A Singapore Government Agency Website A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Building
Official website links end with .gov.sg

Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg website
(e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites

Lock
Secure websites use HTTPS

Look for a lock (Lock) or https:// as an added precaution.
Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last Updated: 14 February 2023

Art and Music Teacher Training Sponsorship

If you are an O-Level holder, you can become an Art or Music teacher in a primary school by applying for the Art or Music Teacher Training Sponsorship. Learn more about the sponsorship and how to apply.

Overview

The Art and Music Teacher Training Sponsorship is a 4-year sponsored diploma programme for O-Level holders who want to become Art or Music teachers in our primary schools.

You will enrol in the Diploma in Art Teaching or Music Teaching programme at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) for the first 3 years.

Subsequently, you will complete the 1-year Diploma in Art/Music Education (Primary) programme at the National Institute of Education (NIE).

Requirements

To apply for this sponsorship, you must:

  • Be a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident.
  • Have at least 5 GCE O-Level passes, including English Language as First Language, or equivalent.
Music
  • GCE O-Level Music/Grade 6 Practical and Grade 5 Theory from acceptable music examination boards or equivalent.
  • Qualify for entry into NAFA Diploma in Music Teaching programme and pass NAFA music audition.
Art
  • GCE O-Level Art or equivalent.
  • Qualify for entry into NAFA Diploma in Art Teaching programme and pass NAFA Art drawing test.
  • Shortlisted applicants are expected to present their Art portfolio to the recruitment panel during the interview.

What you will learn

Art course

Year 1 to 3

During your first 3 years of study at NAFA, you will learn:

  • Drawing skills
  • Ceramics
  • Printmaking art
  • Digital photography
  • Desktop publishing
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Web design
  • Anatomy
  • Art history

Year 4

Upon successful graduation from NAFA, you will become a trainee teacher and complete the 1-year Diploma in Art Education (Primary) programme at NIE.

Music course

Year 1 to 3

During your first 3 years of study at NAFA, you will learn:

  • Principal study
  • Performance skills
  • Percussion ensemble
  • Instrumental training
  • Harmony
  • Aural and sight-singing
  • Form and analysis
  • Composition
  • Music and movement
  • Music technology
  • Music history

Year 4

Upon successful graduation from NAFA, you will become a trainee teacher and complete the 1-year Diploma in Music Education (Primary) programme at NIE.

Allowance and teaching bond

MOE will pay the full tuition fees for your studies at NAFA and NIE. You will also receive:

  • A monthly allowance of $800 during your studies at NAFA.
  • A gross monthly salary of $2,695 during your final year at NIE.

After completing your NIE training, you will serve a 5-year bond as an Art or Music teacher at our primary schools.

Application

You will need to complete the following two applications:

1. NAFA Admission

Please visit the NAFA website to apply for admission to the Diploma in Art (Teaching) or Diploma in Music (Teaching) programme.

2. MOE's Teacher Training Sponsorship

The application window is currently closed and will tentatively open in January 2024 for full-time applicants.  

Professional development and career tracks

The Ministry values every teacher as part of the MOE family, and is committed to supporting and developing each teacher’s potential. Learn about the professional development opportunities and career tracks available, to help you reach your career aspirations.