Crowned as Southeast Asia’s top institution for Performing Arts, the 1984-founded and award-winning LASALLE College of the Arts is an established name.

One of the school’s defining features is focusing on practice-led learning. Students are encouraged to engage in real-world creative processes, as evidenced by the workshops, exhibitions, studio work, and performances they regularly produce.

The faculty is another reason it’s here. You’ll be mentored by internationally recognised professors, such as Cissie Fu and Adam Knee, artists with strong ties to global networks.

It’s not without flaws, of course. Complaints about rude, unresponsive, and cold personnel have been raised more than once.

A few students also think the library hours are too short and the policy for borrowing books is a tad strict.

LASALLE’s programme range isn’t an issue, thankfully. Thirty-six diplomas across multiple disciplines are offered, and they’re self-developed with global and national demands in mind.

An Awesome Place

Lovely place for art enthusiasts. The blocks are arranged opposite each other with an open space in the centre for a myriad of activities including musical performances, etc. An awesome place to chill out yet protected from the sun and the rain. Ample parking lots in the basement and a stone throw away from eating outlets. Convenient.

Shirley “MuseFaery” NKL, Google Review

A Sight to Behold

This institute is a sight to behold in tiny Singapore, and so too are the students, coming from various nationalities and races, and in their very own individualities in always and dressing. Every angle of this building is interesting. It’s almost like this building is made up of many layers of monoliths.

Velochrome, Google Review

Classical Realism SG is ideal for creatives looking to refine their mastery of traditional art.

In terms of teaching style, the studio follows the hands-on Atelier method. That means students learn from a master artist through a rigorous workshop-based system, with the class size kept small (we also have picks for “less intense” workshops).

Best to prepare your wallet, though, especially for the private sessions. Even the 3-hour trial class will set you back S$50.

Another bit to consider is the limited programme variety. After all, the school’s focus is on traditional art only.

The good news is there’s a course for portfolio preparation. It’s ideal if you’re gunning for more prestigious universities that look into an applicant’s body of work.

We also didn’t come across any complaints about Clayton Hundall, the instructor. Almost every student praised his patience and meticulous approach.

Lastly, the scheduling is flexible. You can attend evening or weekend classes, or even enrol part-time.

Excellent Teaching

This review is long-overdue….Excellent teaching in the most comfortable setting one can ever ask for! My son has been with Clayton for almost a year now and his skills have improved tremendously under Clayton’s guidance and teaching. Before joining Clayton, he was hardly comfortable with observational drawing but that totally changed after joining the classes. He was inspired and continued to sketch random things from everyday life outside of the classroom setting. I’m also impressed with the number of new artworks (quality pieces) he could produce week after week. In less than six months, he was able to develop a portfolio that was good enough for submission to SOTA. It was a successful application and my son was offered a place in SOTA eventually. Whether you are serious about developing a great portfolio for yourself; a beginner; or a serious amateur artist wanting to develop your skills to yet another level, Clayton is the perfect teacher to go to!

Deon Tan, Google Review

Very Good Tertiary Art School

My daughter attended classes at Classical Realism, I can only highly recommend Clayton’s expertise. His classes were engaging, and the feedback from my child is that Clayton was really attentive towards teaching the essential techniques. My daughter found motivation at Classical Realism and got accepted in a very good tertiary art school. Thank you Clayton.

edna chupin, Google Review

MAGES is among Singapore’s top destinations for digital arts. In fact, The Rookies included the institution in their 2025 Top 50 Creative Schools and Top 10 Concept Art Schools global rankings.

What really secured its spot, however, is its future-driven curriculum. Professionals from AAA studios design the courses to match industry standards, with experiential and project-based learning at the core.

Not every programme requires long-term commitment either. There are short courses and masterclasses for things like character design and digital sculpting.

Unsurprisingly, the downside is similar to the previous entry’s: range. MAGES isn’t the best fit for those not into new-media art.

Some students also brought up a few instructor-related concerns, including teachers being dismissive and unresponsive.

The majority love the central location, though. From the Somerset MRT station, it’s a 5-minute walk.

On top of that, they have modern labs for professional-grade learning and workspaces that are airy.

Very Industry-Driven

I enrolled in the 3D Modeling and Game Art program at MAGES Institute, and it has been one of the most rewarding learning experiences I’ve had. The curriculum is very industry-driven, covering everything from concept sculpting to advanced texturing and lighting. The faculty members are true professionals who guide you through every challenge while encouraging creative exploration.

What I particularly appreciated was the hands-on approach — every module is project-based, which helped me build a strong portfolio and gain real production-level exposure.

If you’re serious about building a career in 3D or gaming, MAGES is a place that truly shapes both your technical skills and artistic vision. Highly recommended!

Priya Guleria, Google Review

A Rewarding Journey

I studied the Diploma in Game Design and Technology for one year, and it has been a great experience overall. The course gave me a solid foundation in game development, especially using Unity, even though I initially struggled with new concepts and programming. Group projects had their challenges, but they also helped me learn teamwork and problem-solving.

Not every topic could be covered in class, so self-study during SP time was essential to keep up. I would suggest having more lectures and enough teaching assistants to better support students. Despite the challenges, it was a rewarding journey — and I’m now excited to continue my studies by joining the Advanced Diploma in Interactive and Media Production.

Wai Khine Linn, Google Review

Often considered Singapore’s pioneering art school, the 1938-established Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) is a tested pick.

It’s also a comprehensive one, offering several traditional and modern degree programmes that are hands-on and research-based. Exhibitions, open houses, and public performances are the norm here.

The institution isn’t small-scale either. Within it are three campuses, each with over 30 rooms for workshops, seminars, conferences, displays, and more.

Quality isn’t cheap, sadly. Past and present students find the course fees quite expensive.

Most of them aren’t fond of some of the staff either, flagging the latter’s inconsistent helplines and unfriendly demeanour.

Fortunately, NAFA’s international rep is notable. The school has partnerships with other renowned institutions, including the University of Arts London and the Royal College of Music.

It has a super convenient location, too. You can access it via public transport (zero transfers), since it’s right at the Bencoolen St. and Middle Rd.’s cross junction.

Equipped with Modern Facilities

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

Extremely Helpful

I would like to give my highest recommendation to Suzette. She was extremely helpful when I brought my son to learn more about the school and during the application process. She explained everything clearly, answered all our questions patiently, and was always warm and smiling. Truly grateful for her support and professionalism

Mabel Lim, Google Review

The School of the Arts’ (SOTA) 6-year course takes a different step. It’s specialised for artists aged 13–18 years, leading up to either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP).

Students follow a custom curriculum targeting core subjects and specialised arts for the first 4 years. After that, they move to IBDP, which is more academically rigorous, or IBCP, which prepares them for a direct arts career or art-focused studies.

Their alumni prove it works. Artists such as Chan Wan Kyn, Nabil Jasmani, and Nah Jie Ying have seen considerable success in their respective fields.

What’s the catch? Beyond the longer duration, fees can rack up fast. One month can set you back S$350–S$3,165, mostly depending on the year level.

SOTA’s guards have also faced criticism for coming across as unfriendly to visitors and students alike.

Professional

Excellent school for developing talent of our young ones. Rigorous and tough to bring out the best in them. Professional and cosy theatres too for putting on any performing arts show.

My daughter is in her final year now and I think she greatly benefited from the education there.

Leonard Chong, Google Review

Great School

I study here and it is a great school 🙂 facilities r awesome, teachers are friendly and the environment is jolly. We have restricted access as it is a school，but once in a while, do drop by to see the students (my schoolmates) perform showcases open to the public!

Como Wong, Google Review