About NAFA University
Why NAFA?
Established in 1938, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) has been at the forefront of arts education in Singapore, renowned for its rich heritage, rigorous curriculum, and innovative teaching methods. As Singapore’s pioneer arts institution, NAFA has earned a reputation for excellence in nurturing artistic talent and fostering creativity.
NAFA is now part of the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), supported by the government, with plans to welcome its inaugural degree intake in 2024. This new chapter in NAFA’s history underscores its commitment to providing world-class arts education and preparing students for success in the global creative industry.
One of NAFA’s hallmarks is its strong focus on practical, practitioner-led teaching across a diverse range of artistic disciplines. The academy offers full-time diploma programs and degree programs through its three faculties: Art & Design, Performing Arts, and Interdisciplinary Practices.
Diploma programs offered by NAFA provide students with a solid foundation in their chosen artistic discipline, preparing them for further studies or entry into the workforce. These programs are designed and delivered by experienced educators and industry practitioners who ensure that students receive a comprehensive education that is both academically rigorous and industry-relevant.
NAFA’s degree programs, offered in partnership with top universities such as University of the Arts London, Royal College of Music, London, and Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, provide students with the opportunity to further develop their skills and expertise in their chosen field. These programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, equipping graduates with the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in the global creative industry.
NAFA takes pride in its alumni, many of whom have achieved significant success in the arts both locally and internationally. With 13 recipients of the Cultural Medallion and 15 recipients of the Young Artist Award, NAFA graduates are recognized as creative changemakers who make a lasting impact in the arts scene.
In addition to its academic programs, NAFA is committed to lifelong learning and community engagement. Initiatives such as the NAFA Arts Preschool and the School of Young Talents offer arts education opportunities for learners of all ages, while the Centre for Lifelong Education provides enrichment courses and part-time certificate programs for adults.
With its rich heritage, commitment to excellence, and dedication to inspiring learning and growth through the arts, NAFA continues to be a beacon of creativity and innovation in Singapore’s arts education landscape.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL/AID SCHEMES
Follow your dreams and achieve your fullest potential with help from scholarships and support schemes
Explore the range of Singapore government-funded financial and bursary schemes you can use to support your tuition fees at NAFA.
TUITION GRANT SCHEME (TGS)
CPF EDUCATION LOAN SCHEME
TERTIARY TUITION FEE SUBSIDY SCHEME FOR MALAYS
POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SCHEME
SKILLSFUTURE CREDIT
SKILLSFUTURE MID-CAREER ENHANCED SUBSIDY
HIGHER EDUCATION BURSARY
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMUNITY BURSARY
DIPLOMA FOUNDATION PROGRAMME (DFP) BURSARY
GOVERNMENT LOAN SCHEMES
Here are the listed diploma programs, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and other offerings:
DIPLOMA:
- Diploma in Design (Furniture and Spatial)
- Diploma in Design (Interior and Exhibition)
- Diploma in Design (Object and Jewellery)
- Diploma in Design (Landscape and Architecture)
- Diploma in Advertising
- Diploma in Graphic Communication
- Diploma in Illustration Design with Animation
- Diploma in Screen Media
- Diploma in Fashion Design
- Diploma in Fashion Business and Management
- Diploma in Fine Art
- Diploma in Art Teaching
- Diploma in Dance
- Diploma in Music
- Diploma in Music Teaching
- Diploma in Theatre (English Drama)
- Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama)
- Diploma in Arts Management
BACHELOR’S DEGREE:
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Biophilic Design
- Bachelor Of Arts (Honours) Contemporary Chinese Theatres
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Design Practice
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Fine Art
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Performance Making
- Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Instrumental & Vocal Teaching
- Bachelor of Music (Honours)
MASTER’S DEGREE:
- Master of Composition
- Master of Fine Arts Fine Art
- Master of Performance
Learning Experiences
At NAFA, students experience a dynamic and inclusive environment that fosters holistic growth in their skills, character, and relationships. Our diverse community provides opportunities for students to thrive and expand their horizons. Additionally, we offer valuable overseas learning experiences that prepare students to excel on the global stage post-graduation.
Award-Winning Artists
Throughout our history, we have proudly supported and mentored countless talented artists, including recipients of prestigious awards such as the Cultural Medallion and Young Artist Award. We take great pride in recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of our alumni and graduating students.
Partner Universities
We provide bachelor’s degree programs with honors in collaboration with renowned arts universities in the United Kingdom, offering students the opportunity to pursue higher education with internationally recognized institutions.
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
The University of the Arts London (UAL) offers an extensive range of courses in art, design, fashion, communication and the performing arts. UAL’s graduates go on to work in and shape the creative industries worldwide. The university has been ranked second in the world for art and design in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject® for the fifth consecutive year. UAL is made up the following colleges and institutes:
- Camberwell College of Arts
- Central Saint Martins
- Chelsea College of Arts
- London College of Communication
- London College of Fashion
- Wimbledon College of Arts
- UAL Creative Computing Institute
- UAL Social Design Institute
- UAL Decolonising Arts Institute
ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC, LONDON
The Royal College of Music (RCM) is a world-leading music conservatoire with a prestigious history dating back to 1882. RCM musicians comprise open-minded and outstanding performers, conductors and composers, all who are making significant impact on the future of music. RCM has been ranked as the top institution in the world for Performing Arts, in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject® for the second consecutive year.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
NAFA celebrated its 85th Anniversary last year with much vigour and splendour. We are now a proud founding member of University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), and stand strong on a global stage in partnership with eminent institutions including Royal College of Music, London, University of the Arts London, and Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). As NAFA marches on to its centenary milestone, we look back with great pride on our achievements and look ahead with great energy and confidence.
Indeed, since its founding in 1938, NAFA has transformed more than 16,000 full-time students, and over 140,000 students from our part-time and junior courses. Most notably, NAFA is proud of its illustrious alumni which include 13 Cultural Medallion recipients such as Han Sai Por and Wee Beng Cheong, and 15 Young Artist Award recipients such as Dr Goh Toh Chai and Yeo Chee Kiong, who continue to nurture young changemakers at NAFA. We are also privileged to have a distinguished faculty which includes eminent figures such as the late pioneer artists Chen Chong Swee, Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong Soo Pieng, Georgette Chen, along with music maestro Lim Yau who continues to teach at NAFA. They exemplify NAFA’s rich heritage, vibrant community, and the strong traditions rooted in its Southeast Asian identity.
With NAFA’s unique identity and strength in Southeast Asian arts, its Institute of Southeast Asian Arts (ISEAA), established in 2010 has been championing and leading Southeast Asian arts practice and research locally and internationally. The Southeast Asian Arts Forum is now an annual feature that brings together regional experts from a gamut of creative and academic disciplines, forging and nurturing connections through the facilitation of critical discourse on practice, politics, and education of creative arts. Through its Art Galleries, ISEAA features exhibitions on Southeast Asian artists including Yong Mun Sen in Nanyang and Art School SG: Tang Da Wu, as well as seminal figures such as Tay Bak Koi, Tan Kian Por, and Yeo Hoe Koon. These have become must-see or highly sought-after exhibitions in the yearly arts and culture calendar.
At NAFA, we believe that art is for everyone and have stayed true to our mission of inspiring learning and growth through the arts. As the only arts institution that provides learning at all ages and levels, we welcome tertiary students to our flagship diploma, degree, and master’s programmes; adult learners to our Centre for Lifelong Education courses; young students to our junior courses in the School of Young Talents and children from 18-months old to our arts-enriched preschool education. Through these encounters with the arts, NAFA opens the learners’ minds to the power and possibilities of how the arts can enhance their lives and change our world for the better.
Our diverse and world-class faculty at NAFA are known to be caring and great mentors. They inspire, guide, and help shape students into future-ready changemakers. With faculties in Art & Design, Performing Arts, and Interdisciplinary Practices working closely together, NAFA’s multidisciplinary approach and strong technical foundations provide a robust canvas for arts aspirants to boldly craft their futures. Upholding our stewardship for Southeast Asian identity, we support artists in Singapore and Southeast Asia through residency opportunities at our Cite des arts internationale Paris studios.
Journeying ahead towards NAFA100, we are excited to fill the next chapter with new areas of focus in programmes and research, leveraging technology to be at the forefront of arts and education practices. Building on our current esteemed partnerships and alliances, we will forge ahead with new strategic partners, and pursue international outreach to nurture global citizens.
To all enthusiasts, budding artists and designers; have the courage to create and boldly empower your artistic passion. Come along and join our big NAFA family where your exciting artistic journey finds a home.
Mrs Tan-Soh Wai Lan
President
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Student Services
Here are the student services provided by UAS and NAFA:
- Orientation and Related Programs:
Introduction to UAS and NAFA’s environments, systems, services, resources, and facilities for new students.
- Programs for New International Students:
Support programs to help new international students familiarize and adjust to living and studying in Singapore.
- Pastoral Care and Support:
Counselling services and mental wellness workshops, including topics such as stress management.
- Academic and Administrative Assistance:
Support from staff on issues related to studies and special learning needs, when applicable.
- Student-Life Activities:
Events and activities to promote a holistic and enriching experience for students.
- Student Welfare:
Provision of student insurance and financial assistance.
- Career Guidance:
Dedicated career advisors offering guidance, career talks, and workshops on topics such as resume writing and interview skills.
These services are designed to ensure that students have a smooth and rewarding experience while studying at UAS and NAFA, offering support across various aspects of student life, well-being, and career development. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, students can reach out to the respective student services teams at NAFA.
Here are some reasons why studying in Singapore is a great choice for international students:
- World-class education
Singapore is home to several prestigious universities and institutions, including UAS and arts institutions LASALLE and NAFA. Each arts institution presents its unique identity in curriculum design and delivery, allowing you the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. LASALLE and NAFA have produced many international graduates, many of whom are from within Asia. Our alumni network is strong throughout the region.
- Multicultural environment
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population that includes people from all over the world. Studying in Singapore will expose international students to new cultures and experiences.
- Safety and Security
Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and strict laws on public behaviour. This makes it an ideal destination for international students who are looking for a safe and secure environment to study in.
- Business hub
Singapore is a major business hub and is known for its strong economy and innovative industries. Studying in Singapore can provide international students with valuable networking and internship opportunities, and connections to leading companies in various sectors.
- Gateway to Asia
Singapore’s strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia, a vibrant and diverse region that is rich in heritage, offers students unique access to the region’s markets, industries, and cultures.
