Study Law in Singapore

Law is a diverse discipline that welcomes students from all fields. Wide-ranging options are available within Law that can help you decide which specialization to pick. Do you know Singapore has some of the best Law schools in the world that provide excellent career opportunities? In this blog, we will be talking about everything one needs to know to study law in Singapore.

“Laws are spider-webs through which the big flies pass and the little ones get caught.”
– Honore de Balzac

Why Study Law in Singapore?

Here are some reasons to study Law in Singapore:

• Advanced learning environment: Singapore is a commercial and education hub. It is well-equipped with modern teaching tools, technologically advanced learning and research facilities. This becomes even more crucial owing to the ongoing wave of a virtual model. The learning programmes in colleges there offer several extensive courses intertwined with entrepreneurship opportunities as well as scope for innovation and research.
• Well reputed institutions: National University of Singapore is the leading law faculty in Asia. Studying Law in Singapore has immense value, even in isolation. The comprehensive approach of universities in providing esteemed Western education in the Asian context renders a valuable and promising impression across the world.
• Inclusive of foreign students: As per the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings , the National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked as the 6th most international university in the world with approximately 26% of students from outside the country. In 2019, the number of full-time students enrolled to study law in Singapore was around 73.8 thousand. The environment in colleges reflects incorporation of students from different regions, therefore, exposing students to diverse cultures.
• Scholarships and grants for international students: The overwhelming financial capital required to study abroad is dampened by a variety of governmental, non-governmental as well as university scholarships available in Singapore. The Ministry of Education of the Singapore Government provides several need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants for students coming from abroad to study law in Singapore. Universities also have specific scholarship programmes for foreign students.
•  Well-developed economy of Singapore: The World Economic Forum has ranked Singapore’s economy as the most open and pro-business in the world. It also has the second-highest per capita GDP in the world in terms of purchasing power parity. The high incomes and living standards proffered by this cosmopolitan city-state make it an attractive destination for students in the area of education, employment and residence.

 

Also Read: Here are the best colleges in Singapore!

Best Law Specializations Offered by Singapore Universities

Some of the most in-demand specialisation courses that are available in colleges to study law in Singapore are as follows:

Asian Legal Studies

This innovative specialisation, specifically in Singapore– one of only a handful available globally – allows students to study law in a wide socio-cultural context and appreciate linkages with regional commerce, trade and politics. The course provides an in-depth study of the laws, legal systems, institutions and legal traditions of South, Southeast, and East Asia.

Corporate (Business) Law

Corporate Law involves the regulations regarding the rights and conduct of persons, institutions and companies. It involves matters concerning mergers and acquisitions, shareholder’s rights, a listing of companies etc.

Maritime Law

Maritime Law regulates maritime issues like marine trade, protection, shipping and other private disputes. It involves intensive study of the laws, conventions and treaties on maritime activities under domestic as well as international law.

Intellectual Property and Technology Law

With a more globalized and capitalized economy, this has become one of the most crucial legal areas. It governs the establishment and protection of intellectual creations like art, design, brand, invention etc. Disputes over copyrights, patents etc. are a part of this field.

Criminal Law

Criminal Law is concerned with the punishment of individuals that have committed crimes ranging from robbery to terrorism. Acts that are harmful and endangering safety, health and property to others are listed, varying as per countries.

International Law

International Law focuses on a thorough study of the norms and regulations binding between nations and other entities regarded as international actors. It is interdisciplinary in nature. International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, International Business Law and International and Comparative Law are related specialisation areas one can pursue within this field.

Environmental Law

Environmental Law emphasis on laws and agreements for the protection of the environment. The cases in this field range from natural resource management to land disputes, from conservation policies to pollution curbing reforms.

Best Law Courses and Colleges in Singapore 

In order to study Law in Singapore, one needs to have some knowledge about the universities and different law programmes available there. The following has detailed information about the top Law colleges in Singapore and the courses offered there:

National University of Singapore, Faculty of Law

Established in 1956, NUS Law is now the top-ranking law school in Asia. It is ranked 12th by the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2020 and 12th by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject in 2021. It offers a four years undergraduate programme and many exchange programmes in alliance with esteemed universities like New York University, Boston University etc. For graduate students, it has a J.D. programme, several coursework LL.M. programmes, and a research PhD programme.

It also publishes the Singapore Journal of Legal Studies, one of the oldest law journals in the Commonwealth. Its students exclusively manage the Singapore Law Review, Asia’s oldest student-run legal publication. Apart from this, it hosts a variety of centres like the Asian Law Institute, Centre for International Law etc.

To study Law in Singapore, the following programmes are provided by NUS:

• 4-Year LLB Programme (Honours) Special Programmes
• Concurrent Degree Programme (CDP) – Law and Public Policy
• Double Degree Programmes (DDP)
  1. Business Administration and Law
  2. Economics & Law
  3. Law and Life Sciences
• Juris Doctor Programme (JD)
• Graduate Coursework Degrees (LLMs)
• Graduate Research Degree (PhD)

Fees 

Undergraduate course	14,87,358 Indian Rupees
LLM (General)	19,60,233 Indian Rupees
PhD	21,30,689 Indian Rupees

Also Read: National University of Singapore Acceptance Rate

Singapore Management University, School of Law

SMU Yong Pung How School of Law traces its origins to 2000. It has since expanded its academic offerings to include JD and LLM degrees as well as a suite of seminars for legal practitioners. It houses leading research centres like the Centre for Commercial Law in Asia (CCLA),  the Centre for AI and Data Governance (CAIDG) etc. It is also the first Asian university to be part of the THEMIS law Network. The university performs well in terms of placement opportunities and global exposure with internships and exchange programmes. To study law in Singapore, the following programmes are provided by SMU.Courses available:

1. Bachelor of Law (4years LLB programme)
2. Bachelor of Science (Computing & Law)
3. J.D. programme
4. Master of Law (L.L.M) (15 months long) Dual LLM with the Queen Mary University of London available.

Fees

Bachelor of Law	*35,13,323 Indian Rupees
Bachelor of Science (Computing & Law)	*33,23,995 Indian Rupee
J.D. programme	10,00,186 Indian Rupees
Master of Law (L.L.M)
Judicial Studies Track and Cross-Border Business and Finance Law in Asia Track	20,59,207 Indian Rupees
Dual LLM in Commercial Law (Singapore and London)	14,48,461 Indian Rupee to QMUL15,39,137 Indian Rupee to SMU

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Eligibility Criteria for Law in Singapore

One has to meet the eligibility requirements of colleges in order to study law in Singapore. These criteria may vary depending on the institutions. A generalised list of criteria is given below:

For UG Programmes

• Indian Standard 12 (Central, State Boards, ISC Boards, and Other Boards) exam results with a good pass in 5 subjects including English. No particular cut off.
• Proficiency in English: IELTS (minimum 7.0 overall), TOEFL (minimum 600 or 100 with at least 24 in reading and writing each.)
• Additional prerequisites: CV: Extracurricular activities; achievements and awards
• In most colleges, selected students have to pass a test and attend a formal interview.

For PG Programmes

•  Good Bachelor’s degree in Law
•  6 months of working experience required in some colleges/ courses.
•  English Proficiency: IELTS (minimum 7.0 overall), TOEFL (minimum 650 or 100)
•  Additional Prerequisites: CV, Recommendation letter
• Test is also conducted by a few universities.

List of Scholarships to Study Law in Singapore 

Desired individuals can also apply for the following scholarships to provide financial aid to study Law in Singapore:

1.  PGPP-ASEAN Scholarship
2.  Jones Day Master of Laws in Judicial Studies Scholarship
3.  Jones Day Master of Laws Annual Top Scholar Award (for Judicial Studies)
4. Lee Kong Chian Master of Laws in Judicial Studies Scholarship
5. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
6. Natsteel Study Awards

List of Part-Time Law Courses in Singapore

Several part-time law courses are also provided by universities for foreign students who want to study law in Singapore:

NUS Law Academy

It is a part of the law faculty of NUS and provides a range of skill-based graduate certificates and diploma programmes to lawyers and working professionals.

• Graduate Certificate Programme in International Arbitration
• Graduate Certificate Programme in Criminal Justice
• Graduate Certificate Programme in Intellectual Property and Technology Law
• Graduate Certificate Programme in Corporate and Financial Services Law
• Graduate Certificate Programme in International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
• Graduate Diploma Programme in Maritime Law & Arbitration
• Auditing Programme

Sorbonne-Assas International Law School campus, Singapore

It is hosted by the INSEAD Business School-Asia campus. The INSEAD Tanoto Library supports students in their research and curriculum activities. The campus in Singapore offers four part-time programmes in law:

• An LL.M. in International Business Law: It is a nine monthly post graduate programme open to all, starting in October
• Executive Education with seminars on request: This offers an opportunity for professionals to enhance their knowledge and increase their connections. The school offers 10 different standalone modules, 20 hours each.
• A Winter Short Program: It is a 3-week academic program taking place in March. The focus is to provide in-depth knowledge of international business transactions law through lectures, case studies, group work and other exercises to students and professionals.
• A Summer Course: It is a 3-week course taking place in July, open to Master level, LL.B. and professionals, across the world. The aim of the course is on the International, financial structures, commitment papers, and tax law with a legal practitioner’s perspective in Asia.

Fees

LL.M. in International Business Law	15,00,029 Indian Rupees
Executive Education	1,92,399 per module
Winter Short Program	2,47,025.93 Indian Rupee
Summer Course	1,85,269.45 Indian Rupee

How to apply?

Here’s how you can start your application process to study Law in Singapore:

• Reach out to Leverage Edu and we will help you select your course through our trusted AI Course Finder.
• Experts at Leverage Edu will then start with your application process at the respective university in Singapore.
• Documents such as SOPs, Essays, LORs etc. are an important part of your university application. So you’ll have to gather and compile all the necessary documents.
• Experts at Leverage Edu will then start with the application process for accommodation, student visas, and scholarships/student loans after submitting your application and the required documents.
• The time has come to wait for your offer letter which usually takes around 4-6 weeks.

Documents required

Here’s a list of the documents required for pursuing Law at any of the above-mentioned universities:

• All official academic Transcripts and diplomas if any
• Passport
• Visa
• Updated CV/Resume
• Letter of Recommendations
• Statement of Purpose
• Financial Evidence
• Portfolio or writing samples if required

FAQs

This is all about study Law in Singapore. If you further have any doubts, comment down below and we will reach back to you. Leverage Edu experts are just a call away in case you need guidance to apply for a Law course in Singapore.