Kerala University M.P.A Dance: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaState UniversityEstd 1937NAAC Grade A++
Collegedunia Team's profile photo

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | J/hVSQ

The Master of Performing Arts [MPA] in Dance is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by Kerala University through Sree Swathi Thirunal Government College of Music, Thiruvananthapuram. The programme provides advanced training in classical dance forms, with a focus on Bharatanatyam and Kerala's traditional dance traditions. The total fee for the course is Rs. 75,000 for the entire 2-year duration, making it one of the most affordable postgraduate performing arts programmes in the country. The course has a very limited intake of 7 seats, making it highly competitive and exclusive. It is popular among dance graduates who wish to deepen their expertise, pursue a career as professional performers, or enter academia and research in the performing arts.

Admission 2026 is currently ongoing. Applications are being accepted from March 16, 2026 to April 30, 2026 through the Kerala University online admissions portal. The entrance aptitude test is scheduled from May 18 to May 24, 2026, and classes are expected to commence from July 16, 2026.

Key Points

  • The MPA (Dance) programme is offered exclusively at Sree Swathi Thirunal Government College of Music, Thiruvananthapuram, the only government music and performing arts college in Kerala affiliated to Kerala University.
  • The seat intake is only 7, making this one of the most competitive postgraduate performing arts programmes in Kerala.
  • The programme focuses on advanced classical dance training, theory, and research in Indian performing arts traditions.
  • Graduates of this programme are eligible to pursue Ph.D. in Performing Arts or Dance from Kerala University.
  • The college has a strong tradition of producing accomplished classical dancers who have performed at national and international cultural events.

KU MPA (Dance) Fees

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount (INR)
Total Academic Fee (2 Years)75,000
Hostel Fee (Female, per year - optional)6,115
  • The detailed semester-wise fee breakup for MPA Dance is not separately published; the total academic fee for the 2-year programme is Rs. 75,000.
  • The caution deposit paid at the time of admission is refundable upon successful completion of the course.
  • Hostel accommodation is not mandatory.
  • The hostel fee of approximately Rs. 6,115 per year is applicable for female students opting for hostel.
  • Hostel availability is subject to allotment by the university.
  • SC/ST/OEC students are eligible for e-Grantz scholarship benefits, which may cover tuition and other fees.
  • No EMI option is officially available; fees are paid semester-wise at the beginning of each semester.
  • The first instalment of fees must be paid immediately upon admission.

KU MPA (Dance) Admission 2026

Kerala University MPA (Dance) Admission Dates 2026

EventDate
Application Start DateMarch 16, 2026
Application DeadlineApril 30, 2026
Aptitude Test (Entrance Examination)May 18 - May 24, 2026
Publication of Rank ListJune 17, 2026
Commencement of AdmissionJune 29, 2026
Last Date for AdmissionAugust 31, 2026
Commencement of ClassesJuly 16, 2026
  • There is no separate national-level entrance exam for MPA (Dance) admission.
  • Admission is based on a college-level aptitude test conducted by Kerala University and marks obtained in the qualifying examination (graduation).
  • No external exam dates are applicable for this course.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in BPA (Dance) or B.A. (Dance) from a recognised university.
  • Candidates who have completed a BPA degree with Dance as a subsidiary subject may also be considered for the aptitude test in the absence of regular candidates.
  • A strong background in classical dance is essential to clear the aptitude test.

Admission Process

  • Candidates must apply online through the Kerala University admissions portal (admissions.keralauniversity.ac.in) within the stipulated dates.
  • An aptitude test is conducted by Kerala University to assess the candidate's proficiency and skill in classical dance.
  • Final selection is based on a combination of the aptitude test score and marks obtained in the qualifying examination.
  • After the rank list is published, selected candidates must report for admission with original documents on the notified date.
  • The first instalment of fees must be paid at the time of admission.

KU MPA (Dance) Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityAmountFrequency
Kerala University Merit Scholarship (PG)Students with First Class Bachelor's degree from Kerala University; 2 scholarships available for Music subject (applicable to performing arts)Rs. 3,000 per annumAnnual, for 2 years of PG duration
e-Grantz Scholarship (SC/ST/OEC/OBC)Students belonging to SC, ST, OEC, or OBC categories who are Kerala domicile; no income limit for SC/ST/OECCovers tuition fee, exam fee, and maintenance allowance (varies by category and course level)Annual (applied through egrantz.kerala.gov.in)
Student's Aid Fund ScholarshipStudents with annual family income up to Rs. 25,000; income certificate from village officer requiredFinancial assistance (amount varies)As per university norms
Student's Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (SGPAIS)All enrolled studentsMedical expenses up to Rs. 25,000; death claim up to Rs. 1,00,000Premium of Rs. 25 per student per year
  • The Kerala University Merit Scholarship for PG students is awarded to those who secured First Class in their Bachelor's degree at the first attempt.
  • e-Grantz applications must be submitted online at egrantz.kerala.gov.in at the beginning of each academic year.
  • SC/ST students with e-Grantz may have most of their fees covered by the government grant.
  • Management quota students are not eligible for government fee concessions.
29 Views Last Year
4 Studentsshown interest in the last 30 days

Table of Contents

Kerala University Latest Updates and News

23 Mar, 2026 Kerala University has released M.P.A Dance Fee Structure 2026. The total academic fee is ₹ 38,800

KU MPA (Dance) FAQs

Ques. What is the eligibility for MPA (Dance) at Kerala University, and can students from other dance forms apply?

Ans. The primary eligibility for MPA (Dance) at Kerala University is a BPA (Dance) or B.A. (Dance) degree from a recognised university. The programme is designed for students with a strong foundation in classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam and Kerala's traditional dance forms. Students who have completed a BPA degree with Dance as a subsidiary subject may also be considered for the aptitude test if there are insufficient regular candidates. Students from other dance backgrounds (e.g., Kathak, Odissi) may apply, but the aptitude test is likely to assess proficiency in classical Indian dance forms relevant to the Kerala tradition.

Ques. How competitive is admission to MPA (Dance) at Kerala University given only 7 seats are available?

Ans. With only 7 seats available, MPA (Dance) at Kerala University is extremely competitive. The selection is based on a combination of the aptitude test score and marks in the qualifying examination. Students with strong practical dance skills, a good academic record in their BPA/BA (Dance) programme, and prior performance experience at recognised platforms have a significant advantage. Given the limited seats, it is advisable to apply early and prepare thoroughly for the aptitude test by practising classical dance compositions and theory.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing MPA (Dance) from Kerala University?

Ans. Graduates of MPA (Dance) from Kerala University can pursue careers as professional classical dancers, dance teachers in schools and colleges, choreographers for cultural programmes and films, or researchers in performing arts. Many graduates appear for government recruitment exams for dance teacher posts in Kerala government schools and colleges. Opportunities also exist in cultural organisations, All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan, and private dance academies. Graduates can also pursue Ph.D. in Performing Arts from Kerala University or other universities to enter academia.

Ques. Is the MPA (Dance) programme at Kerala University recognised for teaching jobs in government schools?

Ans. Yes, the MPA (Dance) degree from Kerala University is recognised for applying to dance teacher posts in Kerala government schools and colleges. However, for teaching at the school level, candidates may also need to clear the Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (K-TET) or equivalent qualification as per the Kerala government's recruitment norms. For college-level teaching, a NET/SET qualification in the relevant subject is typically required in addition to the postgraduate degree.

Ques. What is the fee structure for MPA (Dance) and are there any additional charges?

Ans. The total academic fee for MPA (Dance) at Kerala University is Rs. 75,000 for the entire 2-year programme. This is paid semester-wise over 4 semesters. A refundable caution deposit is collected at the time of admission. Hostel fees (approximately Rs. 6,115 per year for female students) are additional and optional. SC/ST/OEC students with e-Grantz scholarship may have most fees reimbursed by the government. There are no significant hidden charges beyond the stated fee components.

Ques. Can students from outside Kerala apply for MPA (Dance) at Kerala University, and is there any reservation for Kerala students?

Ans. Students from outside Kerala can apply for MPA (Dance) at Kerala University. There is no domicile restriction for admission, and the eligibility criteria apply equally to all candidates. However, students should be aware that the programme has a strong focus on Kerala's classical dance traditions, and the medium of instruction may include Malayalam for certain subjects. Out-of-state students with a strong background in classical Indian dance are welcome to apply and appear for the aptitude test. Reservation norms as per Kerala government policy apply to the available seats.

Course Finder

Search from 20K+ Courses and 35+ Streams

Clear

Comments


No Comments To Show