Exemption for External Law Degree Holders

Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Law on a yearly basis from 1994 onwards, how many exemptions have been granted by the Ministry to external law degree holders who wish to be exempted from the policy of their degrees not being recognised for admission to the Singapore Bar.

Mr K Shanmugam: To be qualified to be admitted to the Bar in Singapore, an applicant is required to have obtained a recognised law degree. External law degrees are not recognised in this context. External law degree graduates may, however, receive exemptions in a limited number of cases. In exercising such discretion, the Minister for Law takes into account factors such as how well candidates have performed academically as well as whether they have substantial experience in the legal sector.

Since 1994, 11 exemptions have been granted to external degree holders. One was granted in 2009, three in 2010, and seven in 2011.

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