NAC Arts Scholarship (Undergraduate): 2026 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)14 Oct 2025, 02:35 Z
TL;DR\ The NAC Arts Scholarship backs exceptional arts practitioners and managers with full funding (locally or overseas), mentorship, and a service bond in Singapore's cultural sector—show artistic excellence, leadership, and a plan to deliver impact for communities.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-14)
- Official Portal: NAC Arts Scholarship (official)
- Who It Targets: Aspiring arts practitioners, producers, arts managers, and researchers pursuing full-time arts/arts-related degrees
- Eligibility: Singapore Citizens or PRs with outstanding arts portfolios, leadership experience, and commitment to advancing Singapore's arts scene
- Tenable Institutions: Local autonomous universities, arts institutions (NAFA, LASALLE), and reputable overseas universities approved by NAC
- Bond Guide: 2–5 years of service with NAC or sector partners, depending on funding amount and study location
Funding & Development Support
- Full tuition and compulsory fees (local or overseas), plus acceptance fees
- Monthly allowance and one-time return airfare for overseas scholars (inclusive of setting-in support)
- Sponsored exchanges, summer intensives, and fieldwork relevant to your discipline and community practice
- Mentorship by senior arts leaders and placement opportunities with NAC-supported organisations during and after study
- Continued development post-graduation via NAC's capability-building programmes, grants, and fellowships
Priority Disciplines
- Performing Arts: composition, conducting, choreography, dramaturgy, traditional dance, creative producing
- Visual Arts: curatorial practice, traditional visual arts (Chinese painting, batik, calligraphy), Asian art history
- Literary Arts: creative writing, literary translation, language studies
- Cross-cutting specialisations: community arts, arts and technology, arts pedagogy, arts management, production design, stage management
Application Timeline & Checklist
- October – December 2025: Prepare your portfolio (performances, writing samples, design reels), CV, and artist statement.
- January 2026: Submit online application with referee reports, study plan, and sector impact proposal.
- February: Shortlisted candidates attend auditions, portfolio presentations, and panel interviews with NAC and industry experts.
- March: Refine service commitment plan—identify host organisations and developmental needs.
- April: Receive provisional award pending proof of admission; NAC works with you to finalise mentorship arrangements.
- June onwards: Sign scholarship agreement and bond; attend pre-departure briefings and connect with scholar/alumni network.
Selection Priorities
- Artistic excellence: Demonstrated mastery and innovation in your field, supported by awards, showcases, or critical reviews.
- Sector impact: A compelling vision for how you will contribute to Singapore's arts ecosystem (audience development, community inclusion, digital transformation).
- Leadership: Experience leading ensembles, productions, or arts initiatives—panels look for collaborators who can mobilise communities.
- Commitment to service: Clarity on how you will fulfil the bond, including potential host organisations and proposed projects.
Bond & Career Commitments
- Serve 2–5 years within the arts sector—common pathways include arts organisations, national companies, festivals, or NAC itself.
- NAC facilitates placements and mentoring to ensure scholars grow across artistic, management, and audience-facing competencies.
- Scholars submit regular progress reports and meet with mentors to track career milestones.
- Early resignation triggers repayment of all funds plus damages; discuss alternative arrangements (e.g., postgraduate study) with NAC early.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Document impact: capture stats on audiences reached, community projects delivered, or media coverage.
- Build a diverse portfolio that showcases technical ability, experimentation, and collaborative projects.
- Craft a strategic plan linking your studies to Singapore's cultural priorities (e.g., arts for wellbeing, multicultural storytelling, digital arts).
- Secure referees who can speak to your artistry and leadership from different vantage points (e.g., artistic director, community partner).
- Practise presenting your work and vision succinctly—the panel values clarity, authenticity, and sector awareness.
Stay Updated
- Follow NAC's scholarship page and subscribe to NAC newsletters for application windows and info sessions.
- Attend NAC-led clinics or mentorship talks to refine your proposal and connect with alumni.
- Keep abreast of national arts policies (Our SG Arts Plan, Arts & Culture Strategic Review) to anchor your interview responses.
