• What are the admission requirements for international students?

We would require the following documentations and information for processing if you are interested to study in FMDS.

• Birth Certificate
• Parents' Marriage Certificate
• Qualification Certificate from Govt. Schools
• Qualification Transcript from Govt. Schools
• Qualification Certificate from Private Schools
• Qualification Certificate from Private Schools
• ORIGINAL Passports (if applicant is physically in Singapore)
• Passport Photocopied – ALL Pages (if applicant is not in Singapore)
• 4 Passport Size Photographs
• FMDS Application Form

• What are the pre-requisites to study at FMDS?

- Advanced Diploma Programmes
Applicants must have minimum of 3 ‘N’ level credits or 2 ‘O’ level credits with a pass in English. For foreign students, applicant must show proof of finishing at least 10 years of education.

Applicants will be subjected to a short visual test followed with an interview session with FMDS academic head prior to official acceptance into the selected programme. This is applicable even if applicants meet the entry criteria and is keen to join one of FMDS’ programmes.

Applicants may be eligible for exemption of selected units if they have previous working experience in art, design or related industries,

- BA Programmes
Applicants must have attained a FMDS Advanced Diploma or a relevant diploma awarded by Singapore tertiary design institutions.

All applicants will have to sit through a portfolio interview before acceptance into the BA programmes. Credit exemption will be given on a case to case basis. With credit exemption, students will need only to complete fewer modules and thus shorter duration and lower fees.

• When is FMDS’ enrolment period?

FMDS Singapore has four enrolment intakes each academic year – January, April, July and October.

• Can I apply for the National Service deferment? How do I do that?

If you are a Singaporean (Below 18 years of age) and are due to report for National Service, FMDS is able to provide you with a deferment application letter. Please approach the front counter staff for a “Request for Letter” form and fill up the necessary information. Processing will take 2-3 days upon submission and FMDS does not guarantee success of the application.

• Can I get help in the event of an emergency while studying in FMDS?

Students with problems or concerns can reach us at 6 337 8663, Mondays to Fridays from 9.00am to 10.00pm.

Outside office hours, students can call 9675 1840/97770098 in the event of an emergency.

• Is there a language requirement?

Only students from non-English speaking backgrounds are required to sit for an English proficiency test conducted in house by FMDS. For entry into BA or Master programmes, students from non-English speaking backgrounds must take either the IELTS or TOEFL programmes.

- For Diploma & Advanced Diploma Programmes
IELTS – Minimum 5.5
TOEFL – Minimum 550

- For BA Programmes
IELTS – Pre-entry requirements for English proficiency are set by each individual University, kindly refer to their website for the latest updated requirements.

TOEFL – Minimum 600

• Is there any other payment needed for international students?

Yes, international students will need to place a security deposit with our government. This deposit is refundable a few weeks after students have graduated and have surrendered their student pass to the government ministry.

For students from Indonesia, Philippines & Thailand
S$1,000 – in the form of a Banker's Guarantee

For students from India, Myanmar & PRC China
S$5,000 – in the form of a Banker's Guarantee
For students from countries other than the abovementioned countries.
S$1,500 – in the form of a Banker's Guarantee

• How much are we looking at for FMDS course fees?

FMDS is not the cheapest nor the most expensive private design school in Singapore and Jakarta. However, it is one of the best design schools that can provide you with career options upon graduation. It is a service where no other school can possibly offer.

For a detailed listing of our programme fees, please contact our consultant 6337 8663 or drop us an email at enquiries@firstmedia.edu.sg.

Please note that only local Singaporean students are entitled to a tuition grant of up to 30%.

• What is the course fee refund policy for course withdrawal?

Please refer to the programme application form under refund policy.

• What are the types of financial assistance schemes available?

First Media Design School Special Financial Assistance Scheme is catering to students with financial difficulty who are looking to take up the 2-year Advanced Diploma courses.

Students registered under this special scheme will need to sign an agreeable contract by FMDS.

To find out more about this special scheme. Call us now at +65 6337 8663 or email to enquiries@firstmedia.edu.sg for more details.

Terms and conditions apply.

This is only applicable for Singapore students only. FMDS recommend RHB loan which offers the lowest interest in town.

Visit www.rhbbank.com.sg for more information on study loans. Please refer to the following for the requirements for a study loan:

You will have to join them as a member with a one-time registration fee. In accordance to their website, the interest rate is 5.8%.
Normally, banks and other companies offers 6%-8% in interest.

• Does FMDS provide accommodation for students?

FMDS does not provide boarding facilities. It provides assistance and recommendation to students based on their budgets and preferences.

• Does FMDS provide a scholarship grant?

FMDS does not provide scholarship grants. However, it provides a tuition grant of up to 30% of the total school fees for Singaporean students.

This is a special privilege and extended for a limited period only.

• Does FMDS has a Student Committee?

FMDS has a strong and active student committee which oversees the overall students’ welfare, recreational and educational activities.The committee is made up of volunteers who spearheads regular and ad hoc programmes such as overseas educational tours, FMDS’ annual dinner and dance, Annual Portfolio Presentation, educational field trips, etc. It aims to forge the cohesiveness of FMDS’ students and to enhance the overall understanding in the field of design and design management.

• What are the eligibility criteria for scholarship grant?

FMDS offers scholarship grant of up to 50% of tuition fee for selected students only. Recipients of these awards will be assessed based on the merit of the student’s talent, attitude and overall project performance..

Awardees of this scholarship are based strictly on the recommendation of the academic staff and discretion of FMDS’ academic board comprises of Principal, Vice Principal and academic head of department.

• Does FMDS offer internships with the design companies?

FMDS students will be provided with industry placement with any of the FM companies in Singapore or the various studios in Asia.

However, students are also free to choose their company for their industry attachment.

• Are foreign students eligible for Tuition Grant?

No, the Tuition Grant is only applicable for local students (Singaporean, PR, S-Pass or Work permit or dependent pass holders only).

• For international students studying in Singapore, do they need a Sponsor?

As of December 2008, it is no longer a requirement.

• Why is FMDS so different from other private design schools?

Only design school owned and managed by designers
FMDS is the only design school owned and managed by design practitioners who know their arena well enough to be recognized as the captain for the design industry.

FMDS is also the only design school that offers students direct contact with industry professionals. This is made possible only through the FM group of companies, which is the largest design group in Singapore.

- Industry-based teaching methodologies
Students of FMDS will be taught what the industry demands of them when they enter the workforce. Students will be well prepared for the ‘real’ working world and will find no difficulty integrating into the workforce upon graduation.

- Employment opportunity
FMDS, with the support of its parent company, First Media Group, has special employment and business partnership opportunities for its graduates. On a selective basis, graduates will be offered an employment contract with FM companies in Singapore. Foreign graduates will be permitted to work in Singapore and attain an employment pass through FM. They can proceed to apply for Permanent Resident status on their own accord after completing a few years of employment in Singapore. FM does not guarantee application success but will assist in facilitating its application process. (This portion to be taken out)

- Business partnership opportunity
For enterprising graduates who wish to start a business, they can partner FM to start a design enterprise either in Singapore or other parts of Asia.

FM is an integrated marketing communication (IMC) group that has more than 16 partners in the various fields of design. These IMC arms include branding, advertising, interactive/web design, publishing, retail design, corporate design, packaging design, design management consultancy and web programming outfits, all based in Singapore.

• How does FMDS carry out assessments?


Students’ works are assessed by Singapore academic heads and senior lecturers.

• Why should I choose FMDS for my children’s tertiary education?

FMDS is a viable option (apart from the mainstream government design institutions) when considering your children’s future in design. All programmes are taught by professionals who are actively engaged in the design/creative industry. Your children will have access to the FM professionals in Singapore for advice and consultation.

• What should we expect to pay for FMDS School Fees as compared with other schools?

FMDS is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive private design school in Singapore and Jakarta. FMDS is a private school whose directors and partners share the same vision of fine-tuning education and training to introduce good designers for the industry. Unlike schools that are publicly listed in the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX), FMDS does not answer to numerous shareholders whose values are based purely on financial returns.

• What is the objective of FMDS?

FMDS’ aim is to train, develop and nurture its students to become FM business partners in the design business. We hope to welcome 100 business partners stemming from FMDS graduates over the next 10 years.

Lecturers are committed to giving FMDS students equal opportunity and attention. It is our aim to bring out the best in every student and to increase their competency and knowledge in their field of design.

• What is the student and lecturer ratio?

All class sizes will be kept at one lecturer to maximum 25 students. It is our intention to keep a close supervision on students’ progress and to provide attentive consultation whenever possible.

• How involved is the Principal of FMDS?

FMDS principal Mark Phooi is a very hands-on person with an alternative outlook from other school principals. As a qualified and experienced designer, he also personally conducts special classes and discussion sessions with his students. As an open-minded person, he takes suggestions seriously and does all he can to ensure that the lecturers pay personal attention to the students’ growth and development.

Ever the visionary, Mark’s involvement stems from his personal background as an educator and mentor, in hope that all his students will one day become his business partners.

• Do we fail students?

Yes we do, as it is FMDS’ vision to be the best design school in Singapore. For students who are not able to make the grade, they will be asked to repeat the modules. Weaker students will be given extra lessons by FMDS lecturers to brush up their knowledge and designing standards.

Persistent failures will be asked to leave the school.

• If students fail their modules, will they be given a second chance?

Yes, students will be given 1-2 weeks to redo that particular module, after which if they fail again, they have to retake that module.

• Disciplinary matters

All disciplinary matters will be referred to the academic heads and the principal for handling. Please refer to the school handbook for rules and regulations.

• How do parents keep in touch with their children’s progress in school?

FMDS is a boutique design school and design education is our core teaching competency. It is our intention to keep it that way so that we can maintain the design focus, offer personalized attention to students and ultimately to match every parents’ needs of their children’s growth in this design industry.

All parents are welcome to call us during office hours to check on their children’s school progress. An online result posting system will be set up soon so that parents can check their children’s results online from anywhere in the world.

• What is FMDS' quality teaching statement?

We do not aim to be the biggest or the most profitable school. But it is our vision and aim to attain presence as the best private design school in whole of Asia. We are the only design school that can offer graduates employment and business opportunities where no other private design school can. By studying in FMDS, your career in design is almost secured.

• Are FMDS programmes registered with the Singapore Ministry of Education?

FMDS is a registered school with the Ministry of Education (MOE) of Singapore. With the recent bill passed by the Singapore Goernment in December 2009, all Private Education Institute are to be governed by the Council for Private Education (CPE) which we have since registered with. (Please refer to www.cpe.gov.sg for more info)

• Are FMDS Advanced Diploma and Bachelor of Arts (BA) qualifications accredited by overseas universities?

All FMDS programmes are accredited by overseas colleges and universities. FMDS’ university partners are established institutions based in UK and Australia.

Both UK and Australia university partners are government institutions that have more than a 100 years in education history and are known for their quality teaching standards and the high employability rate of their graduates.

• How well accepted are FMDS qualifications?

FMDS’ university partner, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), is a member of the Commonwealth countries. Thus both qualifications are widely accepted across UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore and many Asian countries. FMDS has also several overseas university partners which recognised FMDS teaching quality and students’ designing standard allowing FMDS graduates into their final year BA studies.

• What is the difference between self-accredited and overseas-accredited certificates?

Self-accredited certificates have limited market recognition and are not widely accepted by many future employers locally or overseas. Future local and international employers will always have higher regards for certificates issued out from government universities compared to a private university.

In comparison, accreditation certificate acceptance level is always very high in both local and overseas markets when they are issued from renowned overseas institutions, owing to the universities’ proven teaching histories and standards.

• What are the differences between a government set-up design institution and a private design school?

There are only two tertiary institutions in Singapore that specialize in design-only education. They are the LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. The rest of government tertiary institutions such as Nanyang Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic are not specialised design schools although they do offer design/media-related programmes.

All the government tertiary institutions listed above offer design programmes over a three-year period. Students will graduate with a local polytechnic diploma after three full years of intensive studies.

School fees for these government-funded institutions vary for different schools and individual programmes. Fees are generally lower for Singaporeans at a government school in comparison with a private school. International students to these government polytechnics will have to meet a very high entry requirement that is based on academic performance and less on creative performance. Also, government polytechnics have an age limit for mature students seeking entry to their full time diploma programmes.

In a government school, the student-lecturer ratio is fairly wide, usually hovering between 30 to 40 students to one lecturer.

All lecturers in the government polytechnics are qualified and some possess design industry work experiences prior to their lecturing position.

Compared with a government-based design school, the entry requirements for private design schools are strongly inclined towards creative talent instead of academic performance. While the entry requirement is talent-based, students seeking entry into private design schools should have completed a minimum 10 years of education (lower primary and secondary school education) with a pass in English.

All polytechnics in Singapore do not confer degree certifications. Like any private design school, the government polytechnics work in partnerships with foreign universities for their provision of Bachelor’s degree programmes to their graduates.

Students from a private design school will have a quicker education pathway compared with students in a government-based school. For the same duration of a three-year course, students from a private school would already have graduated with a BA degree while students from a government polytechnic will have to pursue another one year to attain their BA degree.

• How do I apply for the enrolment?

If you are keen to be part of the best private design school in Singapore and are interested to find out more about the enrolment procedure, kindly get in touch with following course consultants.

For FMDS Singapore, please contact Enquiries at
enquiries@firstmedia.edu.sg or telephone +65 6337 8663

For FMDS Jakarta, please contact Herman Sugihardgo at
enquiries.jak@firstmedia.edu.sg or telephone +62 217 264 527

You may also download FMDS brochures and application forms from our website.


This FAQ is by no means exhaustive. We hope that it has provided you with a better understanding of FMDS, its objectives and aims in setting up the school. We apologize if some of your questions are unanswered. Should you wish to get in touch with the us, please email us at enquiries@firstmedia.edu.sg.

• Termination of FM/FMDS Scholarship

All FM/FMDS Scholarship recipients must abide strictly by the following terms of engagement as stipulated.

1. Class Attendance
Students are to meet 90% attendance of each class. Failure to do so without valid reason will result in scholarship termination.

2. Term Result
Students are to ensure they attain minimum two credits out of three subjects per module for each term.

3. Industry Attachments with FM Studio
After completing 9 months of studies, students must perform a minimum five hours of design work either with any of FM studios or FMDS from Monday to Friday. The purpose of this attachment is to expose them through learning experiences with the FM professional designers. This exposure will ready them for career integration and advancement.

4. Daily Reporting
They are required to report for work with FM studios on a daily basis and leave the studio only when going for their class. They will be monitored by appointed FM managers and must comply with FM studio discipline at all times.

5. Termination of Scholarship
FM & FMDS expect a high disciplinary and performing standards from these students. FM & FMDS will not tolerate students who fail to meet any of the aforementioned terms of engagement.

In the event of a breach of discipline, FMDS reserves the rights to terminate the scholarship immediately. Students will have to pay the remaining school fees within seven days upon being served the termination notice.