Singapore is becoming known as a great place to study law because of its excellent universities and location in Asia. Studying law in Singapore can open up many career opportunities in Singapore and around the world. However, figuring out how to qualify for law programs in Singapore can be confusing.
This article will explain step by step what you need to do to qualify, including things like English proficiency, grades, admission tests, and other essential application details.
The Requirements – An Overview
The essential eligibility requirements for a law program in Singapore remain similar across leading universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), and others. Here is a brief overview:
English Language Proficiency Scores
You need to pass English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test of English, or other approved tests. The minimum score required is 6.0 to 7.5 overall, depending on the program and university.
Strong Academics
You require excellent scores in 10+2 or equivalent exams. Most universities need 80% or higher. NUS also requires a second-upper honours degree to apply for its competitive LLM programs.
Admission Tests
Universities like SMU require you to take a Law Admission Test (LAT) and your 10+2 grades. The 1.5-hour computer-based test assesses logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical abilities—crucial for studying law.
Application Essentials
Your application must include the above essential items: well-written essays, recommendation letters, extracurricular certificates, and other details that vary across institutes.
Aptitude for the Study of Law
Beyond tangible criteria proving your academic competence, studying law also requires specific inherent abilities within you. These include strong logical reasoning, analytical approach, attention to detail, communication clarity and research orientation. Evaluate your natural strengths on these fronts as well when considering legal education. Cross-check the skill sets tested in admission exams.
Now that you know the broad overview, let’s get into the specifics under two segments:
- English Language Requirements
- Academic and Testing Criteria
1. English Language Requirements
English is Singapore’s primary language for law programs, and universities test your proficiency via globally accepted standardised tests.
The two most popular ones are:
A. IELTS
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, significantly gauges your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through multiple modules.
The minimum IELTS score requirement for undergraduate law programs is 6.0. On the other hand, universities need an overall band score of at least 6.5 for master’s/LLM programs.
To give you a better idea, this is the IELTS score requirement at popular Singapore law colleges:
- National University of Singapore: 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in each module)
- Singapore Management University: 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in any section)
- Singapore University of Social Sciences: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each section
B. TOEFL
The TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is another trusted test for English fluency. The TOEFL iBT assesses your communicative competence and scores you from 0-120 points.
For admission into Singapore law programs, these are the TOEFL scores required by leading universities:
- National University of Singapore: 100 (min. 22 in Writing)
- Singapore Management University: 100 (min. 23 in Writing)
- Singapore University of Social Sciences: 79
While SMU and SUSS accept the above tests, NUS approves tests like PTE Academic, SAT and ACT. So you can explore alternatives, too.
2. Academic Credentials & Admission Tests
Apart from English, Singapore law colleges also assess your scholastic competence via past qualifications and their proprietary admission exams when deciding admission.
Let’s understand both these aspects:
A. Past Academic Results
You require strong scores in Grade 12 or pre-university examinations to apply for undergraduate law degrees. Across most programs, candidates need at least 80% or higher marks for eligibility.
For instance, popular options like NUS’ Bachelor of Laws require a minimum ”A’ Level score of 3 ‘A’s, including good grades in relevant subjects like English Literature. On the other hand, SMU requires exceptional ‘A’ Level or IB Diploma scores with excellent writing skills.
A stellar academic record in your earlier Bachelor’s program is essential for graduate degrees. For example, you require a second upper Honours or equivalent to apply to NUS’ competitive law Master’s programs.
B. Admission Tests
Certain universities also judge your logical reasoning, quantitative, and language skills through proprietary admission tests.
SMU’s Law Admission Test (LAT) is one famous example in this context. The 1.5 hours computer-based exam has three sections:
- Logical reasoning
- Reading comprehension
- Essay writing
The test assesses your innate aptitude alongside academic competence. If you secure the cut-off set by SMU here, you become eligible for undergraduate law admission after factoring in 10+2 grades.
Conclusion
Studying law in Singapore can offer great opportunities but requires thorough preparation. You must meet specific requirements, including strong English skills, top grades, and exemplary performance in exams like the LAT. Check the criteria set by your desired Singapore universities and colleges. Prepare for the exams and focus on improving your logical, language, and analytical skills. With dedication, you can qualify for a rewarding legal education in Singapore.
