Faculty of Art & Design

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

School of 3D Design
Diploma in Design (Furniture and Spatial)
Diploma in Design (Interior and Exhibition)
Diploma in Design (Landscape and Architecture)
Diploma in Design (Object and Jewellery)

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School of Design & Media
Diploma in Advertising
Diploma in Graphic Communication
Diploma in Illustration Design with Animation
Diploma in Screen Media

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School of Fashion Studies
Diploma in Fashion Design
Diploma in Fashion Business and Management

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School of Fine Art
Diploma in Art Teaching
Diploma in Fine Art

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NAFA hopes to attract applicants with the potential to become excellent arts practitioners. Applicants are selected by merit, based on the following criteria:

Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity
Educational Qualification
English Language Proficiency
Special Factor
Module Exemption

Selection is competitive and is subject to the availability of places. However, the Academy may give consideration to talented applicants who excel in Artistic Talent and Creativity, but have not fully met the education qualification stated.

Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity

All applicants are to demonstrate their artistic potential through portfolio submission/admission test/audition as specified in each programme, in order to be considered for admission.

Applicants may select either (A) Portfolio Submission or (B) Admission Test.

(A) Portfolio Submission

You are to submit 10-15 images of recent art or design work, which should include a range of finished artwork as well as development work in preparing the finished artwork (sketches, mood boards, etc). Portfolios are assessed with the aim of identifying your creative and technical potential to undertake a programme in art and design.

(Allowed file types: .pdf,.jpg,.jpeg,.png,.gif,.tif,.tiff,.bmp. Maximum image file size: 5 MB)
(Allowed video file types: .mpeg,.mp4,.mov,.m4v,.avi,.wmv,.flv,.asf,.mpg,.mp3. Maximum image file size: 200 MB)

The work submitted should preferably be not more than two years old. It may be the result of assigned class projects or independent exploration. It is recommended that the selected examples of work reflect your interests, experience and competencies in art and design.

While compiling the contents of the portfolio, you may concentrate on a single medium or show work in a breadth of media. The portfolio may include, but is not limited to the following: drawing, prints, photography, painting, film, video, animation, sculpture, ceramics, digital work, etc.

Guidelines on taking photographs of artworks:

A clean background with no visual clutter distracting the artwork should be used.
The artwork should be evenly lit and there should not be any shadows cast on the artworks

You are also expected to write a statement of intent of about 100 words, stating your reasons for pursuing a programme of study in art and design. Please include your goals, interests and aspirations for the future.

Submit Portfolio and All Required Application Documents by
29 December 2023
22 January 2024
12 February 2024
4 March 2024
22 March 2024
15 April 2024

(B) Admission Test

The test consists of three sections (test duration: 2.5 hours):

Written essay
where you will be tested on your ability to write and express your views on art and design
Drawing from observation
where you will be tested on your ability to draw an actual object or a scene in front of you
Creative visualisation where you will be tested on your creativity and imagination to visualise a design or solution.

Please note that selected applicants may be asked to attend an in-person or online interview.

Admission Test Date
24 January 2024
28 March 2024
30 May 2024

Please note that you will be notified of the confirmed admission test date upon submission of your application, all supporting documents and application fee payment.

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required

Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level: Aggregate score of 25 points or better in 4 GCE ‘O’ Level subjects, excluding English.

Applicants who are active in their Secondary Schools’ Co-curricular Activities (CCA) may gain up to 2 CCA points. The CCA points can be used to improve their EQ aggregate score for admission consideration.

Types of bonus points	No. of bonus points awarded
Grades of A1–A2	2 points
Grades of B3–C6	1 point

Singapore Integrated Programme: Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
School of The Arts (SOTA): Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
Institute of Technical Education (ITE): Successful completion of full-time Higher Nitec or Nitec.

Educational Qualifications - International

Successful completion of at least 10 years of education.

Eligible international students will be able to use their mid-year examination results to apply for diploma programmes at NAFA. Applicants will be given conditional offer if they are successful in their portfolio interview/audition selection. Applicants are still required to submit their year-end examination results and meet the admission requirements of the respective programmes. Any applicant who does not meet the admission requirements will have his/her conditional offer revoked.

English Language Proficiency

The minimum English Language proficiency requirement:

Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Levels
TOEFL iBT 50
TOEFL 500
IELTS Academic Band 5
SAT score of 480 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component)
Duolingo score of 80
Qualifications equivalent to any of the above

Special Factor

Recognition is accorded for prior achievements in areas relevant to intended studies.

Early Admissions Exercise

The Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) allows applicants to apply for and receive conditional admission to NAFA prior to receiving their final grades.

The Diploma EAE application window for the AY2025 intake is from 17 June to 28 June 2024. Please check your application eligibility and apply online here.

The EAE is open to graduating GCE O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students.

Process

Applicants to:

Apply online here from 17 June to 28 June 2024. Submit the required documents for verification within 5 working days from the application date or by 5 July 2024, whichever is earlier
Make payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA or online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students.
Submit Portfolio for programmes under the Faculty of Art & Design from 17 June to 12 July 2024 online here (3D Design/Design & Media/ Fashion Studies/Fine Art). There is no Admission Test for EAE
Submit Personal Statement and Testimonial for Diploma in Arts Management from 17 June to 12 July 2024 online here

Please refer to the section ‘Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity’ under each programme for more information about the above.

Offer and Acceptance

Applicants will receive notification of the application outcome via email from 15 August to 29 August 2024. Successful applicants should confirm acceptance of their offers by the deadline stipulated
Applicants who accept their offers at this stage will be guaranteed a place, as long as they meet the criteria stated under Entry Requirement for each programme

Withdrawal

Should applicants wish to withdraw their acceptance, they must submit their withdrawal notice to [email protected]
Applicants who had accepted their EAE offer but fail to make the required payment by the stipulated deadline will have their offers withdrawn
Applicants who fail to meet the admission criteria will have their offers withdrawn

Entry Requirements for EAE

For O-Level Students

Students who have registered to sit for the GCE O-Level examinations in the year of Early Admission Exercise (EAE)

For ITE Students

ITE students from full-time Higher Nitec/Nitec courses may apply for early admission. They can use their preliminary examination results (cumulative GPA of up to the 3rd term for a 2-year Higher Nitec/Nitec course or 5th term for a 3-year Nitec course) for application. The minimum cumulative GPA for early admission is 3.0.

For Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccalaureate (IB) Year 4 Students
IP and IB Year 4 students may use their mid-year examination results to apply for EAE.

Confirmation of Conditional Offers for Diploma Admission

Successful applicants for the EAE will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit following document, as applicable:

GCE O-Level results with an aggregate of not more than 25 points for 4 subjects excluding English
Certificate and Academic Transcript for Nitec or Higher Nitec
Completion of IP Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)
Completion of IB Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)

Any applicant who fails to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements by the deadline stipulated by NAFA will have his/her conditional offer withdrawn.

Module Exemption

Applicants may receive module exemption of up to 60 credits, if they have taken and passed the same or similar modules in another institution. The granting of exemption and advanced standing may be subject to applicants passing a Portfolio Interview, Audition or Admission Test. Application for module exemption may be subject to a Portfolio Interview or Audition.

GCE A-Level

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC)

Applicants who have completed GCE A-Level or IB Diploma will be eligible to be considered for module exemption (up to 40 credits) in the relevant programmes. Applicants from SOTA who have completed Year 4 and above are eligible to receive advanced standing (Year 1, Semester 2 or Year 2, Semester 1) in relevant Diploma programmes subject to their final or preliminary examination results.

Higher NITEC/NITEC

Diploma programmes from the School of Fine Art
Full-time ITE graduates from the following courses will be considered for module exemption:

Higher Nitec in Games Art & Design
Higher Nitec in Motion Graphics
Higher Nitec in Visual Effects
Higher Nitec in Visual Merchandising
Nitec in Digital Animation
Nitec in Interactive Media Design
Nitec in Product Design
Nitec in Visual Communication
Nitec in Visual Effects

Diploma programmes from the School of 3D Design
Full-time ITE graduates from the following courses will be considered for module exemption:

Higher Nitec in Architectural Technology
Higher Nitec in Games Art & Design
Higher Nitec in Landscape Management & Design
Higher Nitec in Motion Graphics
Higher Nitec in Visual Merchandising
Nitec in Architectural Technology
Nitec in Building Drafting (Civil & Structure)
Nitec in Digital Animation
Nitec in Interactive Media Design
Nitec in Interior & Exhibition Design
Nitec in Product Design
Nitec in Space Design (Architecture)
Nitec in Space Design (Interior & Exhibition)
Nitec in Urban Greenery & Landscape
Nitec in Visual Communication
Nitec in Visual Effects

Diploma programmes from the School of Design and Media
Full-time ITE graduates from the following courses will be considered for module exemption:

Higher Nitec in Filmmaking (Cinematography)
Higher Nitec in Games Art & Design
Higher Nitec in Interactive Design
Higher Nitec in Motion Graphics
Higher Nitec in Visual Effects
Higher Nitec in Visual Merchandising
Nitec in Digital Animation
Nitec in Product Design
Nitec in Social Media & Web Development
Nitec in Video Production
Nitec in Visual Communication
Nitec in Visual Effects

Diploma programmes from the School of Fashion Studies
Full-time ITE graduates from the following courses will be considered for module exemption:

Higher Nitec in Visual Merchandising
Nitec in Fashion Apparel Production & Design
Nitec in Product Design

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online

Apply online here from 2 October 2023 to 31 March 2024. The application is extended to 15 May 2024.

For all above-mentioned programmes except Diploma in Arts Management ^, select either Portfolio Submission or Admission Test in the application portal.

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

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents for verification within five working days from the application date at:

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Campus 1 (Admissions counter at level 1)
80 Bencoolen Street
Singapore 189655

Operating Hours
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

Alternatively, you can email a copy of the required documents to [email protected].

Required documents for verification:

NRIC for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents. Passport and valid Student's Pass (if applicable) for international students.
Academic certificates and transcripts (GCE O-Level or NITEC/Higher NITEC and GCE N-Level or other equivalent qualifications). Certificates in a foreign language must be translated to English.
CCA record (if any).
English proficiency document (if applicable), e.g. TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, SAT, Duolingo or equivalent qualification.

Make payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA or online

Make payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA or online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students. Applicants who are paying online will be required to upload the above documents during application.

Submit your portfolio/personal statement or receive test advisory

Submit your portfolio/personal statement or receive test advisory, according to the option you have chosen in Step 1.

Option A (Portfolio Submission): This option is available to all applicants. Submit your portfolio here after completion of the online application.

Submit Portfolio and All Required Application Documents by
29 December 2023
22 January 2024
12 February 2024
4 March 2024
22 March 2024
15 April 2024

Option B (Admission Test): Receive a test advisory on the date of the Admission Test from the Student Admissions Office after verification of the required documents and payment of the Application Fee. Attend the Admission Test at NAFA with the required materials as indicated in the test advisory

Admission Test Date
24 January 2024
28 March 2024
30 May 2024

Please note that you will be notified of the confirmed admission test date upon submission of your application, all supporting documents and application fee payment.

^ For Diploma in Arts Management: Submit personal statement and testimonial here. Sents may be asked to attend an interview in person or via the web.

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 diploma fees, please click the links below:

FAQ

How many intakes are there each year?

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

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

The application period is typically between January and March for the August intake in the same year.

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 Diploma programme? Are there part-time Diploma programmes?

All NAFA Diploma programmes are 3-year, full-time programmes.

There are no part-time Diploma programmes available. If you are interested in part-time Certificate programmes, you may email 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 Portfolio Submission / Admission Test / Audition
Applicants may also check on the status of the application by logging into the application portal within 4 weeks after Portfolio Submission / Admission Test / Audition

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.

However, students may have to remain on campus after classes for assignments, projects or rehearsals.

Are graduates of local Polytechnics or Universities eligible to apply?

Yes. However, as Tuition Grant would have been utilised for study at local Polytechnics or Universities, the programme fees at NAFA will not be subsidised by MOE and students will have to pay full fees.

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

Your eligibility for the Tuition Grant very much depends on your status. Please refer here for more information on your tuition grant eligibility. For further clarifications, please contact the Student Admissions Office.

Are scholarships and other financial aids available?

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

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.

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.

NOTE:
The Application Fee and Administrative Fee are non-refundable.

Please note that after you have submitted the official withdrawal form, our Finance Office will arrange for the refund of your paid tuition fees if you are entitled to a refund. The refund will only be ready in a month from the date of withdrawal, as the Finance Office requires some time for processing.

I need to apply to CMPB for my National Service deferment to pursue my study in NAFA. Where/when can I get the Deferment Letter?

The NS Deferment Letter will only be given to students who have made the minimum required payment of their tuition fees. Students may contact the Student Admissions Office at [email protected] to request for the NS Deferment Letter.

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

May I apply for a programme transfer?

Prior to programme commencement date:
New diploma students who wish to change their programme after accepting an offer in a programme are required to notify the Student Admissions Office and re-apply for admission to the new programme.

After programme commencement date:
Eligible diploma students who wish to request for a programme transfer must be in their first year of candidature at the time of their programme transfer application. They are required to submit their application for programme transfer during the stipulated application period. The Associate Dean will determine if a test/audition/interview is necessary for any programme transfer application.

Programme transfers are not guaranteed as approvals are subject to the availability of vacancies, test/audition/interview outcome (if required), students’ NAFA assessment results and fulfilment of the programme requirements.

Diploma students from Arts Management, Dance and MOE-sponsored Teaching programmes are not eligible to apply for a programme transfer. Students from these programmes who wish to change their programme are required to withdraw from their current programme and re-apply for admission to the new programme.

Is your diploma equivalent to those conferred by the polytechnics?

Yes. With effect from July 1999, NAFA was upgraded to tertiary level and conferred status on par with the polytechnics. For employment purposes, MOE treats the diplomas awarded by NAFA as equivalent to a non-technical diploma from the polytechnics.

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, National Service, etc. You will have to submit a Deferment Form with relevant supporting documents to the Office of Student Affairs. As the application for deferment is subject to approval by a Deferment Panel, you must continue to attend classes until the outcome of your application is known.

What are your lecturers' qualifications?

Our lecturers and artists-in-residence include the "Who's Who" in the arts arena. Most of them 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 teachers.

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 President's Office.

In the event the student is still not satisfied with the explanation or recommendation offered by NAFA, the student may refer the matter to the Committee for Private Education. For more information, please call 6512 1140.

What is the Committee for Private Education?

The Committee for Private Education (CPE) was appointed by the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Board in October 2016 to carry out its functions and powers relating to private education under the Private Education Act. The CPE is supported by a team of dedicated staff from SSG to regulate the sector, provide student services, consumer education and facilitate capability development efforts to uplift standards in the local private education industry.

For more information, please contact:

Committee for Private Education
Tel: +65 6785 5785
Feedback Portal: https://service-portal.skillsfuture.gov.sg
Website: https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/

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

Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required

Educational Qualifications - International

English Language Proficiency

Special Factor

Early Admissions Exercise

Module Exemption

GCE A-Level

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC)

Higher NITEC/NITEC

HOW TO APPLY

FINANCIAL MATTERS

FAQ

How many intakes are there each year?

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

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

When would the application results be released?

How much time does a NAFA student spend on campus?

Are graduates of local Polytechnics or Universities eligible to apply?

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

Are scholarships and other financial aids available?

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

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

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?

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?

I need to apply to CMPB for my National Service deferment to pursue my study in NAFA. Where/when can I get the Deferment Letter?

May I apply for a programme transfer?

Is your diploma equivalent to those conferred by the polytechnics?

May I defer my studies after programme commencement?

What are your lecturers' qualifications?

How are disputes and grievances resolved at NAFA?

What is the Committee for Private Education?

Overseas Education Counsellors (Agents)

Living In Singapore

Admission Information