2026 Overseas Scheduled Universities Review
Overview
The Singapore Institute of Legal Education has commenced the 2nd review of the list of overseas scheduled universities (“OSUs”), whose law degrees are recognised in Singapore under the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules (the “QP Rules”).
The Institute will be working with appropriate agencies and other stakeholders, in the coming months, to assess the scope of and undertake the OSU review with a view to making recommendations to the Ministry of Law.
The current list of OSUs and related legislation continue to apply, and will continue to apply until such time that any changes are formally given effect.
As with the 1st review of the list of OSUs, any revisions to the list of OSUs will not have retrospective effect.
The formal notice of the 2nd OSU Review can be viewed here.
For any queries, please contact the Institute at [email protected]. Otherwise, please refer to the Institute’s FAQs below.
Last updated: 3 November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The list of overseas scheduled universities (“OSUs”) sets out the overseas universities whose law degrees are recognised in Singapore for the purposes of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules (the “QP Rules”).
A law degree from a university on the list is one of the routes by which a person may meet the academic requirements to be considered a “qualified person” for the purposes of admission to the Singapore Bar.
The list of overseas scheduled universities (“OSUs”) can be found in the Schedules to the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules (the “QP Rules”).
As part of the recommendations from the report of the 4th Committee on the Supply of Lawyers, it was suggested that SILE conduct regular reviews of the list of OSUs recognized for the purposed of the admission to the Singapore Bar. Accordingly, the list is reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains relevant and that the universities on it continue to meet the standards expected for the practice of law in Singapore. Such reviews would help to ensure the continued quality of law graduates seeking admission to the Singapore Bar.
The review is expected to be completed by end 2027. Further announcements on the review will be updated on this page when they are available.
Yes. The current list of OSUs and related legislation continue to apply, and will apply until any changes are formally given effect.
No. As with the 1st review, any revisions to the list of OSUs will not have retrospective effect.
No. The review is only in relation to overseas scheduled universities (“OSUs”).
Until any changes are formally given effect, the current list of OSUs continues to apply. You may check this page from time to time for updates on the review.
No. Recognition of a law degree is only one part of the process. Applicants must also meet the other requirements for admission to the Singapore Bar under the Legal Profession Act 1966 and its subsidiary legislation, including the applicable qualifying criteria, passing the relevant Bar Examinations and practice training.
Where in doubt, please write to us via https://www.sile.edu.sg/contact-us/.
Please contact the Institute at [email protected].