Duration: 2 Years
Mode: Full-time
Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Part-time
Conferred by: University of the Arts Singapore
The Master of Fine Arts in Fine Art is an intensive programme for creative practitioners who are ready to deepen their practice, research and critical rigour.
Rooted in NAFA's heritage of connecting cultures and communities through art, the programme engages with two enduring questions: What is the role of the artist today and tomorrow? and Beyond the studio, how are an artist's ideas understood and grounded in different sociocultural contexts? It aims to develop creative practitioners as thought leaders who contribute new knowledge and critical discourse in Southeast Asia and globally.
How it works
A two-year full-time or three-year part-time programme, built on reflexive, expanded and transdisciplinary perspectives, situated in a Southeast Asian context.
The programme welcomes practitioners engaging with a range of media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, performance, installation, video, sound, digital media and other expanded forms.
You are encouraged to reflect on your practice, respond to the region’s historical and social-cultural narratives, and develop a strong positionality within your practice research area.
What sets it apart
One-to-one studio and writing supervision that develop your in-depth knowledge and expertise.
Cohort-wide X-Disciplinary labs, Writing labs and Masterclasses that broaden your perspectives.
Community of Practice, Writing Critiques and field trips that empowers knowledge exchange, networking and exhibition opportunities.
Learn alongside a dedicated MFA faculty and internationally renowned artists, curators and creative thinkers.
Expand your global cultural networks through independent study trips and residency opportunities at Studio Plesungan, Indonesia, and NAFA Studios @Cite Internationale des Arts, Paris.
How You’ll Learn
Through four progressive modules — Reflexive, Expanded, Transdisciplinary, and Independent Practice — you’ll deepen your research and broaden your expression across media, platforms, and disciplines.
Self-directed Research and Experimental Labs
Students push artistic boundaries through X-D and transdisciplinary labs that bridge art and industry. Independent research trips and collaborations with partners like the Royal College of Art (UK) place them within global cultural networks, expanding creative perspectives and generating new knowledge rooted in the founding ethos of NAFA.
Global Outlook, Local Insight
You’ll engage in international collaborations, research trips, and studio residencies including at Cité internationale des arts in Paris, with partnerships across the UK, Malaysia and Taiwan. Learn alongside and be mentored by artists, curators and scholars such as Tang Da Wu, Lynn Lu, Melati Suryadarmo, and Ming Wong — voices that shape contemporary art globally.
Where It Takes You
The Master of Fine Arts programme positions you at the forefront of art discourse, research, and industry practice. Whether you go on to teach, curate, exhibit, or innovate, you will move with a confident way forward—one grounded in clarity, guided by vision, and driven to make meaningful impact.
Read The Straits Times
feature on our transformative programme.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
More InformationGraduation Requirements
In order to graduate from Master of Fine Arts Fine Art (MFA Fine Art) and be eligible for the award of the MFA Fine Art degree, you must fulfil the following conditions:
- Attain a total of 240 credits, excluding credits associated with repeat attempts.
- Attempt and attain a minimum Grade C for all modules.
- Obtain a minimum CGPA of 2.50 at the end of the programme1.
- Complete the programme within the stipulated maximum candidature period2.
1You will be graded on a 5–point Grade Point Average (GPA) system. Grades and grade points are assigned as follows:
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
|---|
| A+ | 5.0 |
| A | 5.0 |
| A- | 4.5 |
| B+ | 4.0 |
| B | 3.5 |
| B- | 3.0 |
| C+ | 2.5 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D+ | 1.5 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) represents the grade point average of all graded modules (including failed modules) attempted by a student. The computation of CGPA is as follows:
CGPA =
| sum (module grade point x module credits assigned to module)
sum (module credits assigned to all modules used in calculating the numerator)
|
The MFA classification and corresponding CGPA requirement is as follows:
| CGPA Range | Classification of Award |
|---|
| 4.50 – 5.00 | MA/MFA (Distinction) |
| 2.50 – 4.49 | MA/MFA |
| 0.00 – 2.49 | Will not graduate |
2The period of candidature for MFA Fine Art is as follows:
| Mode | Period of Candidature |
|---|
| Normal | Maximum |
|---|
| Full-Time | 2 years | 4 years |
| Part-Time | 3 years | 5 years |
Mode of Instruction
Various learning and teaching methods include regular one-to-one tutorials, studio critiques, group discussions, workshops, presentations, and monthly studio seminars/lectures. Peer and collaborative learning are fundamental to the programme. Key to the MFA delivery are the X-disciplinary labs and incubator spaces for students, staff, and invited prolific art practitioners of diverse fields and disciplines to convene around specific topic(s) of interest. A series of dedicated Master Ateliers and skill-based workshops will also be available for students to deepen their mastery of specific subjects and techniques. There are no taught modules on the programme.
Assessment Methods
The programme will have three main modes of assessment – a presentation of a fully realised artwork or body of artworks made during the MFA programme; a written manifesto of 4,000 - 6,000 words, which could be creative writing, art writing or academic piece of written work; and a portfolio of documentation of studio work.
Career Pathways
Postgraduate alumni will develop careers in the fine arts-focused trajectories as practicing artists, curators and social change-makers, as well as thought leaders and agents of change in both public and private sectors. Others will go on to pursue careers in a variety of areas such as communication, education, architecture, management, policy-making, and the film industry. Graduates will be able to consider progression to PhDs that are relevant to their practice and research areas.
Graduation Catalogue
The graduating class of MFA Fine Art students puts up an annual exhibition at The Graduation Show in May.
Class of 2026
entry requirements
- Personal statement (400 - 500 words): Your statement of purpose introduces you to the Admissions Committee. This is an opportunity for the committee to know more about you, your interests and background, and why you wish to pursue an MFA.
- Portfolio submission: Your portfolio should contain artworks documented in digital format (up to 15 images and/or 10 minutes of moving images or sound work). This should be submitted via a URL within a PDF document.
- Performance at interview: Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process. Interviews are conducted in-person, or via an online platform if you are located overseas.
- Reference letters: You will need to submit two reference letters that can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the programme.
InterviewThe interview will take approximately 40 minutes. You may prepare a PowerPoint presentation or any other presentation support materials at your discretion where necessary.
Do bring a HDMI-compatible laptop/device for your presentation.
The following themes and topics may be covered during the interview:
- Your research interests and collaborative practices
- Your relationship with the Southeast Asia/Asia region, as well as your relationship with your local artistic community
- Your past and present work, how you see the trajectory of your practice, and your artistic ethos
- Organisational and time management skills
Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.
A Bachelor's degree from a recognised local or international institution in Fine Art or related disciplines.
The programme team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- Related academic or work experience
- The quality of the personal statement
- A strong academic or other professional references
- A combination of these factors
Each application will be considered on its own merit, but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
An English Language proficiency* of at least
*:
| IELTS Academic | TOEFL - iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|
| 7.0 | 100 or 5.0 | 65 | 125 |
*Not applicable to applicants who have completed their NAFA degree or degrees from other institutions where English is the medium of instruction.Applicants from countries where English is not the first language, or whose qualifications are obtained from institutions where English is not the medium of instruction, NAFA will consider the English Language proficiency attained through the above-mentioned English Language qualifications.
Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those who may not have formal education but have the relevant experience) and are assessed to have the ability to pursue the programme may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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here for more information.
Fees
Click here for more information.
Enjoy a S$10,000 Study Award, applicable across 4 payment instalments. This award rebate is based on applicant’s portfolio and interview performance for the AY 2027/28 intake.
How to Apply
Pioneering creative thought leadership in Southeast Asia and beyond.
We have simplified our application process so you can focus on showcasing your strengths.
Here’s a quick overview of what you need to do.
- Shortlist your programme – Choose a programme towards your interests and expertise
- Check if you have the required application documents - Here is the checklist for your quick reference
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
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.
| Singapore Citizens & Singapore Permanent Residents | International Students |
|---|
| Application fee | S$75.00 | S$120.00 |
Application fee is inclusive of prevailing GST.
Upload portfolio
Upload your Personal Statement, Portfolio and reference letters
here.
Receive an email and attend the interview, if you are shortlisted
Applicants will be invited to an interview. You will receive an email with the exact date and time one week before the interview.
Application outcome
Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.
Guides & Resources
Scholarships
In recognition of exceptional academic achievement, artistic talent, and leadership potential, NAFA offers a wide range of scholarships, merit awards, and bursaries to both new and current students. These awards are designed to support students who demonstrate excellence in the arts and creative industries, and who show promise in contributing meaningfully to the cultural landscape.
More information
Open House & Info Days
Step into the vibrant world of the arts at NAFA’s Open House and Info Days. Explore our wide range of Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree (Hons), and Master’s Degree programmes, all designed to ignite your creativity and prepare you for a future in the arts. Meet our passionate faculty, speak with student ambassadors, and experience first-hand what makes a NAFA education distinctive.
More information
Alumni Highlights
At NAFA, our graduates go on to shape the creative industries with passion, innovation, and purpose. From award-winning designers and accomplished performers to arts educators and entrepreneurs, our alumni are making their mark locally and globally. Their journeys reflect the transformative power of a NAFA education — where talent is nurtured, and dreams are realised.
Discover how our alumni continue to inspire the next generation of artists and creatives.
More information
Virtual Campus Tours
Unable to visit us in person? Explore NAFA from wherever you are through our virtual tour. Explore our campus facilities, creative spaces, and vibrant learning environment at your own pace. Click the link below to begin your virtual journey.
Virtual tour