Juris Doctor [J.D]

at Singapore Management University

Entry Requirements
 

• Completed an undergraduate education in any discipline with at least a Cum Laude or Second Class Upper Honours degree; or
• Law graduates from a civil law country or a non-gazetted common law university* with at least a Cum Laude or Second Class Upper Honours degree, or
• Graduands who will obtain their final transcript and graduation certification letter by the second week of June

Applicants who have obtained their undergraduate degree via distance learning or part-time studies will be considered for admission if they have obtained at least a second-class upper honours degree.

Candidates who do not meet the above academic criteria but with significant achievements 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.

2. English Proficiency

Applicants must show proficiency in the English language. A TOEFL / IELTS test is required if the applicant’s undergraduate degree was NOT conducted in English.

Applicants who are intending to take TOEFL, IELTS or UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration), please note the following minimum scores:

• TOEFL (Internet-based): 100
• IELTS (Academic): Overall band of 7.5
• UKVI (Academic): 5

Scores that are more than 2 years old will not be accepted.

Written Test

• All applicants have to undergo a J.D. written test (1 hour) after completion of online application, submission of supporting documents (including receipt of reference letters) and payment of application fee.
• No legal knowledge is required for the admission written test.
• The written test will be conducted via Zoom.

Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an admission interview conducted by 2 faculty members. Interviews can be held in pairs (two candidates to two interviewers) or individually (one candidate to two interviewers). The interviews will be conducted via Zoom.

SMU Alumni

SMU alumni who are admitted to the J.D. programme within three years of obtaining their SMU degree may be exempted for up to 5 course units from the 25 course units of the J.D. degree, if they have completed 5 LAW courses at SMU.

The grade point obtained for the LAW courses exempted will be computed into the J.D. GPA. LGST and other universities’ courses taken on exchange do not qualify for exemption.

SMU LLM Alumni

With effect from the 2021 admission cohort, SMU LLM alumni who apply to the J.D. programme within three years of obtaining their SMU LLM degree and obtain a CGPA of 3.4 need not sit for the written test or interview. They will be granted direct entry to the J.D. programme after completion of their online application and payment of their application fees.

A $6,000 discount above the 10% SMU alumni discount on tuition fee may be granted to these SMU LLM alumni if a minimum of 3cu are approved for transfer.

(Please note that the maximum discount amount is $6,000 even if more than 3cus have been approved for transfer).

The cost of studying at Singapore Management University varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen. Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. The tuition fees for this program is To Be Confirmed.

Legal work that JD graduates can pursue:

• Associates in law firms: advising clients, drafting and negotiating transactions and/or dispute resolution
• Legal counsel in a multinational or local company: advising the company on legal and corporate matters

Governmental Legal Service:

• State Counsel/Deputy Public Prosecutor: giving advice to and conducting advocacy on behalf of the Government
• Justices’ Law Clerks:  working closely with and under the mentorship of the Judges of the Supreme Court in trial and appellate work