Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I transfer credit for my Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore study back to my home institution?
A transcript for your academic record will be sent to your home institution at the completion of your exchange. Transfer of credit is entirely at the discretion of your home institution. It is recommended that you talk with your department and arrange what will be credited to your home degree, before you leave your home country.

2. Are the classes conducted in English Language?
All lectures and classes at Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore are conducted in English. In order to succeed academically, you must be able to participate in lectures, class discussions, group work class presentations and tutorials fully.

3. When does the semester begin?
The Fall semester / Semester 1 runs from Early September to Mid December. The Spring semester / Semester 2 runs from Mid January to Late April.

4. What are the class sizes?
There are approximately 20-30 students on the MAAB programme; and 15-20 students on the MACA programme.

5. Are there part-time courses available?
Yes, the Institute in Singapore has just started a 2-year MA Art Business programme which allows students the flexibility of spreading the 8 compulsory modules over 2 years, with an additional 4 months to complete the dissertation.

6. What is the deadline for applications?
Applications close at the end of July.

7. Where can I find the course information?
Please go to www.sothebysinstitute.com/singapore/index.html for course information. The student will find the list of courses with course outlines that is being offered at Sotheby's Institute of Art - Singapore during each academic year. Courses for the current year will be updated as and when it is made available. Other relevant information such as the student handbook, academic calendar, class and examination timetable, is also provided under this website.

8. How about accommodation? Will I be guaranteed for housing during my exchange programme?
Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore does not arrange for accommodation for International exchange students. Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore International exchange students are advised to rent an apartment with other International exchange students. Usually, exchange students would put up at a hostel upon their arrival in Singapore while they call up the local agent and search for private apartment. Alternatively, students could contact the local agents prior to their arrival in Singapore so that the agent could keep a look out for accommodation that suits their needs. Information regarding accommodation issues are available on the website under: Info & Support.

9. Do I need to apply for visa to Singapore? Foreigners holding travel documents issued by the following countries would be required to apply for their student pass and obtain approval prior to their arrival in Singapore: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Commonwealth of Independent States, India, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar, People’s Republic of China, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine, Vietnam, Yemen.

Those holding Hong Kong Document of Identity, Refugee travel document issued by Middle-East countries, and Palestinian National Authority passports, will also require a visa. Holders of Chinese / Indian passport or Hong Kong documents of identity should apply for an entry visa before leaving their country.

For students who are not categorized in the above list, you will normally enter Singapore with a 14-day or one-month Social Visit Pass, issued to you by the immigration officer upon their arrival in Singapore. With a letter of support from SMU, this will enable you to apply for a Student’s Pass at the Singapore Immigration.

10. How do I apply for a student’s pass?
As a student participating in Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore for a Masters programme, you are required to obtain a student’s pass for the period of your studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore.

The Office will apply the student’s pass on your behalf before your arrival. Please refer to Immigration matters or visit the immigration and Customs Authority’s website

11. Are there any scholarships or financial assistance from Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore students?
Scholarship & Financial Aid information is available on the website under: Info & Support.

Other FAQs

1. What level of English do I need to join Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore?
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit documentation of appropriate English proficiency test scores. The minimum requirements for all postgraduate programmes are fluent written and spoken English to British Council IELTS level 7 or TOEFL 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) or equivalent.

Full offers on Postgraduate programmes cannot be given without the Institute having first received applicants' English Language test scores.

Your level of English will be checked during the evaluation prior to acceptance into the programmes offered in Sotheby’s Institute of Art – Singapore.

2. Do I have to be interviewed before I am being accepted into Sotheby’s Institute of Art – Singapore’s programmes?
All full-time programme applicants will be invited to schedule an interview with a member of the Institute's staff after receipt of all required application materials.

Interviews will be scheduled by the Admissions Manager (please see below). Applicants will be contacted at the appropriate time to make such arrangements.

The interviewer will assess the candidate's aptitude for the programme, level of English skill and commitment to study.

Interviews are held in Singapore throughout the year. Applicants will be contacted by the Institute's Admissions Manager to arrange their interviews.

3. Are the programmes offered in Sotheby’s Institute of Art – Singapore validated and is it recognized in my home country?
The programme is validated by University of Manchester in the UK. You will need to check to see if your country recognizes both UK degrees and Degrees issues by University of Manchester

4. Are the credits transferable if I decide to transfer to Sotheby’s Institute of Art - London/New York, or to other universities?
Credits are transferable between Sotheby's Institute of Art sites, and we are currently working on a system of completing semesters at different sites.

5. What do I do about getting a sponsor as I don’t know anyone in Singapore?
For the purpose of student pass (visa) the institute will act as the sponsor

6. Will my grades be affected if I do not attend the Field Study Trips, which is part of the MA Programmes?
Yes, field trips are a compulsory part of the programme

7. Can I extend the deadline for the submission of my assignments?
No, no extensions are granted, except in the case of medical issues.

8. Will my attendance for the lectures affect my grades?
Yes, a minimum attendance of 90% is required by Singapore regulations. Failure to attend for 90% of the programme could result in expulsion from the programme and the cancellation of the student pass if held.

9. Can I study 1 semester in Sotheby’s Institute of Art – Singapore and transfer to Sotheby’s Institute of Art – London/ New York to complete the rest of the semester? Are there extra costs involved?
We are currently working on a plan to allow this. please contact us directly to find out he current status.

10. What happens when I am over the deadline for payments?
Late charges will be levied accordingly. See student contract.

12. Can we extend our stay during our Field Study Trips to overseas?
Yes this is allowed, but all costs incurred will be charged by the student.

13.What are the consequences of incompletion of fees payment?
Depending on when this occurs you may be excluded form classes or excluded from graduation. All fees must be fully paid prior to graduation.

15. Is it mandatory for us to sign the Student Contract, and to opt in for Student Protection Scheme?
Yes, this is a Singapore consumer protection factor and it compulsory.

16. Are there any exams after our studies with Sotheby's Institute of Art – Singapore before we are awarded our Master's Degree?
No, the programme is assessed by assignment and dissertation.

17. Are we able to do distant/ online learning/ lectures for the programmes offered by Sotheby’s Institute of Art – Singapore?
No, at the moment this is not possible.


More information?
Please e-mail: info.sg@sothebysinstitute.com
or call us on tel: +65 6305 2600.