Outbound Exchange

Build on your learning at NAFA with overseas learning experience! Outbound exchange allows you to experience a different academic and cultural environment, build international connections and broaden your perspectives as internationally engaged creatives.

As a NAFA student, you will remain enrolled at NAFA while studying approved modules at a partner institution. Credits earned during exchange may count towards your degree progression, subject to approval.

Outbound exchange application process:

1. Research your options
   Start by contacting NAFA’s Global Engagement Team to understand the destinations and partner institutions available for exchange. Consider the following:
   
   
   • Your interests (both within and outside of your course).
   • Your budget: while there are funding opportunities available, these are not guaranteed.
   • Language requirements: some universities do not teach in English. You may need to provide evidence that you meet their language requirements.
   • Your top 3 preferred host institutions which you will be required to list in your application.
   • Confirm your shortlisted host institutions are partners of NAFA or UAS. If there is no exchange agreement, you may wish to apply for the Study Abroad Programme.


2. Prepare documents
   For your outbound student exchange application, you will need to submit certain documents. These include the following Exchange Application Documents:
   
   
   1. Personal statement (up to 500 words);
   2. Curriculum Vitae;
   3. Portfolio.


3. Submit internal application
   If you would like to apply for the exchange programme, you must submit your application online here.
   
   Take note of the application deadline. See below under “Outbound Exchange Deadlines”.
   
   Late applications will not be accepted. Speak to the Global Engagement Team if you have any issues with the application or any questions regarding the required documents deadline.
   
   Applications are only reviewed after the final deadline. Submitting your application earlier does not increase chances of approval.
   
   Programme leads will review applications and forward feedback to the Global Engagement Team.
   
   Applications will be assessed on the overall strength, quality, and suitability of the student to complete the exchange.
   
   The Global Engagement Team will send the outcome of your internal application via email. If your application is approved, you will receive an email notifying you that you’re nominated to one institution for exchange. You are required to accept or reject the nomination.
   
   If you accept the nomination, you will be sent details to apply externally to the host university.


4. Submit external application
   Upon accepting your nomination, the host university will contact you to provide details on the application process and deadline.
   
   
   1. Personal Identification Documents:
      
      
      1. Passport information page;
      2. ID Photo
   
   
   2. Academic Documents:
      
      
      1. Official transcripts;
      2. List of modules taken in the current semester, if not shown in transcript;
      3. Proof of language proficiency for host institutions whose medium of instruction is not English.
   
   
   3. Exchange Application Documents (these can be repurposed from the internal application):
      
      
      1. Personal statement (up to 500 words);
      2. Curriculum Vitae;
      3. Portfolio.
   
   
   4. Health Declaration Documents (if any):
      
      
      1. Health declaration must be supported with a doctor’s certification letter or memo if special assistance is needed while on exchange at the host institution.


5. Prepare for exchange
   If your application for outbound exchange is successful, you will receive a letter of offer with relevant information such as visa and accommodation.
   
   You must send your formal acceptance of the offer by the stipulated deadline.
   
   Do not make financial commitments towards the exchange until your place of study at the host institution is confirmed.

Exchange students continue to pay tuition fees to NAFA while on exchange. Other fees and costs may apply, depending on the host institution and destination.

You should plan for costs such as administrative fees, health services fees, visa-related fees, insurance, travel, accommodation, meals, materials and personal expenses.

If the institution you wish to study at does not have a formal student exchange partnership with NAFA, you may consider the Study Abroad Programme, for which tuition fees are payable. For more information, please contact [email protected].

A maximum of 60 credits earned during the Student Exchange Programme may be transferred back to NAFA, subject to approval, and count towards your degree progression.

Each NAFA credit = 10 study hours (including contact and independent study hours, which may vary depending programme and host institution).

The number of credits per semester at NAFA and their equivalents are as follows:

AY26/27:
University of the Arts London

The list of exchange partners is updated periodically, please check back again for the latest available destinations for AY27/28.

There are a number of internal and external travel grants and awards available to support your outbound exchange. However, funding is not guaranteed, and is subject to eligibility criteria, application requirements, and availability.

• Internal schemes
• External schemes

For questions on outbound exchange, application deadlines, partner institutions or funding opportunities, please contact [email protected]