Online Application & Key Dates
For New Applicant
You need to first register for an account with SMU before you can submit an online application form.
For Existing Applicant
If you have already created an account with SMU, please go directly to the Login page to continue with your application.
KEY DATES (FOR 2025 INTAKE)
Please refer below to the key dates for the application stages:
| Application Stages (Pre-Acceptance) | Time |
|---|---|
| Online Application Open | 1 October 2024 |
| Online Application Deadline | 2 May 2025 |
| Written Test and Interview (Rolling Basis) | December 2024 onwards |
| Application Stages (After Acceptance) | |
|---|---|
| Online Matriculation | Mid-July 2025 |
| Verification of Documents, application for J.D. scholarship, compulsory orientation | End July / Early August 2025 |
| Term Commences | 18 August 2025 |
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please go through the application process and required supporting docuements carefully.
STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION
The online application will be on a rolling basis. Once the class size is filled, applications for the intake will close. All other applicants will then be considered for the following year's intake. SMU JD has only one admission in August every year.
It's recommended to use a computer to access the online application system. A step-by-step guide for the JD online application is available here.
With the change to the new Unified Application System, the online application process has now changed. Re-applicants will be required to follow the new process to upload documents in the online application system.
Those completing their first degree by early July of the year of admission (August intake) may apply with their latest official transcript. You will be asked to submit your final transcript and graduate certificate letter/degree scroll before school starts if you are offered a place in the programme. For detailed JD admission criteria, please check here.
An official translation would need to be uploaded for all documents which are not in English. Translation should be certified by the issuing institution or a Notary Public/Commissioner of Oath. Hard copies of required documents are not required during the application stage.
Any enquiries about the online application, please email at jd@smu.edu.sg. For IT issues, please contact SMU IT Help Centre at helpdesk@smu.edu.sg.
The following documents will be required to accompany the online application:
Incomplete submission of documents will render the application to be dismissed from consideration.
Download JD application document checklist here.
Identification document(s):
| Two Referees Two (2) different referees are required. Please indicate the details of two referees in the online application form, including name, designation and email. The referees will be automatically notified to complete their evaluations online once the online application is submitted. It may take around 15mins to complete the online recommendation form. Where possible, at least one of the references should be from someone who has taught you or supervised your work in university studies. If applicant has left school for a long time and is unable to submit academic references, please provide 2 referees from your employers/colleagues/clients etc. The contents of the recommendation are confidential. Under no circumstance should the applicant be able to see the contents of the recommendation. If referee couldn't receive SMU email with referral link, please ask referee to check spam folders or contact JD programme office at jd@smu.edu.sg directly. |
Degree Certificate The copy of the degree certificate(s) certified by the issuing institution or a Notary Public/Commissioner of Oath. Place all degree certificates (such as bachelor and master) in one PDF file. | CV A concise resume that provides chronological information about your educational background, work experiences and accomplishments. Up to two (2) A4 pages. |
Transcript The copy of the official transcript certified by the issuing institution or a Notary Public/Commissioner of Oath. Place all transcripts (such as undergraduate and postgraduate) in one PDF file. | Statement of Purpose All applicants are required to submit a detailed personal statement based on the questions in the online application system. Maximum 600 words for each answer. |
IELTS/TOEFL English proficiency test results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all international applicants whose bachelor degree was not conducted in English. Scores that are more than 2 years old will not be accepted. For more details, please refer to the 'Admission Criteria'. GRE/GMAT or SMU Admission Test is not required. LSAT or LNAT is optional. | Application Fee Payment for the application fee must be done online. The check is not acceptable any more Don't pay the 'Optional Fee: 1st Attempt for SMU Admission Test (S$125)'. JD written test is free, and SMU Admission Test is not required by the JD programme. All fees paid at the applciaiton stage is non-refundable. |
STEP 2: WRITTEN TEST (Online)
- Shortlisted applicants must undergo a J.D. written test (1 hour) after completion of online application, submission of supporting documents (including receipt of online recommendations) and payment of application fee.
- Once completed online application is received and supporting documents are verified , the JD programme office will email applicants to register for the written test via email.
- Once the written test registration is confirmed, applicants will receive confirmation email with test link. Reminder emails are available near the test date.
- The written test is similar to a reading comprehension, short essay questions following long reading material. No legal knowledge is required for the written test. No sample paper for reference.
- The written test will be conducted via a Zoom meeting.
- The written test is free.
STEP 3: ADMISSION INTERVIEW (ONLINE)
- After written test, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an admission interview conducted by two (2) faculty members. Interviews can be held in pairs (two candidates to two interviewers) or individually (one candidate to two interviewers).
- The JD programme office will email shortlisted candidates to register for interview. Once the registration is confirmed, candidates will receive a confirmation email with an interview link. Reminder emails are available near the interview date.
- The interview will be conducted via Zoom meeting.
- After the interview, JD programme office will update application status via email within 2 weeks in general.