This page details all of the application materials and admissions requirements for the BFA in Digital Art and Animation degree program. Read all sections carefully and submit your materials through the SIT application portal as instructed. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to DigiPen (Singapore)’s Admissions Office.
Requirements at a Glance
Application for Admission
You must submit an online application to be considered for admission. An application fee of S$16.35 (inclusive of 9% GST) will be payable to SIT. For more information about the application fee payment, please visit SIT’s website.
Educational Records
Applicants should possess one of the qualifications listed below:
Full-Time Diploma from any Local Polytechnic
- Nanyang Polytechnic
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic
- Republic Polytechnic
- Singapore Polytechnic
- Temasek Polytechnic
Final-semester polytechnic students can apply by submitting their results for the first five semesters of their studies. Results for the sixth semester must be furnished once available.
GCE A Level
- Obtained passes in at least two H2 subjects and offered either General Paper (GP) or Knowledge & Inquiry (KI) in the same sitting.
- Met one of the following Mother Tongue Language (MTL) requirements*:
- A minimum ‘S’ grade for the H1 or H2 MTL paper or General Studies in Chinese taken at the GCE A Level examination.
- Pass in the MTL ‘B’ Syllabus paper at the GCE A Level examination.
- A minimum D7 for the higher MTL paper taken at the GCE O Level examination.
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
- Obtained a minimum grade five in at least two Higher Level (HL) and one Standard Level (SL) subjects.
- Obtained the IB Diploma.
- Met one of the following Mother Tongue Language (MTL) requirements*:
- A minimum pass grade for the HL/SL MTL A: Literature.
- A minimum pass grade for HL/SL MTL A: Language and Literature.
- A minimum pass grade for HL/SL Language B.
- A minimum D7 for the higher MTL paper taken at the GCE O Level examination.
NUS High School Diplomas
- Obtained the NUS High School Diploma.
- Met one of the following Mother Tongue Language (MTL) requirements*:
- A minimum ‘S’ grade for the H1 or H2 MTL paper or General Studies in Chinese taken at the GCE A Level examination.
- Pass in the MTL ‘B’ Syllabus paper at the GCE A Level examination.
- A minimum D7 for the higher MTL paper taken at the GCE O Level examination.
*For those who are exempted from MTL, the MOE-approved subject-in-lieu will be considered as their MTL subject. Those who have not fulfilled the MTL requirement may still apply for admission with no prejudice to their application. However, if accepted, they will be required to (i) attain any of the minimum requirements as a private candidate, or (ii) attend equivalent courses conducted by language schools, which are approved by SIT, before being allowed to graduate.
Diplomas from Other Institutions
Applicants who hold local diplomas from other local institutions and other qualifications equivalent to Year-12 formal qualifications may be considered for admission to selected programs on a case-by-case basis.
Diploma from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and LASALLE College of the Arts may be considered for admissions to BFA in Digital Art and Animation.
International Qualifications
SIT-DigiPen (Singapore) accepts a limited number of applicants holding international qualifications.
Applicants presenting an international qualification (e.g. Malaysia STPM, UEC, India Standard XII-CBSE, ISCE, Indonesia SMA UAN, Vietnam High School Graduation Certificate, etc.) or other qualifications not stated in the preceding groups above should have completed at least 12 years of formal education and may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. SAT I and SAT II will be taken into account for admission purposes, when applicable.
In particular, applicants presenting an international qualification where the main language of instruction is not English are required to submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or its equivalent. The minimum scores required are either TOEFL 90 or IELTS 6.5. This requirement is not applicable to applicants who have completed a minimum of four years of high school education at an English-speaking school, or an International School where the primary language of instruction is English. Details will be made available on SIT’s website prior to the admissions exercise which commences in mid-January each year.
Please see the SIT Application Guide (International Qualifications) for more information.
For applicants who do not fall under any of the above categories, please contact the DigiPen (Singapore) Admissions Office.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is to be completed within SIT’s online application portal (maximum 300 words). This section is required for ALL undergraduate applicants regardless of the program to which they are applying. Answers must be drafted and prepared before beginning the online application.
The personal statement is an important part of the application for admission to DigiPen (Singapore). What you write will help us discover information about you that is not apparent from your application or transcripts.
Topic
Please address all of the following in your personal statement essay:
- What are your reasons for applying to DigiPen (Singapore)?
- Describe an exceptional achievement that highlights your academic and employment experience gained. How would these support your choice of programs and help you attain your goal(s) in life?
- What are your plan(s) upon graduation?
Spelling, grammar, and sentence structure — along with the correct use of punctuation, capitalization, quotation marks, etc. — are all considered, so proofread your essay carefully.
Optional Additional Essay
You may also submit an optional essay to explain any unusual circumstances or situations that you think may have an impact on your application.
Submission
Applicants must submit their personal statement via SIT’s online application portal. Answers must be drafted and prepared before beginning the online application.
Art Portfolio
Applicants to the BFA in Digital Art and Animation program are required to submit an art portfolio that showcases the applicant’s best and most recent work. This portfolio must contain between 10-15 samples of artwork created by the applicant.
The portfolio should include:
Prescribed Drawings from Direct Observation
Using graphite pencil or charcoal and on quality art paper, draw the following four Prescribed Drawings from real life (not from images or photographs):
On the corner of the page for each of these drawings, please write the date created and length of time spent on the drawing. The primary objective of these four Prescribed Drawings is for the applicant to demonstrate foundational drawing skills. The applicant should focus on drawing realistically and accurately and should NOT apply any artistic style (e.g. cartooning) to these four Prescribed Drawings.
Miscellaneous Art Samples
The remaining 6-11 pieces should demonstrate an applicant’s current range, skill, and process. These personal works may include animations, figure/animal studies, color studies, original character designs, architectural renderings, landscape studies, sculptures, and paintings. The submitted work should not contain illustrations copied directly from manga, anime, animations, paintings, or photographs (cited master copies are acceptable).
Please note that all artwork submitted should be less than two years old and the images should be in focus and properly oriented for the subject.
Portfolio Submission Guidelines
Letters of Recommendation (Optional)
Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic background and/or work ethic (e.g., instructor, guidance counselor, employer) may be included. Recommendation letters from family members will not be considered.
