Faculty of Art & Design

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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

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Portfolio and Interview Requirements

Research proposal (800 - 1000 words): The proposal requires applicants to identify the area of art practice that they intend to focus and develop during their study period, and their artistic position upon graduation.

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

Portfolio submission: The applicant’s 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 for overseas applicants.

Reference letters: Applicants will need to register two referees who can give an informed view of their academic ability and suitability for the programme.

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.

Applicants who do not meet these programme entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases.

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

If English was not your primary medium of instruction throughout your school education, you must provide evidence of any of the following at enrolment*:

IELTS Academic	TOEFL - iBT	PTE Academic
7.0	100	65

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

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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.

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) online

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.

Upload portfolio

Upload your Research Proposal, Personal Statement, Portfolio and reference letters here.

Receive an email

You will receive an email from the Student Admissions Office on the details of your portfolio interview upon receipt of all required documents and portfolio.

Application outcome

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

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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

FINANCIAL AID

We understand that pursuing an arts education is a significant investment—and we're here to help. Financial challenges should never stand in the way of creative potential. That’s why NAFA offers a variety of financial support for students from diverse backgrounds.

These schemes are designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students from pursuing their artistic and academic goals. NAFA offers both internal and external assistance options, including subsidies, grants, and student employment opportunities.

View Financial Aid Scheme

GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL & BURSARY SCHEMES

Explore the range of Singapore government-funded financial and bursary schemes you can use to support your tuition fees at NAFA.

View Government Loan Scheme

MORE INFORMATION

FAQs on scholarship & financial support

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FAQ

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. 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 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’s existing campuses. Meanwhile, UAS will offer common curriculum modules from the National Design Centre which is near NAFA.

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’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 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

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 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?

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.

Will the Master’s Degree programmes be conferred by NAFA or the partner universities?

Upon successful completion of the Master’s Degree programmes, you will be conferred a Master’s Degree by the University of the Arts Singapore (for MFA Fine Art) or our partner university, the Royal College of Music, London (for Master of Performance and Master of Composition).

Are scholarships and other financial aids available?

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

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

You may also apply for the NAC Arts Scholarship.

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. 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.

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 later 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.

My application to NAFA is not successful. Can I get a refund of my application fee?

No, application fee is non-refundable.

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?

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 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.

What are your lecturers' qualifications?

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.

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 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.

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.

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FACULTY OF ART & DESIGN

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Portfolio and Interview Requirements

Educational Qualifications

English Language Proficiency

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

FINANCIAL AID

GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL & BURSARY SCHEMES

MORE INFORMATION

Unleash Your Potential — NAFA is Where Your Story Begins

FAQ

What is University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) and how will I benefit from it?

Will UAS have a physical campus of its own?

How many intakes are there each year?

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

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

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

When will the application results be released?

Will the Master’s Degree programmes be conferred by NAFA or the partner universities?

Are scholarships and other financial aids available?

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?

My application to NAFA is not successful. Can I get a refund of my application fee?

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?

May I defer my studies after programme commencement?

What are your lecturers' qualifications?

How are disputes and grievances resolved at NAFA?

How do I apply for the Student’s Pass?

Unleash Your Potential — NAFA is Where Your Story Begins

Admission Information