How to get into the National University of Singapore’s Law School

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As Singapore’s oldest and most renowned law school, NUS Law attracts outstanding applicants both locally and internationally. If you are aiming to join this highly competitive programme, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the admissions journey.

What does NUS Law look for?

At the undergraduate level, NUS offers the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), a four-year honours degree designed for students who have completed high school qualifications such as the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, the NUS High School Diploma, or equivalent international qualifications. NUS Law seeks applicants who not only have strong academic credentials but also demonstrate critical thinking, analytical abilities, and excellent communication skills, especially in written English. A genuine passion for studying law is also a vital quality they look out for.

The admissions process for the LLB is holistic and multi-staged. Besides reviewing academic transcripts, shortlisted candidates are invited to take a written test and participate in a panel interview. These steps help the school assess applicants' logical reasoning, clarity of thought, and ability to argue persuasively.

The usual minimum grade profiles of accepted applicants are as follows:

Singapore - Cambridge A-Levels	- Good overall ‘A’ level results and - At least B grade in H1 General Paper (GP), or a good pass in H2 Knowledge & Inquiry (KI); or a minimum SAT Critical Reading / Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 700 accompanied by a minimum E grade for GP/KI. Note: An improved GP grade of B or better or a good pass in KI from another sitting can qualify one for application to Law, but only the GP or KI grade obtained in the same sitting as the other main 'A' level content papers can be used for computation of the admission score.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Good IB results, including at least grade 5 for SL/HL English A: Language and Literature; SL/HL English A: Literature; SL/HL English B or SL Literature & Performance Notes: A minimum SAT Critical Reading / Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 700 accompanied by a minimum grade 4 for SL English or SL Literature & Performance can also qualify one for application to Law.
Diplomas from local polytechnics	- Excellent polytechnic results. - At least A2 grade in English Language at 'O' level; OR - Present excellent IELTS or TOEFL (IBIT) score; AND - Preferably a Certificate of Merit (COM) from the polytechnic studies.
NUS High School Diploma	- A minimum of B+ grade for English modules, EL5131 AND EL6131 or SAT Test Critical Reading/Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 700 with at least C grade for EL5131 AND EL6131.

Pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) at NUS Law

For those applying at the graduate level, NUS offers the Juris Doctor (JD) programme. The JD is a professional graduate law degree for individuals who already possess an undergraduate degree in another discipline or a law degree from a civil law jurisdiction. Applicants must typically have at least a Second Class Upper Honours or its equivalent in their first degree. As with undergraduate admissions, the JD admissions process assesses applicants’ English proficiency, motivation for studying law, and readiness for the rigour of legal training through a written test and a panel interview.

Pursuing a Mater of Laws (LLM) at NUS Law

Beyond the LLB and JD programmes, NUS also offers the Master of Laws (LLM), catering to individuals who already possess a primary law degree and are looking to deepen their expertise or specialise in specific areas of legal practice. Candidates can pursue a General LLM or specialise in areas such as International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property and Technology Law, Corporate and Financial Services Law, Maritime Law, International and Comparative Law, Asian Legal Studies, or International Business Law through a collaborative programme with Peking University.

Admission into the LLM programme requires a good Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB, JD or equivalent). Strong academic performance, a solid foundation in legal studies, and a clear sense of purpose in pursuing further specialisation are key criteria for selection. Unlike the undergraduate and JD programmes, LLM applicants are usually assessed based on their academic records and relevant work experience, without the requirement of a written test or interview unless specifically requested.

The LLM programme can be completed full-time over the course of one year or part-time over a period of up to three years, offering flexibility for working professionals.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once an application is submitted, NUS Law conducts an initial screening based on academic credentials and supporting documents. Shortlisted LLB and JD candidates are then invited to sit for a written test, which assesses their reasoning abilities, clarity of thought, and argumentative skills.

Following the written test, applicants participate in a panel interview, where they are evaluated on their motivations for pursuing a legal education, understanding of the legal profession, and ability to engage with complex issues in a thoughtful and ethical manner. Communication skills and the ability to remain composed under questioning are also important elements that interviewers look for.

For LLM applicants, the process is more straightforward. The assessment is primarily based on academic achievements and professional experiences. Interviews are generally not required unless the admissions committee needs further clarification on an application.

Strengthening Your NUS Law Application

Given the high level of competition from other highly-qualified applicants, do pay particular attention to the following points to strengthen your application:

Given the intense competition, you should focus not only on achieving academic excellence but also on building a profile that demonstrates readiness for the demands of legal study. Strong results in school-leaving examinations or prior degrees are crucial, but you should also seek to engage in activities that develop your logical reasoning and communication abilities.
Participation in debates, public speaking, mock trials, or mooting competitions can significantly enhance your application. Volunteering at legal clinics, internships at law firms, and involvement in community initiatives (e.g. pro-bono) related to law and justice further showcase your commitment to the field.
When preparing for the interview, you should take time to read up on current legal issues and ethical dilemmas, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively, and reflect deeply on why you wish to pursue a career in law. Admissions officers are keen to identify individuals who are not only intellectually capable but also deeply passionate about making a meaningful contribution to society through the legal profession.

While this is not an exhaustive list of admission pointers, we hope that these help with structuring your Law application. Feel free to reach out to our team here at Icon Education for more targeted help and tailored advice. We wish you all the best!