FAQs
The LLM is not a qualifying law degree in Singapore. Should you wish to qualify for the Singapore Bar, please apply for the 3-year full-time Juris Doctor Programme (JD) instead. A qualified foreign lawyer may become a Registered Foreign Lawyer, or take the Foreign Practitioner Examination administered by the Singapore Institute of Legal Education.
The LLM requires a basic law degree. However, those with substantive knowledge of the law may be considered on an individual basis. In the past, candidates with substantial experience in accounting firms and regulatory bodies such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore have been admitted into the programme.
No, you do not. If your postgraduate degree is from English-medium institutions in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, United Kingdom and the United States, you do not need to take the English proficency test.
No, LLM classes are exclusive to postgraduate students.
As the content and approach in courses vary widely from institution to institution, the policy is not to grant exemptions or credit transfers.
Yes. Applicants can seek to audit selected courses in the programme. More details on auditing the LLM can be found here.
As a SMU full-time matriculated international student holding a valid student pass, you may take up employment in Singapore during the vacation and are exempted from applying for a work permit as stated in the Work Permit Exemptions Notification. However, during the term time, a student holding a valid student pass is only allowed to work part-time of less than 16 hours per week. A letter of consent is not required from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore or the university.
For more information, please refer to MOM- Employment of Foreign Students.
The school has purchased insurance coverage for all SMU students. Details on your medical coverage can be found here.
The living costs you incur will depend on your lifestyle. An international student may expect to incur the following per month:
| Accommodation | Meals | Transportation | Miscellaneous |
| S$500 - S$2,000 | S$300 - S$500 | S$100 - S$300 | S$500 - S$1,500 |
Yes, core LLM modules are accredited by the Singapore Institute of Legal Education and fulfil the mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.