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Entry Requirements How to Apply Financial Matters FAQ
Entry Requirements How to Apply Financial Matters FAQ

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

DIPLOMA IN MUSIC
DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TEACHING


DIPLOMA IN DANCE


DIPLOMA IN THEATRE (ENGLISH DRAMA)
DIPLOMA IN THEATRE (MANDARIN DRAMA)



 

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

  • Audition/Interview Requirements
  • 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.


Diploma in Music
Diploma in Music Teaching

Audition

  1. Applicants are required to attend an audition of approximately 15 minutes on the intended principal study.

  2. The list of principal study instruments is as follows:

    Keyboard Studies Piano
    Strings Studies Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
    Harp
    Winds Studies Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon
    Horn, Trumpet, Trombone. Euphonium, Tuba
    Percussion Studies Percussion
    (applicants must prepare Snare Drum, Mallets, and Timpani for audition)
    Chinese Instrumental Studies Gaohu, Erhu,
    Liuqin, Pipa, Ruan
    Guqin, Sanxian
    Yangqin
    Guzheng
    Dizi, Sheng, Suona, Guanzi
    Vocal Studies Voice (Classical)
    Composition Studies Composition (Diploma in Music ONLY)

  3. The audition consists of the following:

    • Performance* of two contrasting works of the applicant’s choice.

      • Pieces by different composers

      • Pieces of different style, character, and technique

      • Pieces for consideration:

        • Instrumentalist - Sonata, Concerto, Etude, Solo Works

        • Vocalist – Operatic genres, Arias, well-established musical genre

      • Popular music genre will not be considered, such as Pop music, Pop songs.

    • Reviewing of composition portfolio (only for composition applicants. See Composition Portfolio)

    • Sight-reading

    • Aural awareness

    • Music theory**

    • Short interview with the audition panel about the applicant’s musical experiences, interests and ambitions for future studies and career

    *Applicants (except composition applicants) are encouraged to perform with an accompanist if the pieces include accompaniment. A list of accompanists and their details are available to applicants after application and they are required to make arrangements with the accompanists directly for practice sessions and payment. Applicants who are unable to perform with an accompanist, may perform with a background track using their own device that can be connected to the venue speaker via Bluetooth.

    **The music theory test (approximately 60 minutes) will test applicants in various areas at a level similar to ABRSM Grade V.

    Applicants will be exempted from the music theory test if they present any of the following documentary evidence:

    • ABRSM Grade V Music Theory or its equivalent
    • Pass in GCE ‘O’ Level or GCE ‘A’ Level Music
    • Pass in SOTA Music Year 4 and above
    • • Pass in Music Theory subject in a specialist music school

    Composition Portfolio (only applicable to Diploma in Music (Composition) applicants)
    Composers should submit a portfolio of at least two, but not more than five, contrasting examples of their compositions. Portfolio submission will be two weeks in advance of the scheduled audition.

    The portfolio must include written scores. Recordings are optional.

    • PDF version of the written scores. Please ensure that written music is clear and legible with full information of instrumentation, scoring and performance details. Common composition software includes Sibelius, Finale, as well as other notation software in the market.

    • Recording of the works (accompanied by the PDF version of the written scores).

  4. All instrumentalists except percussionists and pianists are required to bring their principal study instrument for the audition. Applicants are encouraged to provide a set of music scores of their pieces for the audition panel.

  5. Applicants are not allowed to bring a page-turner, a teacher or a translator to the audition. The only people in the audition room will be the applicant, the accompanist and the audition panel.

  6. As our programmes are taught in English, all applicants will be expected to communicate in English at the audition.

  7. Applicants are not required to submit the audition programme in advance. The audition panel reserves the right to hear only part of the programme overall.

Live auditions in Singapore
Live auditions in Singapore are usually held bimonthly.

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

Audition Date
8 – 10 January 2025
3 – 7 March 2025
28 April – 2 May 2025

Live auditions in China

Applicants residing overseas who wish to attend the live auditions in China are to inform Student Admissions Office via email at least two weeks prior to the audition.

Audition Date
16 – 17 November 2024
8 – 15 March 2025


Online Audition
Though live auditions are preferred, applicants residing overseas who are unable to attend a live audition may request to submit a video recording for their audition at least 2 weeks before the scheduled audition. Applicants are to inform Student Admissions Office in advance if they wish to attend an online audition. Following a video pre-screening, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online audition via Zoom, facilitated by the Student Admissions Office. During the audition, applicants will undergo assessments of sight-reading and aural awareness as well.

Guidelines for Video Recording:
  • Performance of the two contrasting pieces is to be recorded live in one single take.

  • The recording should be a clear and accurate representation of the playing.

  • Editing of the audio/video of the recording is strictly prohibited.

  • The camera must be stationary for the performance of each work.

  • The video should show the performer in full body if possible.

  • The video is to be recorded no more than six months prior to the submission date.

  • Concert and competition recordings are not allowed.

  • The video recording files must be named with the title of the piece

 


DIPLOMA IN DANCE

Audition Instructions – Diploma in Dance

You will receive a confirmation email containing the audition details nearer to your assigned audition date.

You will be required to attend an audition.

  • The audition consists of two sections - Practical Assessment and Interview.
  • You are required to report to the audition venue 30 minutes earlier to register, warm up and change into appropriate attire for dancing. You must bring your own attire.
  • The audition may take up to 2 hours.

Audition Date
23 October 2024
6 November 2024
22 January 2025
19 February 2025
19 March 2025
23 April 2025

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

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.

Practical Assessment
You are expected to prepare and perform two contrasting solos of any dance genre/style (e.g. Ballet and Cultural Dance; Chinese classical dance and Chinese folk dance).

  • Each dance should not exceed 90 seconds. The solo dance can be choreographed by yourself or by someone else (e.g. your dance teacher).
  • You are required to bring your own music which can played from your own media device (e.g. phone, tablet, or other audio device).
  • A costume (e.g. tutu for female ballet classical solo) may be worn.
  • Through your performance, assessors will evaluate your:
    • Technique - coordination, control and alignment
    • Artistry - spatial awareness, musicality, dynamic range and performance quality
    • Fitness - strength, control, flexibility, coordination, speed, stamina and stretch

Interview
You are expected to discuss why you want to study dance during the interview. You will be evaluated based on your:

  • Existing knowledge of and experience in dance performance
  • Dance-related interests and career aspirations
  • Dance proclivity and learning attitude
  • Any medical or health concerns

Applicants who are unable to attend a live audition may request for an online audition. Both options will be followed by an online interview with the applicant alone and without the assistance of any other person.

Guidelines for the pre-recorded solos are as follows:

  • You cannot perform/ dance with any make up in the audition videos, although you can tie your hair according to what's necessary.
  • You have to come to the front of the camera (where your face can be seen clearly) and do a brief introduction of yourself. You will then proceed to move into the space and start dancing your solos after the introduction. * Please note that the video has to be shot in one take and not being edited in any way. Otherwise, the audition videos will not be considered.
  • This applies to both male and female applicants.
  • The photo that you send in should be the one that resembles how you look like now.
  • For the online interview, no interpreter should be around, or the interview could be disqualified.

DIPLOMA IN THEATRE (ENGLISH DRAMA)
DIPLOMA IN THEATRE (MANDARIN DRAMA)

You are required to attend an audition. The audition consists of three sections — Workshop, Audition Monologue and Interview.

  • You will be given three audition monologues at least one week prior to the audition and you will need to choose one. You are expected to memorise or be very prepared with your chosen piece
  • You are required to report to the audition venue 30 minutes earlier to register
  • The audition may take up to three hours
  • Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement
Audition Date
4 October 2024
18 October 2024
24 January 2025
21 February 2025
21 March 2025
25 April 2025

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

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.

Workshop

You are expected to participate enthusiastically in the improvisation exercises and theatre games during the workshop. Through your participation in the workshop, you will be evaluated based on your:

  • Openness to improvisation and willingness to work with others
  • Vocal response in an improvisation – projection, range, tone and clarity
  • Physical response in an improvisation – expressiveness, spontaneity and range

Audition Monologue

During the audition, you will be asked to perform one of the three pieces of dramatic texts. You are expected to arrive with your chosen monologue memorised. Through your performance of the monologue, assessors will evaluate your:

  • Ability to perform a dramatic text – comprehension, characterisation and creativity
  • Physical skills – presence on stage, spatial awareness, physical range, movement vocabulary and physical portrayal of character
  • Vocal skills – projection, clarity, range and tone

Interview

You are expected to discuss why you want to study theatre during the interview. You will be reviewed based on your:

  • Existing knowledge of and experience in theatre and/or performance
  • Personality traits
  • Innovation and creativity

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 bonus points. The CCA points can be used to improve their 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):
    • 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 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.

The minimum English Language proficiency requirement:

  • Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Levels
  • TOEFL iBT 50
  • IELTS Academic Band 5
  • SAT score of 480 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component)
  • Duolingo score of 80
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 42
  • Qualifications equivalent to any of the above

Applicants with Higher NITEC or NITEC qualifications are deemed to have met the English Language proficiency requirement.

Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama):
In addition to the minimum English Language proficiency requirement, the minimum Chinese Language proficiency requirement for Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama) is Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Level in Chinese Language or Higher Chinese or Literature in Chinese. The subject(s) will form part of the 4 ‘O’ Level subject requirements.


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

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.

The application will commence in June for the following year’s intake. Please check this page again in June.

Diploma in Music
Diploma in Music Teaching
Diploma In Dance
Diploma in Theatre (English Drama)
Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama)

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.

Applicants with GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and 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.

Diploma in Theatre (English Drama)
Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama)

Applicants with Higher Nitec/Nitec:

Full-time ITE graduates from the following courses will be considered for module exemption(s):

  • Higher Nitec in Performance Production

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.

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

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview in person or online.
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) at the cashier counter in NAFA or online
Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) 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. Receive a test advisory on the date of your audition from the Student Admissions Office.
Attend the audition at NAFA
Attend the audition at NAFA with the required materials as indicated in the test advisory.
Application outcome
Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

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

FAQ

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

 

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.
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 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 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.
Yes, please click here for more information. For enquiries, please email Office of Student Care at [email protected] (Financial Aids & Awards Scheme).
Please click here for the latest results from the Graduate Employment Survey.
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. You will 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.
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.
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.
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].
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. 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’ NAFA 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 Affairs.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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. Overseas admissions tests start from August 2023 to March 2024 (test dates vary between countries). 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
Admission Information

Important Dates

Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.


Admissions Requirement Guide AY2025/2026
View Admissions Requirement Guide


International students residing overseas are encouraged to apply as early in August for the following year’s intake for admission to NAFA through the appointed education counsellors, where applicable.

View the list of overseas education counsellors