Online Application
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.
Important Dates (For 2025 intake)
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Open | 1 October 2024 |
| Online Application Form Submission Deadline | 16 May 2025 |
| Admission Interviews | Ongoing till May 2025 |
| Common Law Workshop / Legal Writing Workshop | Between 11 and 22 August 2025 |
| First Week of Classes | 25 August 2025 |
Admission Process
ONLY FOR Judicial Studies / Cross-Border Business and Finance Law in Asia / Law and Technology Track.
Please go through the application process and required document list carefully.
Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis. Once the class size is filled, applications for the cohort will close. All other applicants will then be considered for the following year's cohort.
An application is only considered complete when
- Online application and all required supporting documents are submitted before the deadline.
- Application fee is paid before the deadline.
Failure to complete the above will render the application invalid.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to take a written test and participate in an interview.
Step 1: Online Application
It is recommended that applicants access the online application system on a computer instead of a mobile device.
SMU LLM Online application step-by-step guide is available here.
Those completing their first degree by early July of the year of admission may also apply with their latest provisonal transcript. Students will be asked to submit their final transcript and graduate certificate letter/degree scroll before school starts if they are offered a place in the programme.
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 smullm@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 LLM application document checklist here.
Identification document(s): 1) Singapore Citizen: A copy of NRIC. 2) Singapore Permanent Resident (PR): A copy of NRIC, passport and re-entry permit. 3) Foreigner: A copy of your passport personal particulars page. | Two Referees Two 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 online evaluations once the LLM application is submitted. It may take around 15-20mins 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 are 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 recommendation email, please ask referee to check spam folders or contact LLM programme office at smullm@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 degrees) 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 transcripts) 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 except those from English-medium institutions in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States. 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. | Application Fee Payment for the application fee must be done online. The check is not acceptable any more DO NOT pay the 'Optional Fee: 1st Attempt for SMU Admission Test (S$125)'. LLM written test is free, and SMU Admission Test is not required by the LLM programme. All fees paid at the application and matriculation stages are non-refundable. |
Step 2: Written Test (Online)
- All applicants must undergo an LLM written test (1 hour) if shortlisted.
- Once completed online recommendations are well received and supporting documents are verified, the LLM programme office will invite shortlisted applicants to register for the written test via email. Please check inbox or spam folders.
- Once the written test registration is confirmed, applicants will receive a confirmation email with a 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. Applicants are required to answer all questions in 1-hour. It tests the applicant's reasoning skills, and legal knowledge is not required. 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)
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an admission interview, which will be held individually (1 candidate to 1 interviewee).
- The LLM programme office will email shortlisted candidates to register for interview. Each interview session is around 15mins. No legal knowledge is compulsory.
- 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, LLM programme office will update application status via email within 2 weeks in general.