How to get into the Yong Pung School of Law at SMU

Written by Icon | May 30, 2025 5:52:22 AM

Excerpt

As one of Asia’s leading law schools, Singapore Management University’s Yong Pung How School of Law (SMU Law) is known for its innovative, practice-oriented legal education. With a strong emphasis on interactive learning, real-world exposure, and interdisciplinary thinking, SMU Law attracts highly motivated applicants both from Singapore and around the world. If you aspire to join this prestigious institution, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the admissions process.

What does NUS Law look for?

At the undergraduate level, SMU offers the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), a four-year honours degree tailored 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. SMU Law seeks applicants with strong academic records, critical thinking skills, and the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively, both in writing and speech. A genuine passion for law and a commitment to making a difference in society are also highly valued.

The admissions process for the LLB is holistic and competitive. Besides reviewing academic achievements, shortlisted applicants for Law must take a writing test (to be held in person at SMU). After the test, only applicants who have been further shortlisted will be invited to an interview. Only applicants who have attended both the writing test and the interview will be further considered for admission.

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

Singapore - Cambridge A-Levels	From AY2026, the following subjects will be taken into consideration for UAS computation: 3 H2 content-based subjects General Paper (GP) H1 Mother Tongue Language and/or the fourth H1/H2 content-based subject will be considered if it improves the UAS. Note: From AY2026, H2 Knowledge & Inquiry (KI) will no longer be considered in lieu of GP. If offered, H2 KI will be considered as a H2 content-based subject. From AY2026, students will be required to obtain a pass grade in Project Work to be eligible for admission.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Good IB results, including Grade 6 or 7 in English A1 at Higher Level or Standard Level Grade 6 or 7 in English A - Literature or English A - Language and Literature at Higher Level or Standard Level; or Literature and Performance at Standard Level Applicants who fall short of the above requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis. a pass in MTL 'A': Literature, or MTL 'A': Language and Literature, or Language 'B' MTL at Standard or Higher Level at International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme* *Successful applicants who have not met the MTL requirement will be offered Conditional Admission and are required to satisfy this requirement before graduating from SMU.
Diplomas from local polytechnics	A 3-year full-time Polytechnic diploma from Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic or Temasek Polytechnic Excellent polytechnic results.
NUS High School Diploma	English Language Subject CAP of B+ or better or B+ or better in EL5102 English for Academic Purposes or EL5101 Language in Society II or EL6103 Language in Society III (old curriculum) or B+ or better in EL5131 Critical Reading and Writing II or EL6131 Critical Reading and Writing III (new curriculum) Applicants who fall short of the above requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Requirements

Unless exempted from Mother Tongue Language (MTL) requirement, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents must meet one of the following MTL requirements:

'S' grade or better in MTL or General Studies in Chinese at H1 Level or Mother Tongue Language and Literature at H2 Level
D7 grade or better in Higher MTL at O-Level
Pass in MTL Syllabus B at A-Level

Pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) at SMU Law

At the graduate level, SMU offers the Juris Doctor (JD) programme, a postgraduate professional law degree for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline or a non-common law degree. JD applicants must have at least a good second class honours degree or its equivalent. As with the LLB admissions process, JD applicants undergo a written test and an interview to assess their readiness for the intellectual rigour and practical demands of legal training.

Pursuing a Masters of Law (LLM) at SMU Law

Beyond the LLB and JD programmes, SMU Law offers the Master of Laws (LLM) programme, catering to individuals who already possess a primary law degree and are seeking to deepen their expertise or broaden their knowledge across different areas of law. Candidates can pursue a General LLM or specialise in fields such as Commercial Law, Dispute Resolution, or Cross-Border Business and Finance Law. The programme is designed to equip graduates with a strong international and interdisciplinary perspective, preparing them to navigate complex legal challenges in a globalised world.

Admission into the LLM programme requires a good Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB, JD, or equivalent qualification). Selection is based on academic performance, professional experience where applicable, and a clear statement of purpose outlining the candidate’s goals and motivation for pursuing the degree. Unlike the undergraduate and JD admissions processes, LLM applicants are usually assessed based on their application materials, and interviews are conducted only if further clarification is needed.

The LLM programme can be completed full-time over the course of one year or part-time over a maximum period of two years, offering flexibility for both full-time students and working professionals.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you submit your application, SMU Law conducts an initial evaluation based on your academic results and supporting documents. Shortlisted LLB and JD applicants are then invited to take a written test designed to assess their logical reasoning, clarity of thought, and argumentative writing abilities.

Following the written test, applicants attend a panel interview where they are evaluated on their motivation for pursuing law, their communication and critical thinking skills, and their ability to engage thoughtfully with complex issues. SMU Law places particular emphasis on applicants' ability to think independently and communicate confidently as these are skills essential for success in their distinctive seminar-style classes.

For LLM applicants, the admissions process is typically simpler. Assessment is based largely on academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, professional experience, and a personal statement. Interviews are generally conducted only if additional information is needed.

Strengthening Your SMU 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 competitive nature of admissions, strong academic performance is crucial but not sufficient on its own. To strengthen your SMU Law application, you should aim to build a well-rounded profile that highlights your intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and dedication to legal service.
Participation in activities such as debate clubs, Model United Nations, mooting competitions, public speaking engagements, and legal internships can significantly bolster your application. Volunteer work, especially in areas related to access to justice, human rights, or community service, demonstrates a broader commitment to social responsibility, which resonates with SMU’s values.
When preparing for the written test and interview, make sure to stay updated on major legal and ethical issues both locally and globally. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, concisely, and persuasively, and reflect deeply on your personal motivations for studying law. Admissions panels are looking for candidates who are not only academically capable but also passionate about contributing to society through the legal profession.

While this guide is not exhaustive, we hope it offers a helpful starting point for structuring your SMU Law application journey. If you would like more targeted support or tailored advice, feel free to reach out to our team here at Icon Education. We wish you the very best in your applications!

Additional resources

https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/panel-with-four-lawyers

https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/nus-law-smu-law

https://youtu.be/yQldhdsmWHU?si=o_2v7PHHFyuECewR

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