FACULTY OF ART & DESIGN

To determine your suitability for the programme, you will need to submit a portfolio or attend an admission test.

(A) Portfolio Submission

1. You will need to submit 10-15 pieces of recent art or design original work from at least two of the following categories: paintings, drawings, collages, posters, sculptures, digital illustrations, photographs, and/or short videos. These works should demonstrate your creative development and process and be created solely by you (not copied from the internet, magazines or reproduced from another source) and not be generated by AI tools.
   
   (Allowed image file types: .pdf,.jpg,.jpeg,.png,.gif,.tif,.tiff,.bmp. Maximum image file size: 10 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.
   
   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 required to upload your portfolio online and label each work as follows:
     
     1. Title of your work (if any)
     2. Medium used
     3. Month/year created
     4. Description


2. 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.

(B) Admission Test

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

• Written Ability
  Ability to express and rationalise in writing
• Drawing from Observation
  Ability to draw from observation
• Creative Visualisation
  Aptitude in creativity and visualisation

Admission Test Date
29 January 2026
19 March 2026
28 May 2026

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.

The last admission test for August 2026 intake is on 28 May 2026. If you missed the last admission test, you are required to submit your portfolio here within the next 5 working days from the application date.

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required

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


• Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC): An aggregate score of 21 points or better in 4 subjects (3 subjects at G3 and 1 subject at G2), excluding English.
  
  If you have all four subjects at G3, the subject with the lowest grade will be mapped from G3 to G2*.
  
  *Grade Mapping Table
  
  

  G3	G2
  A1, A2, B3	1
  B4, C5, C6	2
  D7	3
  E8	4
  9	5
  -	6

  
  Bonus points for admission
  
  The bonus points are subtracted from your aggregate scores to obtain the net aggregate scores for application:
  
  You can get a maximum of 2 bonus points from CCA grade.
  
  

  Types of bonus points	No. of bonus points awarded
  Grades of A1–A2/Excellent	2 points
  Grades of B3–C6/Good	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):
  • Full-time Higher Nitec or Nitec
  • Part-time ITE certificate, with a minimum GPA of ≥ 2.0 for Higher NITEC holders or ≥ 3.5 for NITEC holders

Successful completion of at least 10 years of formal education.

If you have not completed a national or international examination after 10 years of formal education, you are required to submit a certified academic transcript from your most recent school examination or preliminary results.

If you are successful in your portfolio interview or audition, you will receive a conditional offer. However, you must still submit your final year-end examination results and meet the admission requirements of the respective programme. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the revocation of your conditional offer.

The minimum English Language proficiency requirement:

GCE O-Level/SEC at G3 English	IELTS Academic	TOEFL - iBT	PTE Academic	Duolingo English Test	SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component)
C6	5	50	42	80	480

• Qualifications equivalent to any of the above
• Applicants with Higher NITEC or NITEC qualifications are deemed to have met the English Language proficiency requirement.
• Applicants from countries where English is not the first language, or whose qualifications are obtained from institutions where English is not the medium of instruction, NAFA will consider the English Language proficiency attained through the above-mentioned English Language qualifications.

NAFA has the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) that allows graduating 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 to apply and receive conditional admission prior to receiving their final grades.

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) August 2026 intake

The Diploma EAE application window for the August 2026 intake is from 16 June to 30 June 2025. Please check your application eligibility and apply online here for free.

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.

Applicants applying via Diploma EAE will go through the following process and timeline:

Process	Period
Application	16 June to 30 June 2025
Portfolio Submission (for School of 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies, Fine Art)	By 14 July 2025
Personal Statement Submission. Submission of a Testimonial is optional (for School of Arts Management)	By 14 July 2025
Audition (for School of Music, Dance, Theatre)	14 to 18 July 2025
Offer & Acceptance	31 July to 14 August 2025

Applicants to:

1. Apply online here from 16 June to 30 June 2025 for free. Submit the required documents for verification within 5 working days from the application date or by 7 July 2025, whichever is earlier.


2. Submit Portfolio for programmes under the Faculty of Art & Design by 14 July 2025 online here (3D Design/Design & Media/ Fashion Studies/Fine Art). There is no Admission Test for EAE.


3. Submit Personal Statement for Diploma in Arts Management by 14 July 2025 online here. Submission of a Testimonial is optional.


4. Attend Audition for programmes under the Faculty of Performing Arts (Dance/Music/Theatre). Audition dates are from 14 to 18 July 2025. More information on the audition will be sent to you via email a week before the audition date.

Offer and Acceptance

• Applicants will receive notification of the application outcome via email from 31 July to 14 August 2025. 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 who are in their final year of study of their Nitec or Higher Nitec courses. For the August 2026 intake, ITE students who complete their Nitec course in June or December 2025 and Higher Nitec course in September 2025 or March 2026 will be eligible to apply for admission.

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 the 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)

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.

You may be granted module/credit exemption if you have taken and passed the same or similar modules in another institution or previously at NAFA (for re-admitted applicants) or if you have relevant industry experience.

You are eligible to apply for module exemption if you hold any of the following qualifications:

Full-time NITEC or Higher NITEC
School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) Year 4 or 5 or 6
GCE A-Level
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma/IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC)
NAFA School of Young Talents (SYT)
From selected Schools in China and Malaysia

Please refer to the module exemption here for details.

A Purpose-Driven Approach to Education
At Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, we have made a strategic decision to prioritise what is most important — our students — over conventional university rankings. While many institutions prioritise rankings, we consciously focus and invest our resources on student development at NAFA, UAS by providing quality teaching and state-of-the art facilities to support student learning. We focus on outcomes measured by the student growth, experience, and graduate employability. NAFA, UAS’s positive employment survey results are testament to that. We are proud that our alumni have received numerous accolades and international awards, including the Cultural Medallion Awards and Young Artist Awards, the highest honours in Singapore. Most importantly, they lead fulfilling lives, doing what they are passionate about and contributing positively to society.

Why We Have Chosen a Different Path
We have observed that university rankings often emphasise metrics that do not fully capture the essence of the student experience and teaching quality, and divert resources and attention to areas that do not always have a direct impact on our students. We have made a conscious decision to focus our efforts on creating an environment where the student experience takes precedence over the pursuit of ranking results on a commercial league table.

Our Commitment to a Student-Centric Approach

• Tailored Transformational Experiences: We believe every student’s journey is unique. Students can choose from a range of inclusive programmes that can be tailored to ensure that we maximise the potential of everyone.


• Holistic Student Support: At NAFA, UAS, we believe that success in education encompasses more than academic achievements. Prioritising the physical and mental well-being of our students, we offer support groups to address their emotional, social, and professional needs—from career guidance to mental health support. Additionally, a fully equipped student gym is available year-round, encouraging students to maintain their fitness and overall health. With more than 23 scholarships and financial aid schemes that include the Dare to Dream Scholarship, Tuition Grant Scheme, and NAFA-Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Student Relief Fund Scheme available, students are supported for the duration of their course of study at NAFA, UAS.


• Fostering a Vibrant Community: We are committed to building a strong and inclusive community where every student feels a sense of belonging. We provide a nurturing and collaborative campus culture that encourages personal growth and meaningful connections beyond the classrooms, through the numerous student activity groups and clubs, alongside experiences with eminent alumni. These activities include Running Club, Indian Dance Group, K-Pop Dance Club, Basketball Club etc with a NAFA, UAS Student Council to represent students across all disciplines.


• Global Learning Opportunities: Overseas learning is one of the hallmarks of a NAFA, UAS education. We support our students to be exposed to ideas beyond our shores, opening their minds to greater possibilities. Study trips, overseas immersion programmes, international placements, student exchange programmes and collaborative projects are some global learning opportunities available. Our focus remains on equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their chosen fields and make a positive impact in their communities.


• Strong alumni network: NAFA, UAS is proud of its vast alumni network which is bolstered by decorated luminaries across the globe. As the only arts institution in the world with cradle to grey programmes, our alumni continue to stay connected with the academy through its eight alumni chapters. Leveraging a common thread of sharing in the NAFA, UAS story, we have many alumni giving back to the academy by guiding their juniors in creative portfolio reviews, career offers and advancement opportunities. Our students are also supported after they graduate, where they can enrol into our Centre for Lifelong Education courses for skills upgrade. As part of the extensive ecosystem at NAFA, UAS, many alumni return to teach and cement their careers here with us.

Why This Matters
By not participating in the university rankings, we are making a conscious decision to channel our resources and energy into enhancing student life and learning. Our goal is to create an environment where students can excel beyond their academic journey and thrive in the arts and creative education.

Join Us in Embracing a New Standard of Excellence
Embark on a college-university experience at NAFA, UAS and enrich your personal growth and aspiration that redefines your journey to higher education excellence.

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

NAFA, University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) does not participate in the JAE. Please apply to us directly.

NAFA, UAS does not participate in the JAE and has no access to records on your identity and your academic background. We are unable to review your application if you do not provide this information to us.

Yes, please retrieve your results from the ITE Student Portal. Please do not crop the page and ensure that your name and NRIC are clearly stated in your submission so that we may verify that these results belong to you.

You do not necessarily need a prior background in art or design to apply for an art or design diploma, but we require you to have a portfolio or evidence of creative interest.

If you are applying for music, dance or theatre, you are required to attend an audition in which you will need to demonstrate potential and suitability for the programme you are applying to.

No, it is not a prerequisite for entry. However, a credit at GCE O-Level or equivalent will give you an edge over other applicants.

Yes, you may combine 2 consecutive sittings. We would take the better score if you had taken the same subjects in different sittings.

Yes, you may apply before meeting the English proficiency requirement.

We will assess your application based on your portfolio submission/admission test/audition and offer you admission conditional on your meeting the English proficiency requirement by a specific deadline. If you do not meet the admission condition by the deadline, we will rescind our offer.

You may send us a copy of your transcripts at [email protected] for assistance.

We seek your understanding that we may take longer to respond if we had not previously encountered your qualification and need to do deeper research before reaching a decision.

You may send us your portfolio, references and transcripts at [email protected] to appeal to apply.

We will consider each appeal on a case-by-case basis.

Do note that if your appeal is accepted, it does not mean that your application will also be successful. Your application will still be assessed on the same platform and requirement as all other applicants.

Applications typically open in October for the following August intake.

International Applicants residing overseas are advised to contact NAFA, UAS 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.

All NAFA, UAS 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 the Centre for Lifelong Education at [email protected] for more information.

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

Applicants may also check on the status of the application by logging into the application portal within 4-6 weeks after Portfolio Submission / Admission Test / Audition / Interview.

Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

We seek your understanding that we are unable to expedite any specific application as we are already working to provide your application outcome as soon as possible, while ensuring that every application is reviewed carefully and holistically.

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.

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

The SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme enables Singaporeans 40 years and above to receive subsidies for another publicly-funded full-time diploma, and qualify for the Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES). More information here: https://www.nafa.edu.sg/admissions/scholarships-and-financial-aid-schemes/government-financial-and-bursary-schemes/skillsfuture-level-up-programme

Your eligibility for the Tuition Grant depends on factors such as your prior highest qualification, age and nationality. Please refer here for more information on the tuition grant scheme. For further clarifications, please contact the Student Admissions Office.

While it is unlikely that your appeal will change our decision since every application has been reviewed comprehensively, you may contact your programme manager via email for this request. You may reach them by replying to the email informing you of your application outcome.

Please submit additional portfolio, references, and an appeal letter for our consideration.

The NS Deferment Letter will only be given to students who have made the minimum required payment of their tuition fees.

Please contact your programme manager via email for this request. You may reach them by replying to the email informing you of your admission.

If your programme has commenced, please contact the Office of Student Services at [email protected] for the deferment letter.

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. Another application fee may be payable.

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’ assessment results and fulfilment of the programme requirements.

Diploma students from certain 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. Please refer to the Student Handbook in the student portal or contact the Office of Student Services at [email protected].

You may indicate your request for module exemptions in your application. We will assess your portfolio, transcripts and may invite you to an interview to determine your eligibility for exemptions.

You will have to apply separately to Lasalle as a new applicant. Please contact Lasalle directly for your request.

There is no direct transfer arrangement with Polytechnics. If you wish to pursue your education at a Polytechnic, please reach out directly to them to understand their admission process and requirements.

You may still enrol in NAFA, UAS 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, UAS. By doing so, you can avoid the possibility of ending up with no programme to study, should your application to other institutions be unsuccessful.

Refer here for the refund policy.

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

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 completed ‘Request for Deferment’ form with relevant supporting documents to the Office of Student Services. 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.

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

NAFA, UAS plays a pivotal role in nurturing Singapore’s creative and artistic talent, as recognised by the Singapore Government. The Ministry of Education supports NAFA, UAS through financial grants, enabling access to quality arts education. Under the Ministry’s Tuition Grant Scheme, subsidised fees for Diploma programmes are available to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and international students.

You may not pay later because there are limited vacancies for our programmes. We seek your understanding to give other deserving applicants a chance to join us.

Please inform your programme manager of your intention to withdraw via email. You may reach them by replying to the email informing you of your admission.

Please refer to the refund policy to determine whether you will be entitled to a refund.

Yes, we are immensely grateful to all our donors for their commitment to nurturing creative talent. Every academic year, we disburse over 220 awards with a value of more than $1.3 million to our deserving diploma to master’s degree students.

Please click here for more information. For enquiries, please contact the Office of Student Services (Financial Aids & Awards Scheme) at [email protected] or 6512 6140.

No, application fee is non-refundable.

Our faculty bring a wealth of international experience, having received training across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Collectively, they hold advanced qualifications and possess decades of teaching experience across diverse educational settings. You can explore their credentials and read brief biographies on our website.

With a strong focus on excellence and advanced creative skill development, our experienced faculty empowers you to take ownership of your learning journey, encouraging both creative exploration and intellectual curiosity.

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 Services.

If the student is not satisfied with the explanation or solution offered by the Office of Student Services, the student may lodge an appeal to the Vice-President, Provost, or President of NAFA, UAS.

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

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