Faculty of Art & Design

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONS) BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Awarded by University of the Arts Singapore (UAS)

Download Brochure 课程简章

Portfolio and Interview Requirements

A Statement of Intent (250 - 300 words) which communicate your purpose in pursuing the BA (Hons) in Biophilic Design.

A Portfolio which consists of 10-15 pieces of your best works. These works should demonstrate creativity, passion, and curiosity and reflect your skills and study on spatial design. If you had not pursued spatial design in your previous study, your portfolio should reflect your interest and basic understanding of spatial design.

You are to attend a group interview session where you expected to communicate your motivations in applying for the BA (Hons) Biophilic Design course and share your views on specific topics given.

Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

Educational Qualifications

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is either one of the following qualifications:

Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level: Minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Local Polytechnic Diploma
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
ITE Work-Study Diploma (WSDip)
NUS High School Diploma
Equivalent of Year 12 qualification

Applicants with a relevant diploma from NAFA, LASALLE or a recognised institution may be considered for direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor programme subject to availability of places.

Conditional Offers for Degree Admission
You may use the latest results available to apply for the programme if you have not received your final examination results. You will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit the following results, as applicable:

GCE A-Level results with minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Polytechnic Diploma certificate and transcript
IB Diploma certificate and transcript
Final result slip/Proof of completion of Year 12

If you fail to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements, your conditional offer will be withdrawn.

English Language Proficiency

An English Language proficiency* of at least*:

Entry Into	IELTS	TOEFL - iBT	PTE ACADEMIC	DUOLINGO
BA (Honours)	6.0	80	50	105

*Not applicable to applicants who have completed their NAFA diploma or diplomas/degrees from other institutions where English is the medium of instruction.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

You may be eligible for Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL), through the demonstration of prior certification, exempting you for 120 credits or one level of study. APL does not apply to modules. You must be first eligible to enter the programme before APL can be considered.

BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONOURS) DESIGN PRACTICE
Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)

Download Brochure 课程简章

Portfolio and Interview Requirements

Portfolio and Statement of Intent

All applicants are to demonstrate their potential through the submission of the following:
1. A Portfolio which consists of 10-15 pieces of the applicant’s best works. These works should demonstrate creativity, passion, and curiosity and are a reflection of the applicant’s view of the world.
2. A Statement of Intent (250 - 300 words) which communicate the applicant’s purpose in pursuing a Design Practice degree course.

Group Interview

All applicants are to attend a group interview session where they are expected to communicate their motivations in applying for the BA (Hons) Design Practice course, and share their views on specific topics given.

Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

Educational Qualifications

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is either one of the following qualifications:

Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level: Minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Local Polytechnic Diploma
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
NUS High School Diploma
Equivalent of Year 12 qualification

Applicants with a relevant diploma from NAFA, LASALLE or a recognised institution may be considered for direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor programme subject to availability of places.

GCE A-Level results with minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Polytechnic Diploma certificate and transcript
IB Diploma certificate and transcript
Final result slip/Proof of completion of Year 12

If you fail to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements, your conditional offer will be withdrawn.

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases.

The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

Related academic or work experience
The quality of the personal statement
A strong academic or other professional references
A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit, but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case. In such cases, approval by the University of the Arts London will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

English Language Proficiency

All classes are taught in English. The minimum English Language proficiency requirement: IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Click here for other acceptable English language qualifications.

BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONOURS) FINE ART
Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)

Download Brochure 课程简章

Portfolio and Interview Requirements

Portfolio and Statement of Intent
All applicants are to demonstrate their artistic potential through the submission of the following:
1. Statement of Intent of about 500 words outlining the applicant’s interest(s) of practice and/or work the applicant aims to produce in the course of study.
2. A portfolio which consists of 5 best examples of the applicant’s creative works. Each of these works should be supported by up to 3 visuals of development works. These works should demonstrate creativity, passion, and curiosity and are a reflection of the applicant’s view of the world.

Video Submission (3 minutes)
This video allows you to share your creativity, skills, and enthusiasm for our programme, allowing us to understand your potential and enthusiasm. Please follow these guidelines to create your 3-minute video.
1. Introduction
  - Begin by introducing yourself (mention your name and programme you are applying to)
  - Share your motivation for applying this programme and how you envision it contributing to your creative goals
2. Portfolio Highlight
  - Choose ONE artwork (from your portfolio submission), mention the artwork title and present the details - articulate your inspiration and intention behind this specific work
3. Conclusion
  - Explain why you believe you are a strong candidate for the programme
  - Highlight the value you believe you can bring to our learning community
4. Submission Details
  - Duration: up to 3 minutes
  - Format: MP4
  - File size: Less than 200MB
  - No edits, filters or voice over to be used

Group Interview
All applicants are to attend a group interview where they are expected to communicate.

Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

Educational Qualifications

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is either one of the following qualifications:

Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level: Minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Local Polytechnic Diploma
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
NUS High School Diploma
Equivalent of Year 12 qualification

Applicants with a relevant diploma from NAFA, LASALLE or a recognised institution may be considered for direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor programme subject to availability of places.

GCE A-Level results with minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Polytechnic Diploma certificate and transcript
IB Diploma certificate and transcript
Final result slip/Proof of completion of Year 12

If you fail to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements, your conditional offer will be withdrawn.

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL)

Related academic or work experience
The quality of the personal statement
A strong academic or other professional references
A combination of these factors

English Language Proficiency

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online

Apply online here along with your application fees. Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents

Send documents listed in the checklist to [email protected] for verification within five working days from the application date.

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students.

Upload portfolio

Upload your Research Proposal, Personal Statement, Portfolio and reference letters here.

Receive an email

You will receive an email from the Student Admissions Office on the details of your portfolio interview upon receipt of all required documents and portfolio.

Application outcome

Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.

Apply Now

FINANCIAL MATTERS

To know more about the details related to the degree fees, please click the links below:

FAQ

What is University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) and how will I benefit from it?

The University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) is Singapore's first arts university nurturing a new generation of forward-looking artists, designers, educators, researchers, arts leaders and changemakers. UAS is founded on an alliance of Singapore's leading arts institutions, LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). It is supported by the government, which will continue to provide funding for subsidised Diploma and BA (Hons) students and UAS will validate, confer and award degrees in respect to the programmes offered by NAFA. It will also support both arts institutions in the provision of a shared UAS experience which includes a common curriculum. All academic programmes will continue to be developed, designed and delivered by NAFA at its campuses.

For more details, please refer to UAS’ website here.

Will UAS have a physical campus of its own?

All academic lessons and learning will continue to be delivered at NAFA’s existing campuses. Meanwhile, UAS will offer common curriculum modules from the National Design Centre which is in close proximity to NAFA.

How many intakes are there each year?

There is one intake commencing in August each year. Click here for the NAFA academic calendar.

When is the application period? How do I apply for admission?

Applications typically open in October for the following August intake.

International Applicants residing overseas are advised to contact NAFA’s authorised overseas education counsellors based in their home countries to submit applications from September for the August intake the following year. Click here for more information.

For more information about the application procedures and application deadline, click here.

What is the duration of a Degree programme? Are there part-time Degree programmes?

Degree programmes conferred by the University of the Arts London (UAL) and the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) are 3-year, full-time programmes. Applicants with a relevant diploma from NAFA, LASALLE or a recognised institution may be considered for direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor programme subject to portfolio review, interview and programme capacity.

Degree programmes validated by the Royal College of Music (RCM) are 2-year, full-time top-up programmes.

There are no part-time Degree programmes available. If you are interested in part-time Certificate programmes, you may email the Centre for Lifelong Education at [email protected] for more information.

When would the application results be released?

Application results will be sent via email within 4–6 weeks after Audition / Portfolio Interview.

You may also check on the status of the application by logging into the application portal within 4–6 weeks after Audition / Portfolio Interview.

Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

How much time does a NAFA student spend on campus?

A student typically has about 20 hours of lessons per week. A performing arts student is often expected to attend additional hours of rehearsals after lessons as well. Classes are usually scheduled between Mondays and Fridays, 9.00am to 6.00pm; evening or Saturday classes may occasionally be scheduled for some programmes.

Students may also have to remain on campus after classes for assignments, projects or rehearsals.

Will the degrees be conferred by NAFA or the partner universities?

Upon successful completion of the degree programme, you will be conferred a degree by the University of the Arts Singapore or our partner universities, University of the Arts London or Royal College of Music, London.

Am I eligible for the Tuition Grant, and what kind of criteria is needed?

Please refer here for more information on your tuition grant eligibility. For further clarifications, please contact the Student Admissions Office.

I am an International Applicant. Is Tuition Grant (TG) available for Degree programmes?

Tuition grants are not available for international students for the publicly funded degree programmes. However, NAFA will provide a small number of scholarship and bursary awards for outstanding applicants each year.

I am an International student (Diploma holder who is holding a Tuition Grant). May I apply for the Degree programmes?

International TG graduates may apply for deferment of the service obligation for further studies here. Application for deferment is subject to MOE’s approval on a case-by-case basis. They are required to provide a Banker’s Guarantee.

Are scholarships and other financial aids available?

Yes, please click here for more information. For enquiries, please email the Office of Student Care at [email protected] (Financial Aids & Awards Scheme)

Is it possible to further my studies at the partner universities after graduating from NAFA?

Yes, but it will be subject to UAL or RCM’s prevailing admission requirements. Please refer to their universities’ websites for more information.

What is the employment rate and average starting salary for NAFA graduates?

Please click here for the latest results from the Graduate Employment Survey.

I have applied for a programme in another institution and I am waiting for my application result. May I still enrol in NAFA?

You may still enrol in NAFA and pay the full tuition fees to reserve a place in the programme that you are accepted to. If you are successful in your application to the other institution, you may withdraw from NAFA. By doing so, you are omitting the possibility of ending up with no programme to study, should your application to other institutions be unsuccessful.

Refer here for the refund policy.

I am offered a place of study in NAFA, but I am waiting for the result of my application to another institution. Can I not pay the full tuition fees on the due date but pay at a later date?

You are not allowed to pay at a later date as there are limited vacancies for all the programmes. Full payment of the tuition fees will guarantee you a place of study in NAFA.

I have enrolled with NAFA and I am now joining another institution. How can I withdraw from NAFA and will I be entitled to a refund?

You will have to submit a withdrawal letter to NAFA. Photocopies of documents submitted to NAFA during enrolment are not returnable.

As for the refund of fees, please refer to the refund policy.

Can males serving Singapore National Service apply? Will places be reserved for NSmen?

Yes, males currently serving National Service, are welcome to apply. We will reserve a place for male students who accepted our offers, for the immediate intake year after your ORD.

Note: Reservation of places for NSmen is not applicable for Bachelor of Music (Hons) and Bachelor of Education (Hons) in Instrumental & Vocal Teaching. Please apply for the immediate intake year after your ORD.

How can I request for a deferment letter for my ICT/reservist?

The deferment letter will only be given to students who have made the minimum required payment of their tuition fees. Please submit your ICT notification letter to the Student Admissions Office at [email protected].

If you require the Deferment Letter after programme commencement, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at [email protected].

May I defer my studies after programme commencement?

Application for deferment will only be considered for reasons due to extenuating circumstances such as prolonged health problems. You will have to submit a completed ‘Request for Deferment’ form with relevant supporting documents to the Office of Student Affairs. As the application for deferment is subject to approval by the relevant Dean of Faculty, you must continue to attend classes until the outcome of your application is known.

May I apply for a programme transfer?

Programme Transfer is not applicable to degree programmes.

What are your lecturers' qualifications?

Most of our lecturers have received training in Europe, the US and Asia. Collectively, they have qualifications and teaching experiences that span many decades and continents. Our website lists the qualifications and provides a short biography of all of our lecturers.

How are disputes and grievances resolved at NAFA?

Should the student be unable to resolve any dispute and/or grievance with their respective department, they may surface the issue to the Office of Student Affairs (for academic matters) or the Office of Student Care (for non-academic matters).

In the event that the student is not satisfied with the explanation or solution offered by the Office of Student Affairs or the Office of Student Care, the student may lodge an appeal to the Vice-President, Provost, or President of NAFA.

In the event the student is still not satisfied with the explanation or recommendation offered by NAFA, he/she may seek redress via SSG Mediation-Arbitration Scheme, Small Claims Tribunals or his/her own legal counsel.

How do I apply for the Student’s Pass?

For more details on Student’s Pass and living in Singapore, please refer to our website here.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE

NAFA-appointed overseas education counsellors provide programme advice and application services to international students. Countries and regions with NAFA overseas education counsellors include China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. International students residing overseas are encouraged to apply for admission to NAFA through the appointed education counsellors, where applicable. For full list of NAFA appointed overseas education counsellors, click here.

Overseas Education Counsellors (Agents)

International students residing overseas are encouraged to apply for admission to NAFA through the appointed education counsellors, where applicable. These appointed counsellors may charge up to S$4,000* in service fees per student. NAFA does not receive service fees on behalf of the counsellors. The payment schedule of these service fees are as follows:

Phase 1 - One week before Admission Test/Audition

All fees paid in this phase are non-refundable.
Your application fee, test fees, and administrative costs of document verification and translation will be collected once you sign the agency contract.

Phase 2 - Collection of student contracts

Collection of 50% of the total service fees specified in the signed agency contract with the applicant before completing Phase 2 of the NAFA online registration.

Phase 3 - Upon collection of SOLAR+ code from ICA

Collection of the 50% balance in service fees specified in the signed agency contract (ICA processing fees and Issuance fees shall be borne by students).

*Graduating international NAFA diploma students may wish to contact the appointed education counsellors to get assistance for their degree application and/or Student’s Pass matters. No additional service fees should be collected by the counsellors.

View the list of overseas education counsellors

Living In Singapore

All international applicants are required to apply for a Student’s Pass through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore after acceptance by an educational institute to pursue full-time studies in Singapore.

View more details for living in Singapore

FACULTY OF ART & DESIGN

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

HOW TO APPLY

FINANCIAL MATTERS

FAQ

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE

Overseas Education Counsellors (Agents)

Living In Singapore

Admission Information