FAQs
We are looking for outstanding candidates who meet our admissions criteria of either a cum laude or a 2nd class upper. However, candidates with significant achievement such as having an outstanding further degree and/or outstanding work experience that could contribute to the class and legal profession will be reviewed closely by the Admissions Committee.
A graduate of the SMU J.D. programme will be able to practise in Singapore after completing the requirements of practical training and exam for the Singapore bar. Admission to other bars (legal professions) depends on the requirements of each jurisdiction, just as with the LL.B. degree.
One would have to look at the particular bar entry requirements for a particular country or state. In Canada and the U.S. , admission to the bar is governed by each province or state. Since Canada and the U.S. are J.D. jurisdictions, a J.D. degree may be treated more favorably than an LL.B. degree but there may still be some additional course requirements (such as taking a local property law or constitutional law course). The local bar websites of each jurisdiction will provide specific details.
Graduates of SMU Yong Pung How School of Law must pass Part B of the Bar Examinations before they are entitled to serve their Practice Training Period (see Rule 3(1) of the Legal Profession (Practice Training Period) Rules 2009).
If however you graduated from NUS or SMU in December instead of June and wish to complete your Practice Training Period before the start of the Part B course instead, you can try seeking an exemption from the Minister for Law.
Please note that each appeal for an exemption will be considered on its individual merits and may be granted subject to conditions. The onus is on the applicant to make a strong case for the exemption sought with relevant supporting documents.
Apart from electives, classes will usually not be held with the undergraduates.
Generally, exemptions will not be granted. However, an SMU graduate who has completed an SMU Law module with a prefix "LAW" in his or her undergraduate SMU degree studies may be exempted from the course, subject to approval of the School.
Acceleration of the programme is subject to the School's advice and approval. Students will also need to consider his or her ability to manage an increased load every term, including the vacation period. Students must also be mindful of the overall GPA at the end of each term, as a minimum of 3.00 is needed to qualify for practice.
Please submit a letter from your current supervisor to confirm your English language ability along with your application.
Yes, there are. Scholarships are available to students who have been offered a place in the programme. For more information, please refer to Scholarships & Awards.
You may want to consider taking an education loan from any of the local banks. There are many local education loans available. Please go to their websites for details.
We only have 1 intake a year, which is in August. It is a full-time programme.
None of SMU's postgraduate programmes enjoy tuition grant from the government.
CPF cannot be used for graduate courses.
At the moment we are not scheduling a part-time or evening programme. If that occurs, we will make a public announcement.