LASALLE College of the Arts is basically the Ivy League of the Southeast Asian arts scene. Case in point: It’s the highest-ranked specialist institution for Performing Arts and joint top for Art & Design in the QS World Rankings 2025.

And with 36 different Diploma, BA, and MA programmes, there’s a niche for every type of creative soul. A crowd favorite is their Diploma in Fine Arts, where you can dabble in painting, printmaking, and sculpture.

If you’re more into digital art, you can check out their Diploma in Animation. You can geek out over 2D and 3D animation and storyboarding.

One of the best perks of being a student here is the long legacy of hosting visiting artists. We’re talking legends like Julian “Lefty” Kam and award-winning filmmaker Amanda Nell Eu.

Not everything could be perfect, though. We heard that the admin staff can be quite rude and unhelpful.

Arts, design, and creative practice programs

“LASALLE College of the Arts offers a range of programmes focused on arts, design, and creative practice. The campus is equipped with modern facilities that support both academic learning and professional development.”

— Edarabia Singapore, Google Review

Facilities for the different disciplines of art

“Excellent campus with facilities for the different disciplines of art.”

— Rekha Krishnan, Google Review

For over 10 years, Classical Realism SG has been a hub of traditional artistic training. It’s led by Clayton Hudnall, an American painter who brought his skills as a master’s degree holder from the New York Academy of Art to our sunny island.

What sets his school apart is its Atelier approach. This method is all about the old-school master-apprentice relationships, where you get top-tier individualized attention and direct critiques.

This personalized guidance is how they structure their curriculum, starting with their Drawing courses. They offer Intro, Advanced, and Portraiture, designed for all levels.

Once you’ve mastered the pencil, you can smoothly transition into their Painting program. You’ll learn color mixing, brushwork, and composition, as well as capturing light and form with accuracy.

A downside we heard about—some students have reported that Clayton can be a tad sarcastic at times.

Fantastic teacher who pays close attention to details

“Just completed 11 sessions w Clayton with an introduction to drawing. He is a fantastic teacher who pays close attention to details and technical accuracy. He gives just the right amount of guidance and space for us to explore and develop our observational skills. Most importantly, the studio is well set up, soothing, and being here rekindled my passion for art!”

— Ying Ling Tan, Google Review

Observational drawing skills improved significantly

“Clayton played a pivotal role in guiding our daughter through the portfolio preparation process for U.S. college admissions. Under his mentorship, her observational drawing skills improved significantly, which became a cornerstone of her successful applications to top Industrial Design programs—several of which offered generous scholarships based on the strength of her portfolio. She ultimately chose Georgia Tech’s BS in Industrial Design, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome.”

— Deepak G, Google Review

School of the Arts (SOTA) in Singapore is backed by heavy hitters at the MCCY and MOE. Their whole philosophy is built on creative experimentation and self-expression—perfect for self-discovery.

To make that discovery happen, students dive deep into their Specialized Arts Programmes like Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and even Film.

They also offer the Arts Excellence Programme for students who are clearly ready for the big leagues. Think masterclasses led by world-class experts and even opportunities to participate in overseas programs.

On the practical side of things, they offer a range of financial aid options, including bursaries and awards. 

As you may have already guessed, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. We heard a few staff encounters that were on the rude side.

It has exceeded my expectations! 

“I just started studying at SOTA as a year 1, and I can say it has exceeded my expectations! It is a big, pretty and eco-friendly building consisting of escalators and 10 levels. I love the school design! I am currently studying in the IB program, and the teachers are good at teaching! There are fun and innovative yearly fashion runway contests and class decoration competitions. The toilets are super clean just like prestigious private schools, which was shocking to me when I first entered the school as my primary school toilets were quite unhygienic. The canteen is just like a hawker center, selling from Japanese cuisine to western food to local food to even frozen grapes! An amazing and IMPRESSIVE school to say! Recently, some students from other schools hated on SOTA for the food poisoning incident. But to be honest? The food wasn’t even from SOTA, it was given by the government. We can’t handle food that was kept for 8 MONTHS and raw meat in the packaging. Keep hating, but SOTA is all you would want to study at!! ❤️”

— Ly Ly Vu Vo, Google Review

Campus reflects the creativeness of this school

“Once you come to this school you will be amazed by truly see what is creativity. Their iconic campus reflects the creativeness of this school. I have attended in few seminars and exhibitions in this school.”

— Md Tapon Mahamud Jony, Google Review

NAFA was established way back in 1938, known as the nation’s first and largest arts institution. No wonder they’ve nurtured more recipients of Singapore’s highest artistic honors than any other school (16 Cultural Medallion and 15 Young Artist Award winners).

This academy has something for everyone. They offer full-time Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programmes spread across three faculties: Art & Design, Performing Arts, and Interdisciplinary Practices.

If you love building things from the ground up, take a look at their Diploma in Design (Furniture and 3D Crafts). You’ll learn everything about furniture and jewelry design.

Similarly, canvas lovers would appreciate their Diploma in Fine Art. This course equips you with the technical and conceptual skills needed to survive in the modern art world.

As expected, the creative side of things is top-notch. However, we heard grumbles about unhelpful department staff, so be forewarned.

Range of programmes in arts, design, and media

“NAFA offers a range of programmes in arts, design, and media. The campus is equipped with modern facilities that support academic study, as well as practical artistic work.”

— Edarabia Singapore, Google Review

Had a wonderful experience learning there

“NAFA: A lovely and very inspiring institution of learning. Had a wonderful experience learning there. Highly recommend attending the classes there.”

— Raymond Yong, Google Review

As SG’s first university of applied learning, Singapore Institute of Technology is focused on industry relevance. Their goal is to build work-ready professionals who can hit the ground running the second they graduate.

They’re known for their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation. Students gain a high-level understanding of how high-quality games and animated films are made.

To get you to that professional level, the curriculum tackles extensive production experience in both 2D and 3D animation. You’ll develop excellent drawing skills while also sharpening your storytelling abilities.

Price-wise, we love that SIT has a great safety net when it comes to tuition. The Singapore government offers the Tuition Grant Scheme, which provides major subsidies for eligible students to keep things affordable.

However, even the most tech-forward universities have their quirks. For SIT, the common complaint is that they can be notably unresponsive to emails.

One of the best educational institutions in Asia

“One of the best educational institutions in Asia.”

— Yin Xiaoling, Google Review

Supports practical education with modern facilities

“Singapore Institute of Technology focuses on applied learning through industry-relevant degree programmes. The university supports practical education with modern facilities and strong industry partnerships.”

— Edarabia Singapore, Google Review