The SUSS Law School offers Law Degrees for degree holders, fresh school-leavers and diploma holders.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree can take up the Juris Doctor (JD) program. Fresh school-leavers and diploma holders can apply for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, a direct honors program.
Both degrees will qualify the graduates for entry into the Legal Profession in Singapore.
Applicants to the SUSS Juris Doctor – JD Program need to have their UK Law National Aptitude Test, LNAT scores available.
The National Law Admissions Test* assesses aptitude instead of any specific knowledge.
SUSS uses the LNAT score as an indicator that the applicant possesses the skills required to successfully undertake legal education.
* The official expansion of LNAT.
Who should apply for the Juris Doctor program at SUSS ?
The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is different from the other universities in its focus on courses for working adults. The average age of students at the SUSS law school is in the late 30s.
SUSS School of Laws trains and develops lawyers for the practice of law in Singapore. The main focus areas of the course are Criminal Law and Family Law.
With evening classes and a modular design, the program will allow students up to six years to complete the degree.
As per the official brochure, the admissions process will give preference to applicants who have a fair amount of work experience.
Applicants who have worked in fields such as social work, law enforcement or the prison service will have an edge.
Essential Admissions Criteria for SUSS Law School Juris Doctor (JD)
- Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents or residents in Singapore
- Applicants to the JD program must have at least a Bachelor’s degree and substantial work experience
- Demonstrate aptitude to practice law through taking the UK Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
- All applicants required to provide a full CV detailing their work experience
- Eligible applicants assessed through admission interviews, a review of their personal statements on aspirations and motivations
- Any supporting evidence of their commitment to the practice of criminal and family law will be beneficial
- Refer to the official admissions brochure for English Language and Mother Tongue Language proficiency requirements
Tuition fees, Grants, Scholarships & Financial Aid
The SUSS Law School tuition fees are on par with similar programs offered by the other local universities.
SUSS Law School students may be eligible for the Singapore Government TGS – Tuition Grant Scheme. Refer to the Official TG Online website for details.
SUSS offers various scholarships and financial aid to eligible students.
LNAT for SUSS JD program
LNAT scores are a mandatory requirement while applying to the Juris Doctor program at SUSS. There is no published information about the specific fixed weight given to the LNAT scores.
Based on the generic information available, we can conclude that a higher LNAT score increases the probability of a final admit
Factors for assessing applicants :
- LNAT reading comprehension scores
- LNAT essays
- Admission interviews
- Essay (Written before the interview).
- Panel interview
The admissions interview is conducted by a panel which will include Law School faculty, Judges and Lawyers.
What is a good LNAT score for SUSS JD ?
There is no official cut-off LNAT score mentioned by SUSS Law School. The cohort average LNAT scores for JD applicants is reported to be around 17/42.*
* Based on informal posts by applicants.
The cohort average is misleading since it includes all applicants. A better metric will be the average score of the selected candidates.
A good LNAT score to target for SUSS JD admission would be 27/42 or higher. This is similar to the average LNAT scores for successful candidates in top-tier Law programs in the UK.
If the candidate lacks significant previous academic achievements or quality of work experience, a higher LNAT score can compensate to a certain extent.
Importance of the LNAT Essay for SUSS JD application
Unlike the LNAT objective questions, the essays aren’t evaluated by the testing system.
The applicant’s essays are seen by the SUSS evaluators. But the SUSS JD admission process doesn’t specify the weight given to the LNAT essays in the overall selection process.
In general, the LNAT essays may be used during the initial shortlisting to evaluate the candidates written communication skills and clarity of thought.
In addition, the LNAT essays may be the background for some interview questions.
When should a SUSS JD applicant take the LNAT?
The SUSS Law School JD program commences during the month of January every year.
For the next January intake, the applications process will open between the 1st of January and 15th of July of the previous year.
All applicants must register and take the LNAT test before the 15 of July; i.e. before the end of the application cycle. ().
While 31st July cut-off date is in the admissions’ brochure, the number of LNAT test slots may be limited closer to the application deadline.
As per the Pearson Vue center locator, there are two LNAT test centers in Singapore.
Should you take the LNAT as early as possible?
Yes. With an application cycle stretching across 6.5 months, the applications are processed in several batches.
The offer of admission into the JD program will depend on the number of places available at the time of application.
Given that the seats to applicants ratio can be 1:10 or higher, the University will prioritize eligible applicants who applied early.
Can you take the LNAT multiple times ?
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) JD applicants can take the LNAT only once, between 1st September and 31 July of the following year.
In case of a candidate taking the LNAT twice, without authorization, the second test sitting scores are invalid.
LNAT scores cannot be carried forward to the next admissions cycle.
Plan in advance to prepare well and sit for the exam as early into the admission cycle as possible.
What is the best prep strategy to achieve a high LNAT score ?
The common advice by all successful applicants it that you should practice as many questions as possible for the Reading Comprehension part.
In our online practice pack, we have included over 1000 questions from across 300 different essays of varying complexity, to ensure comprehensive practice.
You will get one LNAT attempt for the upcoming application cycle. A structured plan and disciplined preparation is the key to success.
Refer to our articles on the ideal LNAT prep strategy and the LawMint online prep pack for LNAT.
The Latest information on SUSS JD program
Visit the SUSS Law School website for information about the upcoming Juris Doctor program.
FAQs about the SUSS Juris Doctor program
[1] Is SUSS JD degree Recognized?
Yes. Established in April 2005, SUSS is approved by the Ministry of Education to award recognized Singapore degrees.
SUSS School of Law was set up in 2016 and classes commenced in 2017.
[2] Can SUSS JD holders sit in the Bar Examination?
The SUSS LLB and JD programs are recognized degrees under the Legal Profession Act.
Students graduating with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 are considered as ‘qualified persons’ under the Legal Profession Act. Such students are eligible to sit for Part B of the Bar Examinations.
