The Ultimate Guide to Law School Applications in Singapore

Applying to medical or law school in Singapore is a competitive and rigorous process. With top institutions like NUS, NTU, and SMU, each requiring outstanding academic credentials, strong personal statements, and in some cases, specialized admissions tests, aspiring students must prepare strategically.

This guide will take you through the key requirements for Law in Singapore, including necessary exams, alternative pathways, and important considerations.

How to Get into Law School in Singapore

Singapore’s three main law schools are:

NUS Faculty of Law
SMU Yong Pung How School of Law
SUSS School of Law (for working professionals)

Both NUS and SMU require applicants to take the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT), a standardized exam assessing critical thinking, verbal reasoning, and essay-writing skills.

Admission Process at NUS & SMU

At NUS Law, students must first achieve exceptional grades in A-Levels, IB, or other equivalent qualifications before sitting for the LNAT. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview and a written test, which determine their final admission chances.

Similarly, SMU Law requires applicants to take the LNAT and undergo a rigorous interview and written assessment. SMU emphasizes an interactive, discussion-based learning style, so confidence and the ability to articulate ideas are crucial.

More details:

How Long Should You Prepare for LNAT?

Preparing for LNAT requires at least two to four months of dedicated practice. The test consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section assessing reading comprehension and an essay section evaluating argumentation skills.

Since Singaporean law schools place significant weight on LNAT scores, students should practice with past papers, read opinion articles and legal commentaries, and develop structured approaches for essay writing.

Law School Interviews

Gaining admission into law schools in Singapore, such as NUS Faculty of Law and SMU Yong Pung How School of Law, is highly competitive, with interviews playing a crucial role in the selection process. These interviews assess a candidate’s legal reasoning, ethical judgment, communication skills, and motivation for pursuing law.

Both universities conduct interviews differently:

NUS Law: Applicants go through a written test followed by an individual faculty panel interview, which evaluates their understanding of legal and ethical principles, ability to engage in logical argumentation, and awareness of contemporary legal issues.
SMU Law: The process includes a written test and a group discussion-based interview, where applicants debate legal or policy issues in a collaborative but critical manner, assessing their ability to analyze arguments and communicate persuasively.

Given the broad range of topics covered, applicants should be prepared to discuss legal reasoning, ethics, policy, and current affairs. Common interview questions include:

Why do you want to study law?
Discuss a recent legal case that interests you.
What are your views on rehabilitative justice vs. punitive justice?
Should AI replace human judges in small claims courts?
How should Singapore balance national security with personal privacy?

The Role of Personal Statement and Legal Exposure

A compelling personal statement strengthens an applicant’s case by showcasing intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and commitment to the legal profession. While grades and test scores matter, law schools look for students who demonstrate a deep understanding of law’s societal role and its ethical complexities.

Legal exposure, such as internships at law firms, debate or moot court participation, or policy research work, can make a personal statement stand out. Applicants should reflect on their experiences by highlighting key takeaways rather than just listing achievements.

Written Test & Critical Thinking

Both NUS and SMU require a written test, which evaluates:

Logical reasoning and argumentation – constructing well-supported legal arguments.
Analytical skills – applying legal principles to unfamiliar scenarios.
Clarity and structure – organizing thoughts effectively under time constraints.

Practicing timed essays on past legal topics and staying updated on Singaporean and international legal developments will help applicants excel in this component.

Alternative Routes to Law in Singapore

If direct entry isn’t an option, there are other ways to pursue a legal career:

Internal Transfers at NUS
- Some students from NUS Business or Engineering have successfully transferred into Law after Year 1.
- Requires exceptional first-year grades and a strong personal statement explaining the switch.
Graduate Law Pathway
- Students can complete an undergraduate degree in another field, then apply for a Graduate LLB or Juris Doctor (JD) program at an overseas university.
- After earning a law degree abroad, returning students must pass the Singapore Bar Exam to qualify as practicing lawyers.

Special Note for Application to NUS

For male applicants serving National Service (NS), the timeline for applying to NUS can be tricky. If you did not progress to the interview stage, you can reapply in the next cycle. However, if you made it to the interview and were unsuccessful, your chances of getting accepted in future cycles are significantly lower. Universities tend to prioritize new applicants over those who previously failed the interview stage.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Path

The journey to medical or law school in Singapore is highly competitive, but preparation and persistence can make all the difference.

For Medicine, a strong foundation in science, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning is essential, and those unable to secure a direct spot should consider alternative routes like Duke-NUS or an overseas degree.

For Law, mastering critical thinking, structured argumentation, and strong communication skills will help applicants excel in the LNAT and admissions interviews. Those who do not get into Law directly can explore internal transfers or graduate legal studies abroad.

If you’re in National Service (NS), use the time wisely to build a stronger profile. Reapplying is possible if you didn’t reach the interview stage, but failing at interviews greatly reduces future chances.

No matter which path you take, success in these fields requires dedication, resilience, and a clear long-term vision.