Study Law in Singapore 2024/2025
Study in Singapore
What Is a Law Degree in Singapore?
Obtaining a law degree is an important step in becoming a practicing attorney in the country. To do this, individuals will need to complete the requirements of the Bachelor of Law program, at the least. Most students will also need to complete the LL.M., which is a master's level degree program. Advanced programs, including a PhD program is available for those students who wish to further pursue this area of education.
Law Higher Education in Singapore
To work as an attorney in the country, individuals will need to apply for admission to the Singapore Bar Association. To do that, students must first complete the requirements of a bachelor's level of education in the field of law. This education must come from an approved school. The initial degree program takes four years to complete at a university recognized by the Bar Association. Further education can take between two and four additional years of education.
The cost to enroll in these programs depends greatly on the individual school. Costs can be significantly higher at some private institutions than at private schools. Individuals who work as attorneys in the country are not necessarily paid a very high wage, but those who work in government positions, which is also a course of action individuals can take after obtaining a legal degree, often earn more.
International students are often welcomed in the country. However, this is up to the discretion of the individual university. Some of the schools have very strict requirements, especially in the area of academic study. International students will need to meet the same level of scrutiny as local residents. Additionally, some in demand programs are not always accessible to international students due to their demand locally. Apply for these programs early is often recommend to ensure the individual can obtain the necessary travel documents and approvals.
Students who complete their educational requirements in Singapore, or who meet these requirements outside of the country, will need to sit for the Singapore Bar Association's licensing exam. Continuing education is often a requirement after doing so. Students can then work in a temporary position in a court of law for the required length of time before practicing on their own. Students are likely to find numerous positions available in this area of the law. This includes working in the criminal system, as judges, as well as working towards educational teaching. Jobs can be hard to obtain initially especially for new students.
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Basic monthly living cost
Rent in a shared flat
1867Share of utilities
51Internet subscription
31Local transportation
88
Sample lifestyle cost
Fast food combo
7Cinema ticket
10Pint of local beer
7
About Singapore
Singapore is a country located in Southeast Asia. It is an island country located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is home to 5.4 million people. As one of the oldest areas of continuously inhabited people. It is one of the largest commercial hubs in the world and an important business center. It has a large port that makes up about 26 percent of the country's GDP. Individuals who wish to work and study here will find it to be a vibrant culture with outstanding opportunities for those who wish to work in the area of law.
What Is the Law System in Singapore?
The legal system in Singapore is based on the English common law system. There are various areas of law, including administrative law, equity and trust law, tort law, and contract law. Criminal law is also present here. Not only does the country have its own bar system, but it commonly refers to English case law as an applicable aspect of law there. The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore is the main legal document outlining the country's legal system.
Visa Requirements
What type of Visa do you need?
Visa name
Student Pass
Price and currency
SGD 90
A processing fee of S$30 is required for every application submitted to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application or if the application is withdrawn after submission.
A fee of S$60 is payable when the successful applicant completes the formality at the issuance of the Student's Pass at ICA.
The fees are country-dependent and may be subject to change.
Who can apply for the visa?
All international students must have a Student Pass to pursue higher studies in Singapore. To get your Singapore Student Pass, you must first be offered admission for a full-time program in the Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore.
You are eligible for a Student Pass only if you have been accepted into a full-time program. If you want to take up part-time courses or evening classes, you will not be eligible for the Student Pass.
Where can you make the application?
Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration (SOLAR) system
To apply for the Student Pass, you must submit your application on the official registration system -- Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration (SOLAR) system.
How to make the application?
Before submitting an application for Student Pass through SOLAR, the institute where you have been offered admission must register you through the registration system. Once the institute has registered you with SOLAR, you have to submit eForm 16. You must have the following details before logging into your SOLAR account:
- A registration notification from SOLAR with your login username and password provided by IHL
- Travel documents and passport details, including passport number and its validity
- Your personal email address
- One recent passport-sized color photograph
Once you submit the eForm 16, you then have to take a printout copy of the form to submit to the Student Pass unit - Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It is one of the important formalities to be completed for issuance of the Singapore Student Pass.
You must assure the immigration department that you will remain in Singapore with a valid Student Pass at all times.
Documents required for Singapore student visa:
- Your valid passport. You have to submit a copy of particular pages of the passport
- You must carry the departure/arrival card granted on entry into Singapore. If you have been residing in Singapore on other long-term passes, you have to bring along that pass as well;
- One recent color passport-sized photograph (taken on white background);
- The printout of eForm 16 submitted through SOLAR (duly signed by the applicant);
- If your documents are in the native language, you must get an official English translation of the documents.
- A copy of the in-principle approval letter; and
- A medical report in the prescribed format (available on ICA’s website).
When you submit the application, make sure the laboratory reports are not more than three months from the issue date. In case you fail to fulfill the medical requirement, you will not be granted the Student Pass.
When should you apply?
Generally, the Singapore student visa takes about four weeks to process. However, some applications may take longer if the immigration department requires some additional documents or information from you. In such situations, you will be notified through the SOLAR system.
You must submit new applications for Student Pass at least one month before your course starts and not for more than two months.
The processing time is generally between 2 to 4 months for cases in which interviews are required.
Processing time
4 Weeks
Work opportunities
Foreign students who do not work for more than 16 hours per week during their studies are exempted to apply for a work permit. However, it is recommended to check the work opportunities granted by your institution.
International students do not have to apply for a work permit if they want to work in Singapore during their vacations.
Permission to work may also depend on the institution where you are studying.
You can find a list of approved institutions here: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exemption-for-foreign-students
Hours per week
0
Why do you need this type of visa?
Your visa application may be rejected if you do not follow a full-time course at a recognized educational institution, if you do not have adequate educational credentials, if your forms are not properly filled out or if the supporting documents are not correct.