Back To Main Menu
Entry Requirements How to Apply Fees FAQ
Entry Requirements How to Apply Fees FAQ

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

MASTER OF COMPOSITION
In collaboration with the Royal College of Music (RCM)

 
  1. All applicants are to submit a portfolio of at least two, but no more than five, contrasting examples of their compositions.

  2. The portfolio must include written scores. Recordings are optional.

    • PDF version of the written scores. Please ensure that written music is clear and legible with full information of instrumentation, scoring and performance details. Common composition software includes Sibelius, Finale, as well as other notation software in the market.

    • Recording of the works (accompanied by the PDF version of the written scores).

  3. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement (250 – 350 words) to support their application for the Master of Composition programme. The personal statement should be based on the following questions:

    • Why are you applying for the Master of Composition programme, based on your ambitions and interests?

    • What skills do you possess that make you suitable for the rigorous demands of the programme?

  4. Applicants will require two professional references emailed directly to Student Admission Office.

  5. All applicants will be asked about their intentions and expectations of the programme, as well as how the Master of Composition programme will be useful to their future plans.

  6. Typical questions asked during the interview may include:

    • Why do you want to study at NAFA?

    • What are your musical interests?

    • What do you think you need to do most to improve your writing?

  7. The panel will be looking for evidence of both a talent for composition and the ability to realise effectively ideas in a variety of forms and media.

  8. Though live auditions are preferred, an online interview may be arranged by the Student Admissions Office for applicants who are unable to attend a live audition. Applicants are to inform Student Admissions Office in advance if they wish to attend an online audition.

Live auditions in Singapore
Live auditions in Singapore are usually held bimonthly.

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

Audition Date
8 – 10 January 2025
3 – 7 March 2025
10 – 11 May 2025

Live auditions in China

Applicants residing overseas who wish to attend the live auditions in China are to inform Student Admissions Office via email at least two weeks prior to the audition.

Audition Date
16 – 17 November 2024
8 – 15 March 2025


Applicants are required to have at least:

  • A relevant undergraduate degree from RCM-NAFA or a recognised institution, usually in Music
  • Degree transcripts must indicate passing grades in equivalent RCM-NAFA Bachelor of Music modules
Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

 

Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

An English Language proficiency* of at least:

Entry Into IELTS TOEFL - iBT PTE ACADEMIC DUOLINGO
Master 5.5 71 42 95

Other qualifications equivalent to any of the above.

*Waived for NAFA applicants who have successfully completed NAFA's Bachelor of Music. Non-NAFA applicants who have successfully completed a recognised and approved Diploma qualification or higher, where the language of instruction was English, may be given a waiver on a case-by-case basis.

 

MASTER OF PERFORMANCE
In collaboration with the Royal College of Music (RCM)

 
Mode of Audition
The audition will be conducted live with an audition panel.

Audition Requirements
We understand that auditions are a significant milestone on every applicant’s journey towards a career as a conservatoire musician. The guidance below will help the applicant prepare to the best of his or her abilities and make one aware of the audition process.

  1. The audition will be recorded and reviewed by the appropriate Head of Faculty from the RCM.

  2. Applicants should present a varied programme and show a range of styles, periods and characters.

  3. Applicants are to note these specific audition requirements for each faculty of study:

    Keyboard Studies
    Piano applicants are required to prepare a varied programme of at least 50 minutes. The programme must include an advanced étude and all works must be performed from memory.

    Strings Studies
    String instrumental applicants are required to prepare all of the following:

    • one significant movement from a concerto composed after 1800

    • a contrasting piece of the applicant’s choice

    Winds Studies and Percussion Studies

    • Brass, woodwind and percussion applicants are required to prepare a programme of two contrasting pieces at a standard reflective of the applicant’s artistry, expressive and technical competency.

    • It would be preferred if at least one of these works was from memory, but it is not compulsory.

    Vocal Studies
    Vocal studies will not be offered in AY2025/2026.

    Chinese Instrumental Studies
    Chinese instrument applicants are required to prepare all of the following:

    • One significant movement of a concerto, or a work written originally for the solo instrument and orchestra (一首协奏曲)

    • A chuan tong piece from standard repertoire (一首传统乐曲)

    • A piece written after 1970 (一首创作乐曲(1970年后))

    • All works must be performed from memory

  4. During the live auditions, the panel will listen up to 20 minutes of the programme.

  5. Applicants are required to bring a list of the repertoire studied in depth in recent years as well as proof of recent public performances along to the live audition.

  6. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement (250 – 350 words) to support their application for the Master of Performance programme. The personal statement should be based on the following questions:

    • Why are you applying for the Master of Performance programme, based on your ambitions and interests?

    • What skills do you possess that make you suitable for the rigorous demands of the programme?

  7. Applicants will require two professional references emailed directly to Student Admissions Office.

  8. Non-pianists are required to bring along their accompanists if their chosen pieces require accompaniment. A list of accompanists and their details are available to applicants after application and they are required to make arrangements with the accompanists directly for practice sessions and payment.

  9. All instrumentalists except percussionists and pianists are required to bring their principal study instrument for the audition. Applicants are encouraged to provide a set of music scores of their pieces for the audition panel.

  10. Applicants are not allowed to bring a page-turner, a teacher or a translator to the audition. The only people in the audition room will be the applicant, the accompanist and the audition panel.

  11. As our programmes are taught in English, we expect applicants to be able to communicate in English at their audition.

  12. Typical questions asked during the interview may include:

    • Why do you want to study at NAFA?

    • What are your musical interests?

    • What do you think you need to do most to improve your performance?

Live auditions in Singapore
Live auditions in Singapore are usually held bimonthly.

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

Audition Date
8 – 10 January 2025
3 – 7 March 2025
10 – 11 May 2025

Live auditions in China

Applicants residing overseas who wish to attend the live auditions in China are to inform Student Admissions Office via email at least two weeks prior to the audition.

Audition Date
16 – 17 November 2024
8 – 15 March 2025


 

Applicants are required to have at least:

  • A relevant undergraduate degree from RCM-NAFA or a recognised institution, usually in Music
  • Degree transcripts must indicate passing grades in equivalent RCM-NAFA Bachelor of Music modules
Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

 

Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

An English Language proficiency* of at least:

Entry Into IELTS TOEFL - iBT PTE ACADEMIC DUOLINGO
Master 5.5 71 42 95

Other qualifications equivalent to any of the above.

*Waived for NAFA applicants who have successfully completed NAFA's Bachelor of Music. Non-NAFA applicants who have successfully completed a recognised and approved Diploma qualification or higher, where the language of instruction was English, may be given a waiver on a case-by-case basis.

 

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.
Receive an email
You will receive an email from the Student Admissions Office on the details of your audition upon receipt of all required documents.
Application outcome
Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

To know more about the details related to the master fees, please click the links below:

FAQ

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.
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.
There is one intake commencing in August each year. Click here for the academic calendar.
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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].
Programme Transfer is not applicable to Master’s Degree programmes.
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.
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.
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.
For more details on Student’s Pass and living in Singapore, please refer to our website here.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE

International students residing overseas are encouraged to apply for admission to NAFA through the appointed education counsellors, where applicable. Applications made through non-NAFA appointed education counsellors will not be accepted. These appointed counsellors may charge up to S$4,000* in service fees per student. NAFA does not receive service fees on behalf of the counsellors. The payment schedule of these service fees are as follows:

Phase 1 - One week before Admission Test/Audition

All fees paid in this phase are non-refundable.
Your application fee, test fees, and administrative costs of document verification and translation will be collected once you sign the agency contract.

Phase 2 - Collection of student contracts

Collection of 50% of the total service fees specified in the signed agency contract with the applicant before completing Phase 2 of the NAFA online registration.

Phase 3 - Upon collection of SOLAR+ code from ICA

Collection of the 50% balance in service fees specified in the signed agency contract (ICA processing fees and Issuance fees shall be borne by students).

*Graduating international NAFA diploma students may wish to contact the appointed education counsellors to get assistance for their degree application and/or Student’s Pass matters. No additional service fees should be collected by the counsellors.

View the list of overseas education counsellors

All international applicants are required to apply for a Student’s Pass through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore after acceptance by an educational institute to pursue full-time studies in Singapore.

The ICA does not issue Student Pass for part-time programmes. An international student who wishes to pursue the part-time programme must have either a valid Employment Pass or Dependent Pass from ICA to reside in Singapore throughout the course of study. If the validity of the Employment Pass or Dependent Pass expired before the student can complete the part-time programme, the Academy will have to withdraw him/her from the programme as he/she does not have a valid pass to stay in Singapore.

View more details for living in Singapore
Admission Information

Important Dates

Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.

Admissions Requirement Guide AY2025/2026
View Admissions Requirement Guide


International students residing overseas are encouraged to apply as early in August for the following year’s intake for admission to NAFA through the appointed education counsellors, where applicable.