Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

SASTRA University (Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy), a NAAC A++ accredited deemed university in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, offers the Master of Fine Arts [MFA] in Dance - Bharathanatyam as a 2-year full-time, on-campus postgraduate programme. Rooted in the classical tradition of Bharathanatyam, one of India's oldest and most revered dance forms, this programme is designed to develop advanced performance skills, theoretical knowledge, and research aptitude in students who already have a foundation in classical dance. The total academic fee for the programme is Rs. 1,04,750 for the entire 2-year duration, making it an accessible option for serious dance scholars. The programme is offered at SASTRA's main campus in Thanjavur, a city historically significant as a cradle of classical arts and culture in Tamil Nadu, providing an ideal environment for immersive learning in Bharathanatyam.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently open. SASTRA University launched Phase 1 registration on March 27, 2026, with application deadlines ranging between April 19 and June 5, 2026. Candidates are advised to apply promptly through the official SASTRA admissions portal at sastra.edu.

Key Points

The programme is offered on the main Thanjavur campus, which is situated in the cultural heartland of Tamil Nadu, providing students with rich exposure to classical arts, temples, and performing arts traditions.
The curriculum integrates both practical performance training and theoretical study of Bharathanatyam, including its history, aesthetics, and allied arts.
SASTRA also offers BFA and MFA in Bharathanatyam in Distance Mode (with contact classes), making it one of the few universities offering this art form at both regular and distance levels.
The degree qualifies graduates to appear for UGC-NET in Dance, opening pathways to college-level teaching and research fellowships.
Students benefit from SASTRA's well-established campus infrastructure including a dedicated auditorium, performance spaces, and a vibrant cultural calendar.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

SASTRA Latest Updates and News

01 Apr, 2026 Sastra University Phase 1 Registration 2026 begins @sastra.edu. The last date to apply ranges between Apr 19 & Jun 5, 2026. Learn more.

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SASTRA MFA Fees

The MFA (Dance - Bharathanatyam) at SASTRA University is priced affordably for a full-time on-campus postgraduate programme in performing arts. The total academic fee is Rs. 1,04,750 for the entire 2-year course, which includes tuition and one-time admission charges. Hostel accommodation is optional and available at additional cost depending on room type chosen.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (Total - 2 Years)	1,00,000
Special Fees / Registration / Medical Exam Fees (One-time, at admission)	4,750
Total Academic Fees	1,04,750
Hostel Fee - 3-in-1 Non-AC (per year, optional)	16,000
Hostel Fee - Single Non-AC (per year, optional)	25,000
Hostel Fee - Single Bath Attached Non-AC (per year, optional)	30,000

Hostel accommodation is optional and not included in the Total Academic Fees above.
Hostel fees are charged per year; total hostel cost over 2 years would be Rs. 32,000 (3-in-1) to Rs. 60,000 (single bath attached).
The one-time special/registration fee of Rs. 4,750 is payable only at the time of admission.
Fees are subject to revision; candidates should verify the latest fee structure at sastra.edu/admissions/fee-structure.html before applying.

SASTRA MFA Admission 2026

Admissions to the MFA (Dance - Bharathanatyam) programme at SASTRA University are merit-based, with selection based on qualifying degree marks and demonstrated proficiency in dance. SASTRA launched Phase 1 admissions for 2026-27 on March 27, 2026. Candidates with a BFA in Bharathanatyam or any graduate degree with knowledge in dance are eligible to apply. The application process is online through the SASTRA admissions portal.

Admission Dates

Event	Date
Phase 1 Registration Opens	March 27, 2026
Application Deadline (Phase 1)	April 19 - June 5, 2026
Counselling / Selection (Tentative)	June - July 2026
Commencement of Classes (Tentative)	July / August 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed BFA in Bharathanatyam from a recognised university, OR hold any bachelor's degree from a recognised university with demonstrated knowledge and training in Bharathanatyam dance.
A minimum of several years of formal training in Bharathanatyam is expected, though no specific minimum years are officially stated.
Candidates should have passed their qualifying degree in the 10+2+3 pattern from a recognised board/university.

Admission Process

Visit the official SASTRA admissions portal: webstream.sastra.edu/sastraonline/application/loginManager/applicantInitialPage.jsp
Register as a new user and fill in the online application form with personal and academic details.
Upload required documents: mark sheets (10th, 12th, UG), passport-sized photograph, proof of date of birth, and valid photo ID.
Pay the application fee online.
Shortlisted candidates will be called for counselling / practical assessment.
Final admission is confirmed upon payment of the programme fee.

SASTRA MFA Scholarships 2026

SASTRA University offers merit-based institutional scholarships primarily for students who maintain high academic performance and attendance. For the MFA Bharathanatyam programme, students may also explore government scholarship schemes and cultural scholarships from arts bodies. The Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, offer scholarships specifically for classical performing arts students.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount	Details
SASTRA Merit Scholarship	Minimum CGPA of 7.5, 90% attendance, no disciplinary record	Partial fee waiver	Institutional scholarship; applicable to eligible students across programmes
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes	SC/ST/OBC/Minority students	Varies by scheme	Apply at scholarships.gov.in
Sangeet Natak Akademi Scholarship for Young Artists (SYA)	Indian nationals with minimum 5 years of training in classical dance	Stipend-based	Apply offline; deadline typically December each year
Tamil Nadu Government Scholarships	Tamil Nadu domicile students	Varies	Available for PG students in recognised institutions
Education Fee Reimbursement Scheme (Tamil Nadu)	Open category students from Tamil Nadu	Course fee reimbursement	Deadline typically March 31 each year

The Sangeet Natak Akademi SYA scholarship is a prestigious national-level scholarship for young classical artists and is highly competitive.
SASTRA's institutional merit scholarship requires maintaining a minimum CGPA of 7.5 and 90% attendance throughout the programme.
Students are advised to check the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) for applicable central government schemes.

SASTRA MFA FAQs

Ques. Is the MFA Bharathanatyam at SASTRA a full-time on-campus programme or distance learning?

Ans. The MFA (Dance - Bharathanatyam) listed here is a full-time, on-campus programme offered at SASTRA's main Thanjavur campus. SASTRA also separately offers BFA and MFA in Bharathanatyam in Distance Mode (with contact classes), which is a different programme. Students seeking regular campus-based training should apply for the full-time programme.

Ques. Do I need a BFA in Bharathanatyam to apply for the MFA, or can any graduate apply?

Ans. Any graduate from a recognised university with knowledge in Bharathanatyam dance is eligible to apply. A BFA in Bharathanatyam is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates with a general bachelor's degree but substantial dance training and performance experience are also considered.

Ques. What career options are available after completing MFA Bharathanatyam from SASTRA?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as professional Bharathanatyam performers, dance teachers at schools and academies, faculty at colleges and universities (after qualifying UGC-NET in Dance), choreographers, cultural programme coordinators, and researchers in classical performing arts. The MFA degree also opens doors to PhD programmes in Dance and Performing Arts.

Ques. Is there a practical/audition test for admission to the MFA Bharathanatyam programme?

Ans. While SASTRA's official admission process is primarily merit-based on qualifying degree marks, the department may conduct a practical assessment or audition for shortlisted candidates to evaluate their dance proficiency. Candidates are advised to contact the admissions office directly for the latest process details.

Ques. What is the hostel situation for MFA students at SASTRA?

Ans. SASTRA has separate hostel facilities for boys and girls on campus. Hostel accommodation is optional and available at an additional annual fee ranging from Rs. 16,000 (3-in-1 non-AC) to Rs. 30,000 (single bath attached non-AC). Students can choose their preferred room type based on availability and budget.

Ques. Can I appear for UGC-NET in Dance after completing MFA Bharathanatyam from SASTRA?

Ans. Yes. The MFA (Dance - Bharathanatyam) from SASTRA University, a UGC-recognised deemed university, qualifies graduates to appear for UGC-NET in Dance (Subject Code: 64). Clearing UGC-NET makes candidates eligible for Assistant Professor positions and Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Dance at colleges and universities across India.