FACULTY OF ART & DESIGN

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 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’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.

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, UAS. 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, UAS at its campuses.

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

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

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, UAS’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.

If you did not previously pursue formal education in the same field but have the relevant experience, you may send us a copy of your transcripts, your portfolio, professional CV and references at [email protected] for assistance.

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

No, there is no advanced standing for our master’s degree programmes.

Yes, there is part-time option for Master of Fine Arts Fine Art programme.

Mode of Study	Duration
Full-time	2-years
Part-time	3-years

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 other Universities. If you wish to pursue your education at another University, please reach out directly to your preferred University to understand their admission process and requirements.

International students who require a Student’s Pass must be enrolled full-time. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not issue Student’s Pass for part-time programmes. An international student who wishes to pursue the part-time programme must have either a valid Employment Pass or Dependant’s Pass from ICA to reside in Singapore throughout the course of study. If the validity of the Employment Pass or Dependant’s Pass expires before the student can complete the part-time programme, NAFA, UAS will have to withdraw him/her from the programme as he/she does not have a valid pass to stay on in Singapore.

Most application results will be sent via email within 4–6 weeks after Portfolio Submission / 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 / 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.

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.

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 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.

Students who are pursuing NAFA, UAS Master’s Degree may apply for the Graduate Assistantship Award.

You may also apply for the NAC Arts Scholarship.

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. 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.

No, application fee is non-refundable.

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

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

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

Programme Transfer is not applicable to Master’s Degree programmes.

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 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.

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 on whether you will be entitled to a refund.

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.