About the University

Established in 1938, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) started life with 14 students, transforming over its 85+ years into a leading arts education institution in Singapore. Alongside LASALLE College of the Arts, NAFA forms part of The University of the Arts Singapore; Singapore’s first arts university formed in 2021.

Operating from three campuses on Bencoolen Street in Singapore’s art precinct, all of NAFA’s academic schools are within walking distance of each other. The School of Interdisciplinary Arts is spread across all sites, with Schools of Design and Media, Fine Art and 3D Design in Campus 1, School of Fashion Studies in Campus 2 and Schools of Dance, Theatre and Music in Campus 3.

Practice-led, experiential learning lies at the heart of all programmes, with students making excellent use of state-of-the-art facilities such as professional-grade recording studios and black box theatre, digital fabrication labs with 3D printers and laser cutters and gallery spaces like the NAFA Galleries and Lee Foundation Theatre for exhibitions and performances.

Industry-based learning provides students with authentic experiences that prepare them for successful and meaningful careers. Since 2010, the Institute of Southeast Asian Arts (ISEAA) has incorporated rigorous discussions of art from the region into NAFA’s curricula by facilitating workshops, hosting annual forums, spearheading art exhibitions and producing publications.

Most notably, NAFA is proud of its illustrious alumni which include 14 Cultural Medallion winners, such as esteemed artists and educators Han Sai Por (sculptor) and Wee Beng Chong (multidisciplinary artist) and 15 Young Artist Award recipients such as Dr Goh Toh Chai (composer) and Yeo Chee Kiong (sculptor and installation artist).

NAFA is widely recognised for its high-quality arts education and efficient corporate governance and quality, holding recognition from the Ministry of Education of Singapore.

 

How to Apply

Upon completing the NCC Education Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies, students are welcome to apply to NAFA Bachelor degree programmes, including programmes in the Faculties of Art and Design, Performing Arts and Interdisciplinary Programmes*.

Rebecca Bewley, Head of Partnerships at NCC Education, says “NAFA is an excellent and unique opportunity for NCC Education students who are passionate about the arts and wish to pursue further study in this area. We are very excited by this new progression opportunity for L3IFDHES graduates.”

Natalia Himawan, Head of Student Admissions at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), says, “We are excited to welcome NCC Education students to NAFA through this new progression route. At NAFA, our strong industry connections—ranging from arts institutions to creative enterprises—ensure that students gain real-world experience and are well-prepared for meaningful careers in the arts.. This opportunity opens doors for aspiring artists and performers from diverse backgrounds to join our vibrant community and pursue their passion in the arts and design.”

 

*Offers will be made on a case-by-case basis, subject to minimum entry requirements, availability and the University’s standard admission procedures and policies. In addition, all applicants must attend an audition or submit a portfolio of work.

For more information, please contact Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts:

Tel: +65 6512 4071

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nafa.edu.sg

 

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