Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)

PROFILE NANYANG ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (NAFA)

locationSingapura

Established in 1938

Year of Establishment

Established in 1938, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in Singapore is a publicly funded arts institution and a founding member of the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), offering full time pathways from foundation to diploma, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree in art, design, and performing arts. It provides practice based learning supported by specialist studios, workshops, galleries, and performance venues across its city campuses near Bencoolen. The main benefit for international students is a clear progression route, defined admissions timelines, and published academic year 2026 fees, with cost of living guidance for Singapore.

ACHIEVEMENTS

NAFA is Singapore’s pioneer arts institution and, as part of UAS, offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees aligned with Singapore’s first university of the arts framework, while maintaining its specialist arts education identity. NAFA’s diploma and undergraduate programmes are funded by Singapore’s Ministry of Education, with Academic Year 2026 fees approved by the Ministry of Education as published by NAFA.

  1. Founding member of the University of the Arts Singapore, with degree programmes awarded under the UAS framework starting from Academic Year 2024.
  2. Ministry of Education funded full time diploma and undergraduate programmes, with Academic Year 2026 fees stated as approved by the Ministry of Education.
  3. EduTrust certification published by NAFA with validity 16 October 2023 to 15 October 2027.

FACILITIES

NAFA provides learning and student spaces that include libraries, studios, labs, workshops, galleries, classrooms, and performance venues across multiple campuses in the Bencoolen area. Facilities are designed to support studio practice, production, exhibitions, rehearsals, and performances. Students also have access to specialist spaces such as theatres and dedicated workshop rooms.

  1. NAFA Library, in Campus 1
  2. Lim Hak Tai Gallery, in Campus 1
  3. Lee Foundation Theatre, in Campus 3
  4. Studio Theatre, in Campus 3
  5. Dance Studio, in Campus 1
  6. Drama Studio, in Campus 1
  7. Piano Studio, in Campus 1
  8. Photography Studio, in Campus 1
  9. Darkroom, in Campus 1
  10. Creative Media Studio, in Campus 1
  11. Ceramics Workshop, in Campus 1
  12. Printmaking Workshop, in Campus 1
  13. Sculpture Workshop, in Campus 1
  14. Laser Cutting Workshop, in Campus 1
  15. Pattern Draping Workshop, in Campus 1

LOCATION

NAFA Campus 1

80 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189655

NAFA Campus 2

38 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189654

NAFA Campus 3

151 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189656

INTAKE & PROGRAMMED OFFERED

Intake

PRE UNIVERSITY

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 5.0

UNDERGRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.0

POST GRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.0

Programmes

List of all foundation programmes

  1. NAFA Foundation Programme

List of all diploma programmes

  1. Diploma in Design (Furniture and 3D Crafts)
  2. Diploma in Design (Interior and Spatial)
  3. Diploma in Design (Landscape and Architecture)
  4. Diploma in Design Communication and Strategy
  5. Diploma in Digital Illustration and Narrative
  6. Diploma in Media Experience and Innovation
  7. Diploma in Fashion
  8. Diploma in Fine Art
  9. Diploma in Art Teaching
  10. Diploma in Dance
  11. Diploma in Music
  12. Diploma in Music Teaching
  13. Diploma in Theatre (English Drama)
  14. Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama)
  15. Diploma in Arts Management

List of undergraduate programmes

  1. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Design Practice
  2. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Fine Art
  3. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Performance Making
  4. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Biophilic Design
  5. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Contemporary Chinese Theatres
  6. Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Instrumental and Vocal Teaching
  7. Bachelor of Music (Honours)

List of postgraduate programmes

  1. Master of Fine Arts Fine Art
  2. Master of Performance

List of other programmes

  1. Short Courses
  2. Certificate Courses
  3. Junior Art, Junior Dance, Junior Drama, Junior Music

TUITION FEE & LIVING COST

TUITION FEE

APPLICATION FEE

S$120

PRE UNIVERSITY

UNDER GRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE

S$9,400 per year

S$29,800 to S$32,650 per year

S$14,800 to S$29,600 per year

Living Cost

Approximately S$1,770 per month including accommodation

ACCOMODATION

off-campus
Homestay

Homestay accommodation is a common option for international students in Singapore, including NAFA students, and is arranged through private homestay providers or host families. Students live with a local family and typically receive a furnished room with basic utilities included.

  1. Benefit: Cultural immersion and daily use of English
  2. Room: Single furnished bedroom
  3. Facilities: Shared bathroom, kitchen access, laundry
  4. Meals: Usually breakfast and dinner provided
  5. Location: Various residential areas with public transport access to Bencoolen
  6. Price range: Approximately S$1,200 to S$2,000 per month