The college grants equal opportunities to women and men (no age limit) who possess an exceptional aptitude for the visual arts and who have attained a reputable standard in general education before applying for admission.

The College conducts admission tests which are held in all the provinces of Pakistan. The College does not discriminate against admission for physically challenged persons. 

Candidates wishing to join the Faculty of Fine Arts and Faculty of Design are required to obtain high grades in the drawing and aptitude tests. Candidates wishing to apply for the Faculty of Architecture are required to pass an examination in mathematics in addition to drawing and aptitude tests. Those wishing to apply to the Department of Music, Cultural Studies and Faculty of Film and Television will be required to attempt respective departmental aptitude tests. Only those candidates are eligible to take the admission examinations who have either passed or awaiting result of the Higher Secondary/Intermediate Examination or its equivalent from any recognized institution, with a minimum of second division (45% Marks). Students with third division are not eligible to apply.

Admission may be conducted once a year. If a candidate fails to complete the requirements of enrolment, his/her admission shall stand cancelled. However, nominees of foreign countries and other government organizations may be admitted with the condition that they will have to cover the courses by taking seminars, special problem and research projects.

A candidate seeking admission to the degree must have twelve years of education, F.A./F.Sc./A-Level or equivalent with 45% marks at minimum. Moreover, the student will be required to pass the aptitude test and interview of the NCA.

The candidate must produce, at the time of the first enrolment, a certificate from the authorized District Government Hospital to the effect that he/she is free from any communicable (contagious) disease or mental or physical disability which is likely to stand in the way of his/her pursuing the chosen field of study. 

All Candidates shall apply on the prescribed Admission Application Form available from the College on payment or as advertised. Outstation candidates should add an extra amount for registered book post and send the money order/postal order addressed to the Vice Chancellor, National College of Arts, Lahore. International students should send the appropriate number of international reply coupons to receive the prospectus by airmail. Application from candidates to be submitted to the office as prescribed by the office of the National Testing Service NTS website and NCA official website. Candidates from GB and AJK should send their applications to the Secretary Nomination Board/Director Education (colleges) Gilgit, Baltistan, Directorate of Education, Gilgit, and Baltistan for onward transmission to the College. Azad Jammu & Kashmir candidates should send their applications to the College through Secretary Nomination Board/Director of Technical Education, Muzaffrabad. The candidates for GB and AJK can apply through NTS, however processing of the admission shall be subject to nomination received from their respective nomination board as mentioned above.

All international students should forward the prescribed application forms (available from the College) to the College. Candidates must forward their applications in time to ensure that the applications are received in the College by the due date.

Attested Photocopies of the following documents must accompany the Application for Admission: 
1. Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or its Equivalent Certificate
2. Higher Secondary/Intermediate or its Equivalent Certificate 
3. Certificate with details about Marks obtained.
4. Documents in support of additional qualifications (If any)
5. Domicile Certificate
6. Pages 1 to 5 passport (International Students only)
7. National identity card
8. Five attested passport size recent photographs.
9. Bank draft as applicable
10. Affidavit of father/guardian income 

Note: Candidates granted admission shall be required to submit other documents as directed, before registration/enrolment in the Foundation semester.

All international students should forward the prescribed application forms (available from the College/ NCA website) to the College. Candidates must forward their applications in time to ensure that the applications are received in the College by the due date.

Foundation Semester students are required to register at the beginning of the academic year. Failure to complete registration formalities at the appropriate time, including payment of tuition fee and charges, may lead to cancellation of the College enrolment. At registration all students are issued a student identity card and student lockers, which are available in the College.

Unless otherwise stated, the fees and other charges are non refundable even if the students withdraw from the College or are struck off the College rolls.  Absence from the College will not be accepted as an excuse for non-payment of dues, fees shall be charged on the basis of the respective financial year on semester basis. However, fee refund policy will be dealt as per HEC criteria.

All students of the College are issued identity cards. Upon their enrolment in the first semester, students obtain identity cards from the College office for payment. Identity cards are renewed at the commencement of each academic session. If an identity card is lost, a duplicate can be obtained by paying additional charges. On any account identity cards must be returned to the College office by the students when leaving the College, otherwise their refundable securities shall be forfeited.

Students are required to keep the College office informed/updated regarding any change of address (current or permanent) and telephone numbers.
The college shall not be responsible for lost, misplaced and undelivered mail.

Full and Half tuition fee exemption may be granted by the VC on compassionate grounds to a limit not exceeding 10% of the regular students on the College rolls. Students whose siblings pay full fee as regular students in any government institution are entitled to half-fee exemption as per government rules. Scholarships are announced at the start of each academic year, and applications are invited from the students for the award of scholarships.