete a series of tests during March-April as well as mid year exams in June. You will also need to complete a variety of practical projects during each semester which will make up 50 % of your final marks. Examinations are there to let you qualify for your certificate, which you receive after the first six months for the subjects completed successfully and your SIPS advanced certificate at the end of the year for the subject that you have specialized in.

Q Do I need to be a model to be able to join SIPS?

A Definitely not. If you are model material we will make use of you and thereby you can build up your portfolio and earn money.

Q Do I need my own transport?

A No it is not necessary transport is provided. If you do the second year, we will recommend a car.

Q Are our course Internationally recognized?

A Some subjects will give you the opportunity to write an additional exam to qualify, but it is optional. We believe that with artistic subjects like  Photography, Moviemaking, Advertising and Graphic Design you will need a market related portfolio that will make you able to find work anywhere in the world. We push our students to their limit to produce such a portfolio at the end of the course.

Q Do we guarantee work after completion of the course?

A No educational Institute will guarantee work, but we can assist students to find a job. Our students that graduated work as movie crew, graphic designers, photographers on cruise liners, assistants to photographers, photo labs or freelance.

Q Are there any additional costs except the course fees?

A Only a  compulsory fee for materials for photography to cover transport, models, books etc. Materials for each subject eg. films chemicals and developing will be for your own account, if you decide to take additional subjects.

 Home: