LASALLE College of the Arts: Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate

If you’re an aspiring artist weighing options in Asia, Singapore’s LASALLE College of the Arts probably appears on your shortlist. It promises a blend of creative rigor and global recognition, but the real question for international students is how that promise lines up with actual costs, rankings, and career outcomes.

Year founded: 1984 ·
QS World University Ranking 2025: #=67 (Art & Design) ·
Number of schools: 8 ·
Program levels offered: Diploma, BA (Hons), MA ·
Annual tuition (approx, diploma): SGD 15,000–25,000 ·
Acceptance rate (approx): 40–50%

This guide pulls together the public data, official fee tables, and third-party rankings to give you a clear picture of what LASALLE offers in 2025.

What is LASALLE College of the Arts ranked?

LASALLE’s global standing rests largely on one metric. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for Art & Design, LASALLE is ranked #=67 worldwide (QS World University Rankings). That position places it among the top 100 globally and makes it the first Singapore arts institution to appear in the QS ranking.

QS World University Rankings position

• LASALLE entered the QS Art & Design ranking for the first time in 2012 (Wikipedia — Lasalle College of the Arts).
• The 2025 score of #=67 is a shared rank, meaning LASALLE ties with at least one other institution at that position.
• QS methodology weighs academic reputation (40%), employer reputation (20%), and research citations (20%), plus H-index and international faculty ratios (QS methodology page).

The implication: the ranking reflects employer perception as much as academic output, giving weight to LASALLE’s industry connections.

Comparison with other Asian art schools

Three of the top Asian schools, one key trade-off.

Here is how LASALLE compares with other top Asian art schools across rank and cost.

The pattern: LASALLE holds a respectable global rank but at higher tuition than many Asian peers. For international students seeking a recognized English-medium arts degree in Asia, LASALLE offers a middle path — not the cheapest, but also not the most exclusive in terms of admissions.

How much does it cost to go to LASALLE College of the Arts?

Official fee pages from LASALLE provide specific figures for some programs, while third-party portals offer broader estimates. The challenge for international students: fee tables vary by program, year, and student residency status (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).

Tuition fees for diploma, BA, and MA programs

• Diploma programs: Annual tuition ranges from SGD 15,000 to SGD 25,000 (LASALLE College of the Arts — Diploma Admissions).
• Undergraduate degree: SGD 20,000 to SGD 35,000 per year for most BA (Hons) programs, with the official page for BA (Hons) International Contemporary Dance Practice listing S$22,000 for Singaporeans/PRs and S$30,380 for international students for Year 2 and 3 (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).
• Master’s programs: A third-party education portal, Shiksha, estimates graduate tuition at roughly SGD 18,000 to SGD 31,500 (Shiksha — LASALLE courses).

Additional costs: materials, living expenses in Singapore

Singapore’s high cost of living adds a major layer. The Singapore government estimates monthly living expenses for a single international student at SGD 1,500–2,500, covering accommodation (SGD 800–1,500), food (SGD 400–700), transport (SGD 100–150), and materials (SGD 100–300) (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore — Living in Singapore).

Scholarships and financial aid

LASALLE offers merit-based scholarships that can cover up to full tuition for outstanding students (LASALLE College of the Arts — Scholarships). The Singapore government also subsidizes some fees for citizens and permanent residents, but international students typically pay the full non-subsidized rate.

What is the acceptance rate for LASALLE College of the Arts?

LASALLE does not officially publish its acceptance rate. Estimates from aggregate applicant data suggest a rate of approximately 40–50% (The College Post — LASALLE review).

Admissions selectivity

• Applicants must submit a portfolio of creative work for most programs (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).
• Performance-based programs (music, dance, theatre) require an audition (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).
• International students need proof of English proficiency — typically IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (LASALLE College of the Arts — International Students).

Factors influencing acceptance

The quality of the portfolio is the single most important factor. Academic transcripts (high school diploma or equivalent) are required but carry less weight than creative evidence (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).

The implication: LASALLE is moderately selective. A strong portfolio and clear English proficiency give applicants a solid chance, but the lack of published data means the actual rate could shift year to year.

Is LASALLE College of the Arts a good university?

Quality in arts education is subjective, but several concrete indicators point to LASALLE’s standing. Since 2024, LASALLE has been a founding member of the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), alongside NAFA (Wikipedia — Lasalle College of the Arts).

Academic reputation and faculty

• The faculty includes practicing artists, designers, and performers active in the Singapore and international creative scenes (LASALLE College of the Arts — Faculty).
• The curriculum spans 8 schools offering more than 30 programs at diploma, BA (Hons), and MA levels (LASALLE College of the Arts — Programmes).

Industry connections and graduate outcomes

LASALLE graduates find employment in creative industries globally, including in Singapore’s growing arts and media sector, which the government has actively promoted through agencies like the National Arts Council (National Arts Council Singapore).

Student satisfaction and campus life

The campus at 1 McNally Street in the Rochor arts district provides access to galleries, studios, and performance spaces (EduRank — LASALLE).

The pattern: LASALLE ranks well internationally, is embedded in Singapore’s arts ecosystem, and offers industry-connected instruction. The catch: its strengths are concentrated in practical arts education rather than academic research output.

Why is LASALLE so expensive?

The perception of high cost has a basis in Singapore’s economics. Singapore has among the highest costs of living and commercial real estate in Southeast Asia, and LASALLE’s campus in the central Rochor area reflects that (Singapore Department of Statistics — cost of living data).

Cost of running a specialized arts institution in Singapore

• LASALLE invests in specialized facilities: studios, sound stages, dance floors, gallery spaces, and digital labs (LASALLE College of the Arts — Campus).
• International faculty salaries are set against the global market, not just local benchmarks.

Comparison with other Asian art schools

Comparing costs across borders shows LASALLE sits at the premium end:

This table shows how LASALLE’s tuition compares with other Asian art schools.

The trade-off: higher tuition co-exists with higher operational costs in Singapore. For the international student, this means paying a premium for access to a city-state that is a regional hub for creative industries, and to a degree that is globally recognized via QS.

How to apply to LASALLE College of the Arts?

The application process is standard for arts institutions but has specific requirements depending on the program.

Application requirements for diploma and degree programs

• Online application via the LASALLE website (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).
• Portfolio submission for most programs — a collection of recent creative work (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).
• Audition for performance-based programs in music, dance, and theatre (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).
• Minimum academic requirement: high school diploma or equivalent (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for non-native speakers (LASALLE College of the Arts — International Students).

Portfolio and audition guidelines

The portfolio should include 10–15 pieces of original work with a statement of intent. For auditions, candidates prepare two contrasting pieces for the discipline (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).

Application deadlines and fees

Deadlines vary by intake. Typically, the August intake deadline falls in February–March. Application fees are around SGD 50–100, depending on program (LASALLE College of the Arts — BA (Hons) Admissions).

For the international student weighing Singapore’s creative education options, the picture is mixed but navigable. LASALLE offers a globally ranked degree in a city that actively supports creative industries, but it comes at a premium. The choice is clear: if your priority is a recognized English-medium arts degree in Asia with strong industry connections, LASALLE is a solid option. If cost is the primary constraint, exploring NAFA or other regional schools with government-subsidized pathways may make more sense.