Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our degree programmes include the Master of Laws (LLM) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). LLM students can pursue specializations in a variety of areas, including Asian Legal Studies, Corporate and Financial Services Law, Intellectual Property & Technology Law, International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution, International & Comparative Law and Maritime Law. We also offer the LLM in International Business Law, taught in partnership with the East China University of Political Science and Law.

We also offer the Graduate Diploma in Maritime Law and Arbitration (GDMLA)(Full/Part-time). Please refer to https://law.nus.edu.sg/nuslawacademy/certificate-programmes/graduate-diploma/ for details.

All programmes are conducted on a full-time basis, with the exception of the LLM in Maritime Law which may also be offered on a part-time basis, giving students the flexibility to complete the course in two years. All programmes are conducted in Singapore.  

Students enrolled in the International Business Law programme will spend the entire Semester 1 (August - December) in Singapore. In Semester 2 (January- May), they will relocate to the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai.

All programmes are conducted on-campus.

Please refer to https://law1a.nus.edu.sg/admissions/admin_requirements.html for details.

We require students to have a strong proficiency in English in order to cope with the curriculum demands. We would, therefore, advise that applicants meet our English requirement in order to apply for the programme.

With effect from AY2025/2026, GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test scores will be optional for PhD applicants. However, do note that evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills will significantly strengthen your application.

Please refer to http://law1a.nus.edu.sg/admissions/app_periods_forms.html in September for updates.

 

You may apply online at https://gradapp.nus.edu.sg/portal/app_manage. Please follow the instructions as set out at https://law1a.nus.edu.sg/admissions/app_periods_forms.html.

Please upload soft copies of your supporting documents. It is not necessary to submit your supporting documents via email or via post, unless we specifically request for them.
 

Please refer to the checklist at http://law1a.nus.edu.sg/admissions/app_periods_forms.html

Only successful applicants will be required to submit official transcripts and certified true copy of degree certificates.

We will consider your application based on the documents uploaded in the application system. We regret that we are unable to consider any additional documents or information given beyond the application deadline.

The application instructions can be found at http://law1a.nus.edu.sg/admissions/app_periods_forms.html.

Please refer to http://law1a.nus.edu.sg/admissions/app_periods_forms.html for more information.

Applicants will be informed via email by mid-February. A functional email address should be provided in the application form. Once applicants accept the offer, more details on immigration, medical examination, accommodation etc. will follow via email by mid-May.

We require two academic referees. Only if you have left school for a number of years, will we accept one professional referee and one academic referee.  

When completing the online application form, applicants should complete the contact details of their referees, including a functional email address. After submitting the application online, an e-mail will be sent to each referee to prompt them to complete an online referee’s report form. Referees are strongly encourage to submit their reports online.

We regret that we are unable to accept applications beyond the stipulated application deadline.

We have a limited number of scholarships available and applicants are strongly encouraged to secure alternative financing in the event that they are not awarded scholarships. 

Please refer to http://law1a.nus.edu.sg/admissions/sch_requirements.html for details.

Applicants will have to indicate “Scholarship” under ‘source of finance’ in the online application form. Please provide a one-page write-up on why you should be awarded a scholarship.

Please visit http://law1a.nus.edu.sg/admissions/fees.html for our fee information. In addition to the tuition fees, there are some mandatory miscellaneous fees payable.  

There is no need to submit a financial statement but applicants are strongly advised to work out their financial needs and secure their own financial arrangements. Some students take out loans in their home jurisdiction, sometimes connected to obligations to work for a government or for a firm.

Full-time international graduate students may work part-time during semester up to a maximum of 16 hours per week, unless they hold a scholarship that requires approval for the employment application.

For more information on the regulations, please refer to https://nus.edu.sg/cfg/students/international-students. Please also refer to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints website at http://www.ica.gov.sg/ for current information governing student work privileges in Singapore.

Please refer to the Office of Student Affairs website at https://osa.nus.edu.sg/accommodation/hostel-application/application-guide-graduate/ for more information on hostel application.

All international students must hold a valid Student’s Pass issued by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority for their studies at NUS. 

Once an international applicant indicates acceptance of the offer, NUS will submit an application for the Student’s Pass on behalf of the applicant. Each new application must be submitted at least one month and not more than two months before the commencement of the course.  

Please refer to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints website at http://www.ica.gov.sg/

The Office of Student Affairs website at https://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/student-life/international-students/resources offers a wealth of relevant information.

According to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), an international student holding a Student’s Pass must surrender it for cancellation within 7 days of the date of cessation or termination of studies. For more details: https://osa.nus.edu.sg/services-support/administrative-services/student-pass/

Career placement services are currently not available in NUS. However, internship and job vacancies can be found on  NUS TalentConnect, an online job portal which provides NUS students with direct access to full-time and part-time job opportunities. Students may also be able to get periodic updates at our Law Career Services website at https://law.nus.edu.sg/cfglaw/.

A majority of our LLM graduates would return to their home country for career advancements while some have also chosen to pursue a career in Singapore, such as in academia at NUS. Employment opportunities available to international students are extremely competitive. Employers, whether law firms or corporates, typically seek candidates with a strong academic record and prior relevant work experience.

As a full time matriculated student at NUS with a valid Student Pass, you will be able to work/intern without having to apply for a work pass:
(a) full time during the university vacation periods; and
(b) for a maximum of 16 hours a week during term time.

If you are are waiting for your final examination results or commencement, you can also work without a work pass if the waiting period falls within your vacation. For more details: http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exemption-for-foreign-students

Career Coaching – individual sessions providing general career advice, resume & cover letter critique, mock interviews and preferences profiling.

Events - lunchtime talks, panel discussions or workshops are organised to equip students with career and workplace knowledge and competencies.

Careers Fair – a careers fair is organised annually to provide our students a chance to network with law firms and other potential employers.

LAMP – The Law Alumni Mentor Programme (LAMP) aims to connect first and second year NUS Law students with experienced alumni lawyers to provide networking opportunities, as well as, insight and guidance on career and professional development issues. From 2018, the programme has been extended to include LL.M. students who are keen to gain an insight into the practice of law in Singapore.