University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) Summary
University of the Arts Singapore is Singapore’s first arts university and was formed through an alliance between two well-known arts institutions: LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. The university was created to strengthen Singapore’s higher education landscape in the arts, design, media, performance, music, and creative industries.
UAS is suitable for students who want a specialized education in creative disciplines rather than a general academic university pathway. The university’s academic strength comes from its two major founding institutions, which have long histories in arts education. Through LASALLE and NAFA, students can access a wide range of diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs in visual arts, design, fashion, animation, film, media arts, music, dance, theatre, arts management, and creative practice.
The university is especially useful for students interested in building careers in creative sectors such as graphic design, fine arts, animation, fashion, performance, music, arts education, arts administration, production, media, curation, interior design, creative business, and cultural work. Its programs support both practical skill development and artistic thinking. Students are encouraged to develop portfolios, creative projects, performances, exhibitions, research ideas, and professional practice.
UAS benefits from Singapore’s growing creative economy, multicultural environment, and strong position as a regional arts and design hub. Students studying at the university can experience Singapore’s museums, galleries, performance venues, design studios, cultural organizations, media companies, and creative communities. This gives students exposure to both local and international creative environments.
For international students, UAS can be a strong choice because Singapore is safe, well-connected, English-speaking, and culturally diverse. Students who want an arts-focused education in Asia may find UAS attractive because of its specialized structure, creative environment, and connection with two established arts education institutions.
About University of the Arts Singapore (UAS)
University of the Arts Singapore was established as Singapore’s first arts university through the alliance of LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. The university was created to bring together the strengths of both institutions and provide a stronger platform for arts, design, media, performance, and creative education in Singapore.
UAS is not a conventional university with broad programs across every academic field. Its identity is centered on creative education. This makes it highly relevant for students who want to pursue artistic, design-led, performance-based, or culture-related careers. The university supports students in developing creative ability, technical skills, cultural understanding, critical thinking, and professional confidence.
Through its colleges, students can study programs connected with fine arts, design communication, fashion, animation, film, music, dance, theatre, arts management, interior design, and creative practice. The university’s learning environment is portfolio-driven and practice-based, giving students opportunities to create, perform, exhibit, collaborate, and build professional creative work.
UAS is important for Singapore because it supports the country’s creative industries and cultural development. It gives students a pathway to study arts at a university level while staying connected with Singapore’s design, media, performance, and cultural ecosystem.
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) History
University of the Arts Singapore was established as Singapore’s first arts university.
UAS was formed through an alliance between LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
LASALLE and NAFA both have long histories in creative and arts education.
UAS was created to strengthen university-level arts education in Singapore.
The university focuses on fine arts, design, media arts, performing arts, music, and creative disciplines.
It supports Singapore’s creative economy and cultural development.
UAS provides degree pathways through its two colleges.
The university combines practice-based learning with creative research and professional development.
UAS supports students through portfolio-based, studio-based, and performance-based education.
The university continues to build Singapore’s position as a regional hub for arts, design, and creative education.
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) Highlights
Singapore’s first arts university.
Formed through LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
Strong focus on arts, design, media, music, dance, theatre, and creative practice.
Offers specialized creative education instead of general university programs.
Suitable for students interested in portfolio-based and practice-based learning.
Provides undergraduate and postgraduate creative programs.
Strong connection with Singapore’s arts and cultural ecosystem.
Good option for students targeting creative industry careers.
Supports exhibitions, performances, projects, and professional practice.
Offers scholarship and financial assistance options through its colleges.
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) Courses Offered
UG Courses
- Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Arts in Design Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Textiles
- Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
- Bachelor of Arts in Animation Art
- Bachelor of Arts in Film
- Bachelor of Arts in Music
- Bachelor of Arts in Acting
- Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre
- Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance
- Bachelor of Arts in Performance-related disciplines
- Bachelor-level creative arts programs through LASALLE and NAFA
PG Courses
- Master of Arts in Arts and Cultural Leadership
- Master of Arts in Fine Arts
- Master of Arts in Art Therapy
- Master of Arts in Creative Writing
- Master of Arts in Design
- Master of Arts in Music Therapy
- Master of Arts in Asian Art Histories
- Master of Arts in Arts Pedagogy and Practice
- Postgraduate creative practice programs depending on college and intake availability
PhD Courses
- PhD programs are not currently listed as a direct standard offering under University of the Arts Singapore.
- Students interested in doctoral-level arts research should check future UAS announcements or partner university pathways.
- Research-based postgraduate pathways may vary by college, collaboration, and academic availability.
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) Specializations Offered
UG Specializations
- Fine Arts
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Design Communication
- Graphic Design
- Fashion Design
- Textile Design
- Interior Design
- Animation
- Film
- Media Arts
- Music Performance
- Contemporary Dance
- Acting
- Musical Theatre
- Arts Management
- Creative Production
- Visual Communication
- Performance Practice
PG Specializations
- Fine Arts Practice
- Arts and Cultural Leadership
- Art Therapy
- Creative Writing
- Design Research
- Music Therapy
- Asian Art Histories
- Arts Pedagogy
- Creative Practice
- Cultural Management
- Contemporary Arts Practice
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Curatorial Practice
- Community Arts
- Arts Education
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) Admission Process
Admission to University of the Arts Singapore depends on the selected college, chosen program, academic background, portfolio, audition, interview, and creative readiness. Since UAS operates through LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, applicants must carefully check the admission route for the specific program they want to study.
For undergraduate creative programs, applicants usually need recognized academic qualifications and a strong portfolio or audition depending on the discipline. Visual arts, design, film, animation, and media programs normally require portfolio submission. Music, dance, theatre, acting, and performance-based programs may require audition, interview, or performance assessment.
For postgraduate programs, applicants generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree or professional experience in a related creative field. Some programs may require a portfolio, research proposal, writing sample, interview, or statement of purpose. Admission is based on both academic background and creative ability.
International students must check visa, English language, fee, and program-specific requirements before applying. Since creative programs are highly specialized, applicants should prepare their portfolio or audition materials carefully before submitting the application.
Admission Details
- Applications are submitted through the relevant UAS college admission system.
- Applicants must select the correct program and college before applying.
- Undergraduate admission usually requires academic qualifications and creative assessment.
- Portfolio submission is required for many visual arts and design programs.
- Auditions may be required for music, dance, theatre, and performance programs.
- Interviews may be required for shortlisted applicants.
- Postgraduate applicants may need a bachelor’s degree or relevant professional experience.
- Some postgraduate programs may require a research proposal, portfolio, or writing sample.
- International applicants must meet English language and immigration requirements.
- Scholarship and financial assistance applications may require separate review.
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) Eligibility Criteria
UG Eligibility
- Completion of recognized school-leaving or pre-university qualification.
- Strong creative interest in the selected discipline.
- Portfolio required for many art, design, media, and creative programs.
- Audition required for selected music, dance, theatre, and performance programs.
- Interview may be required for shortlisted applicants.
- English language proficiency may be required for international students.
- Program-specific requirements vary by college and course.
PG Eligibility
- Recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Relevant academic or professional background in arts, design, media, performance, or related fields.
- Portfolio, writing sample, research proposal, or audition may be required depending on program.
- Statement of purpose may be required.
- Interview may be required.
- English language proficiency may be required for international students.
PhD Eligibility
- Direct
PhD Eligibility
- is not applicable because standard PhD programs are not currently listed as direct UAS offerings.
- Students interested in doctoral study should check future UAS updates or external research pathways.
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) Courses Fees
UG Fees
- and DurationBachelor’s Degrees: Usually around 3 years depending on program and college
- Diploma-to-Degree Pathways: Available in selected creative fields depending on college route
UG Fees
- : Vary by program, college, citizenship category, and tuition grant status
- International Student Fees: Vary by program and college
- Final Fee Note: Exact undergraduate fees should be checked from the relevant UAS college fee page before applying
PG Fees
- and DurationMaster’s Programs: Usually around 1 to 2 years depending on program and study mode
- Art Therapy / Music Therapy Programs: Duration may be longer depending on clinical or professional requirements
PG Fees
- : Vary by program, college, intake, and student category
- Final Fee Note: Exact postgraduate fees should be checked from the official college program page before applying
PhD Fees
- and DurationDirect
PhD Fees
- and duration are not applicable because standard PhD programs are not currently listed as direct UAS offerings.
- Students should check future UAS updates if doctoral-level arts research programs become available.
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) Scholarships
UAS college-based scholarships
LASALLE scholarships
NAFA scholarships
Merit-based scholarships
Donor-funded scholarships
Financial assistance schemes
Tuition Fee Loan options for eligible students
Study Loan options for eligible students
Bursaries for eligible students
External scholarships for arts and creative education
Program-specific awards depending on college and intake availability
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) Career Outcomes
University of the Arts Singapore prepares students for creative, cultural, design, media, and performance-based careers. Since the university is built through LASALLE and NAFA, students can benefit from creative practice, exhibitions, performances, portfolio development, industry projects, workshops, and professional exposure.
Graduates may work in design studios, creative agencies, galleries, museums, theatres, production houses, fashion companies, animation studios, film companies, music organizations, arts councils, cultural institutions, media companies, schools, and independent creative businesses.
The university’s focus on portfolio development is especially important because creative industry hiring often depends on demonstrated work, practical ability, artistic identity, and professional presentation. Students can also build careers as freelancers, independent artists, creative entrepreneurs, performers, designers, educators, or arts managers.
Fine Artist
Graphic Designer
Fashion Designer
Interior Designer
Animator
Film Director
Video Producer
Photographer
Illustrator
Musician
Actor
Dancer
Theatre Performer
Arts Manager
Gallery Assistant
Curatorial Assistant
Art Therapist
Creative Writer
Design Consultant
Creative Entrepreneur
