Faculty of Art & Design

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

MASTER OF FINE ARTS FINE ART
Awarded by University of the Arts Singapore (UAS)

Portfolio and Interview Requirements

Personal statement (400 - 500 words): Your statement of purpose introduces you to the Admissions Committee. This is an opportunity for the committee to know more about you, your interests and background, and why you wish to pursue an MFA.

Portfolio submission: Your portfolio should contain artworks documented in digital format (up to 15 images and/or 10 minutes of moving images or sound work). This should be submitted via a URL within a PDF document.

Performance at interview: Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process. Interviews are conducted in-person, or via an online platform if you are located overseas.

Reference letters: You will need to submit two reference letters that can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the programme.

Interview

The interview will take approximately 40 minutes. You may prepare a PowerPoint presentation or any other presentation support materials at your discretion where necessary. Do bring a HDMI-compatible laptop/device for your presentation.

The following themes and topics may be covered during the interview:

Your research interests and collaborative practices
Your relationship with the Southeast Asia/Asia region, as well as your relationship with your local artistic community
Your past and present work, how you see the trajectory of your practice, and your artistic ethos
Organisational and time management skills

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

A Bachelor's degree from a recognised local or international institution in Fine Art or related disciplines.

The programme 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.

English Language Proficiency

An English Language proficiency* of at least^*:

IELTS	TOEFL - iBT	PTE ACADEMIC
7.0	100 or 5.0	65

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

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.

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those who may not have formal education but have the relevant experience) and are assessed to have the ability to pursue the programme may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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HOW TO APPLY

We have simplified our application process so you can focus on showcasing your strengths.

Here’s a quick overview of what you need to do.

Shortlist your programme – Choose a programme towards your interests and expertise
Check if you have the required application documents - Here is the checklist for your quick reference

Step 1: Apply online here.

Step 2: Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and send the documents listed in the checklist to [email protected] for verification within five working days from the application date.

Step 3: Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students.

	Singapore Citizens & Singapore Permanent Residents	International Students
Application fee	S$75.00	S$120.00

Application fee is inclusive of prevailing GST.

Step 4: Upload your Personal Statement, Portfolio and reference letters here.

Step 5: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview. You will receive an email with the exact date and time one week before the interview.

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

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FINANCIAL MATTERS

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

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Scholarship & Financial/Aid Schemes

Scholarships, Merit Awards & Bursaries

In recognition of exceptional academic achievement, artistic talent, and leadership potential, NAFA offers a wide range of scholarships, merit awards, and bursaries to both new and current students. These awards are designed to support students who demonstrate excellence in the arts and creative industries, and who show promise in contributing meaningfully to the cultural landscape.

NAFA’s scholarships are made possible through institutional and donor support, and are available across Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programmes. Application periods vary depending on the level of study and are announced on the official NAFA website. Students are encouraged to refer to the relevant scholarship pages for detailed timelines and eligibility criteria.

In addition to NAFA’s in-house awards, students may also apply for externally sponsored scholarships. Enquiries and applications for these should be directed to the respective sponsoring organisations. Please note that miscellaneous fees are not covered by scholarships, bursaries, or government subsidies such as the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS).

View scholarships offered

Graduate Assistantship Award

Students who are pursuing full-time Master’s Degree programme may apply for the Graduate Assistantship Award.

View more about this award

NAFA-Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Student Relief Fund

This financial assistance scheme aims to help students whose families are in sudden financial crisis (for example, the breadwinner falls critically ill or is retrenched).

View more

SkillsFuture Credit

SkillsFuture Credit aims to encourage individuals to take ownership of their skills development and lifelong learning. Introduced in 2015, all Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above will receive an opening credit of $500. The credit is claimable for all SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses which includes all NAFA diploma and degree programmes, as well as courses offered by the Centre for Lifelong Education.

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FAQs on scholarship & financial support

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University of the Arts Singapore

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, 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.

Will UAS have a physical campus of its own?

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.

Admissions

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?

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.

Do I need art or design background/prior training to apply?

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.

If I was previously a student from in another University, in a relevant programme, will I receive advanced standing?

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

What is the duration of a Master’s Degree programme? Are there part-time 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

May I apply for a programme transfer to Lasalle since both NAFA, UAS and Lasalle are members of the UAS?

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

May I transfer to another University to continue my Master’s degree?

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.

I am an international student, may I attend the part-time Master of Fine Arts Fine Art programme?

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.

When will the application results be released? Can I request for my application results to be expedited?

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.

Can I appeal if my application was not successful?

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.

Are scholarships and other financial aids available?

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.

NAFA-Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Student Relief Fund
This financial assistance scheme aims to help students whose families are in sudden financial crisis (for example, the breadwinner falls critically ill or is retrenched).

View more

SkillsFuture Credit
SkillsFuture Credit aims to encourage individuals to take ownership of their skills development and lifelong learning. Introduced in 2015, all Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above will receive an opening credit of $500. The credit is claimable for all SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses which includes all NAFA diploma and degree programmes, as well as courses offered by the Centre for Lifelong Education.

View more

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

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.

Can I get a refund of my application fee if my application was not successful or if i withdraw the application?

No, application fee is non-refundable.

May I apply for a programme transfer?

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

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 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.

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.

Fees and Scholarships

I have been offered enrolment at NAFA, UAS, 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 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.

I had enrolled in NAFA, UAS but I would now like to join another institution. How can I withdraw from NAFA, UAS and will I be entitled to a refund?

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.

Others

What are your faculty qualifications?

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.

How are disputes and grievances resolved at NAFA, UAS?

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.

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FACULTY OF ART & DESIGN

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Unleash Your Potential — NAFA is Where Your Story Begins

HOW TO APPLY

Unleash Your Potential — NAFA is Where Your Story Begins

FINANCIAL MATTERS

Unleash Your Potential — NAFA is Where Your Story Begins

Scholarship & Financial/Aid Schemes

Scholarships, Merit Awards & Bursaries

Graduate Assistantship Award

NAFA-Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Student Relief Fund

SkillsFuture Credit

More Information

Unleash Your Potential — NAFA is Where Your Story Begins

University of the Arts Singapore

Admissions

Fees and Scholarships

Others

Unleash Your Potential — NAFA is Where Your Story Begins

Admission Information