Overview
With the support and encouragement of the Faculty and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Graduate Diploma in Maritime Law and Arbitration (GDMLA), for non-lawyers, has been offered by NUS Law since 2008. Designed for students who do not possess a first degree in law, the Diploma provides specialized training in maritime law and arbitration to professionals such as master mariners, marine engineers, and graduates from other disciplines working in the maritime sector.
Like its sister programme, the LLM (Maritime Law), the Graduate Diploma allows individuals from Singapore-based companies who are able to furnish evidence of full sponsorship or a letter of support from their companies or the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to pursue the course on a part-time basis over two years.
Candidates from overseas will be required to complete the Graduate Diploma fulltime in one year.
Through the integration of the Graduate Certificate in International Arbitration into the Diploma in Maritime Law and Arbitration, students will obtain the benefit of training in commercial arbitration, as well as the advantage of two qualifications. This is also designed to reflect the emergence of arbitration as an important means of dispute settlement in the shipping world.
Admission Requirements
- Qualified master mariner, chief engineer and/or tertiary degree in another discipline
- Relevant working experience in the maritime sector
- Minimum TOEFL iBT Total score of 100. (Candidates who have obtained a minimum IELTS (Academic) overall band score 7.0 may also apply.)
English Language Proficiency
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all international applicants except those from English-medium institutions in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. If your LLB or LLM degree is conducted entirely in the English medium and you wish to seek a waiver of this requirement, please submit your request together with supporting documents, and it will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Only official TOEFL iBT score report will be accepted. Further information about TOEFL is available from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Please quote TOEFL Destination code: 9085 when ordering the score report to be sent to the NUS Faculty of Law.
- For IELTS (Academic) score report, you may provide a photocopy as we are able to verify the score online using the TRFN on the score report. Further information about IELTS is available HERE.
- Applicants should schedule a test date early enough to ensure that the scores reach our Admissions Office by the application closing date. Otherwise, we reserve the right not to accept the scores.
- TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the test date and should be valid at the beginning of the application period for the degree programme(s) applied for. If it has been more than two years since you last took the test, you must take it again to have the scores reported.
- NUS only accepts TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date, not MyBest scores. TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test scores may be accepted.
Programme Structure
Full-time and part-time candidates must pass all courses and successfully obtain a total of 32-36 Units (generally, 7 to 8 courses) in one year and two years respectively to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Maritime Law & Arbitration.
The programme is specially designed such that students who complete the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in International Arbitration (GCIA) Programme will be granted 12 Units toward the total credits required for the Graduate Diploma.
The following is the typical workload and schedule of courses:
The examination and assessment of student performances in the programme will be conducted through various assessment modes such as class participation, assignments, research papers, take-home examinations and final examinations as stated in each course description. Students are encouraged to review the examination and assessment details for each elective course before opting for it.
List of Courses
Click HERE for the list of courses offered in AY2026/2027.
The list of courses for AY2027/2028 will only be available in mid-July 2027.
(Please note that course information, including class schedule and examinations, may be subjected to changes.)
Tuition Fees & Subsidy
The tables below indicate the applicable tuition fees for enrolment in Academic Year 2026/2027:
Fees for Full-time Programme
| Total Fee Payable |
Acceptance Fee |
Amount Payable Per Semester |
|
| 1 | 2 | ||
| SGD18,600.00 |
SGD3,270.00 | SGD6,030.00 |
SGD9,300.00 |
Fees for Part-time Programme
| Total Fee Payable |
Acceptance Fee |
Amount Payable Per Semester |
|||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| SGD18,600.00 | SGD3,270.00 | SGD1,380.00 |
SGD4,650.00 | SGD4,650.00 | SGD4,650.00 |
- Tuition fees are subject to change each academic year.
- Fee amounts quoted are inclusive of and subject to the prevailing GST.
- The Acceptance Fee paid at the time of offer acceptance will be deducted from the full tuition fee for Semester One of the first year. SFC cannot be used to offset the Acceptance Fee.
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Application Timeline
The following is the application period for the next intake:
| Course Commencement | Application Period |
| AY2027/28 Semester One (commencing Aug 2027) |
1 September 2026 to 30 November 2026 |
NOTE: Online applications must be completed and submitted by 11.59pm (Singapore Time, GMT+8) on the day of the online application deadline.
The following is the typical admission process and timeline:
How to Apply
The application form will take about 15 minutes to complete.
Follow the steps below to apply:
| 1 |
Applications must be made online via NUS Graduate Admission System (GDA3). To facilitate your online application, please download and refer to the Application Guide. Please note that the email address which you provide when creating your new GDA account will also be your login ID. You will also receive email notifications relating to your applications via this email address. |
| 2 | Application/ acceptance fees paid in the GDA3 are non-refundable and non-transferable. |
| 3 | Please upload soft copies of your supporting documents (Checklist) in the GDA3. It is not necessary to submit your supporting documents via email or via post, unless we specifically request for them. |
| 4 |
Make online payment for Application Fee of SGD50 (inclusive of prevailing GST) via NUS Graduate Admission System (GDA3). |
Inaccurate or false information or omission of material information or no application fee payment will render your application invalid. The University reserves the right to reject applications that are incomplete or inaccurate. Persons admitted on the basis of inaccurate or false information may be expelled.
Application Outcome
Applicants will be informed via email of the outcome by May or early June.
We will communicate with you primarily using email. It is very important that you provide a valid and correct email address and maintain your email account regularly. We will not be responsible for undeliverable emails and their consequences.
Unless granted approval by our University, no candidate may concurrently be a student for more than one degree or registered as an NUS candidate and of another university/institute.
Terms & Conditions
These Terms and Conditions govern the application, admission, registration, enrolment, participation in, and completion of academic programmes offered by the NUS Law Academy.
By submitting an application, accepting an offer of admission, registering for a programme, enrolling in any course, or paying any fee in relation to a programme, the applicant or student agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, together with all applicable programme requirements, fee schedules, policies, rules, regulations, notices, and instructions issued by NUS Law Academy and the National University of Singapore from time to time.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, unless the context otherwise requires:
- "Applicant"
- means any person who submits an application for admission to a programme.
- "Student"
- means any person who has accepted an offer of admission to, registered for, or enrolled in a programme.
- "Programme"
- means any credit-bearing academic programme offered by NUS Law Academy, including but not limited to any graduate certificate or graduate diploma programme.
- "University"
- means the National University of Singapore.
- "NUS Law Academy"
- means the NUS Law Academy unit within the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore.
- "Award"
- means any graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or other qualification conferred upon successful completion of a Programme.
- "Course"
- means any module, class, seminar, or other credit-bearing component forming part of a Programme.
- "Programme-Specific Rules"
- means any curriculum, academic, assessment, progression, or administrative rules issued in respect of a particular Programme.
- "University Office"
- means any office, department, or administrative unit of the University responsible for a relevant function, including admissions, the registrar, and finance.
2. Application for Admission
2.1 The submission of an application does not guarantee admission to any Programme.
2.2 All applications are subject to the admission criteria, eligibility requirements, selection procedures, and approval processes applicable to the relevant Programme.
2.3 NUS Law Academy reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any application without assigning any reason.
2.4 Without prejudice to Clause 2.3, NUS Law Academy may reject any application that is incomplete, inaccurate, misleading, unsupported by required documents, or not submitted in accordance with the applicable procedures and deadlines.
2.5 Applicants shall ensure that all information and supporting documents submitted are true, accurate, complete, and not misleading in any respect.
3. Offers of Admission
3.1 Successful Applicants may be issued an offer of admission via email, subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified in the offer.
3.2 Any offer of admission must be accepted in the manner prescribed by NUS Law Academy and within the time period stated in the offer.
3.3 NUS Law Academy reserves the right to treat any offer as lapsed if it is not accepted by the prescribed deadline or if any condition attached to the offer is not fulfilled by the stipulated date.
3.4 Where payment of any acceptance fee, deposit, tuition fee, or other charge is required as part of the acceptance process, the Applicant's place in the Programme shall only be confirmed upon successful receipt of the required payment by the prescribed deadline.
3.5 NUS Law Academy reserves the right to withdraw, revoke, or vary any offer where:
-
- any information or document submitted by the Applicant is false, inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete;
- the Applicant fails to satisfy any condition of admission;
- the Applicant fails to comply with any instruction, deadline, or administrative requirement; or
- NUS Law Academy considers such withdrawal, revocation, or variation necessary or appropriate.
4. Registration and Enrolment
4.1 Admitted Applicants must complete all registration, enrolment, and administrative formalities required by NUS Law Academy, the University, or any relevant University office, within the prescribed timelines.
4.2 Failure to complete any required registration or enrolment formalities by the applicable deadline may result in:
- the lapse of the offer of admission;
- the cancellation of registration;
- the loss of course enrolment;
- the withholding of student status; or
- such other administrative consequence as NUS Law Academy or the University may determine.
4.3Registration in a Programme does not entitle a Student to enrol in any particular course, class, seminar, assessment, or academic activity, all of which remain subject to availability, scheduling, academic suitability, and applicable rules and course requirements.
4.4NUS Law Academy reserves the right to allocate Students to courses, classes, teaching groups, schedules, venues, or modes of delivery as it considers appropriate.
5. Fees and Payment
5.1 All application fees, tuition fees, administrative charges, and other fees payable shall be as published, prescribed, or otherwise communicated by NUS Law Academy or the relevant University office from time to time.
5.2 All fees shall be paid in full by the applicable due dates unless otherwise expressly approved in writing.
5.3 NUS Law Academy and the University reserve the right to withhold or cancel registration, suspend enrolment, restrict access to academic or administrative services, or withhold results, transcripts, certificates, or awards where any fee or sum remains outstanding.
5.4 Payment by a sponsor, employer, funding agency, or other third party shall not relieve the Student of ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all fees and charges are paid in full.
5.5 Any bank charges, remittance costs, transfer fees, exchange losses, or other transaction-related charges incurred in connection with payment shall be borne by the Applicant or Student unless otherwise stated.
6. Accuracy of Information and Ongoing Duty of Disclosure
6.1 Applicants and Students shall promptly notify NUS Law Academy in writing of any material change to information previously submitted, including any matter affecting eligibility, identity, professional standing, employment, sponsorship, immigration status, or contact details.
6.2 NUS Law Academy reserves the right to reject an application, revoke admission, cancel registration, terminate enrolment, or withhold any award if any information provided is found to be false, inaccurate, misleading, fraudulent, or materially incomplete.
7. Programme Structure and Academic Requirements
7.1 Each Programme shall be governed by such curriculum, credit requirements, attendance requirements, assessment rules, progression rules, classification rules, completion requirements, and graduation requirements as may be prescribed by NUS Law Academy and the University from time to time.
7.2 Students are solely responsible for familiarising themselves with, and complying with, all applicable academic requirements, policies, procedures, deadlines, and instructions.
7.3 NUS Law Academy reserves the right at any time to amend, vary, revise, replace, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of a Programme, including but not limited to: curriculum structure; course offerings; credit weightings; assessment modes; course content; teaching staff; class schedules; academic calendar; venue; and mode of delivery.
7.4 NUS Law Academy shall endeavour to give reasonable notice of material changes where practicable, but shall not be obliged to do so where circumstances do not reasonably permit.
8. Attendance, Participation and Academic Progress
8.1 Students shall attend and participate in all classes, seminars, tutorials, assessments, examinations, and other academic activities required for the relevant Programme.
8.2 NUS Law Academy may impose minimum attendance or participation requirements, whether generally or in relation to specific courses or components.
8.3 Failure to satisfy attendance, participation, or other academic requirements may result in academic penalties, exclusion from assessments, failure of a course, inability to progress, ineligibility for the award, or such other consequence as may be prescribed.
8.4 Students are responsible for ensuring that they are able to participate in the Programme in the required mode, whether in person, online, hybrid, or otherwise.
9. Assessments and Awards
9.1 Students must satisfy all assessment and academic requirements prescribed for the relevant Programme and the University.
9.2 The successful completion of any individual course or component shall not in itself entitle a Student to the conferment of any certificate, diploma, qualification, or award.
9.3 The conferment of any academic award is subject to the Student satisfying all academic, financial, disciplinary, and administrative requirements of NUS Law Academy and the University.
9.4 NUS Law Academy and the University reserve the right to withhold, defer, or decline the conferment of any award where: fees remain outstanding; disciplinary or academic misconduct proceedings are pending or unresolved; administrative requirements remain incomplete; or the Student has otherwise failed to satisfy any applicable requirement.
10. Withdrawal, Deferment and Leave of Absence
10.1 Any request to withdraw from a Programme, defer admission, defer studies, or take leave of absence must be submitted in writing and in accordance with the applicable procedures and timelines.
10.2 Any such request shall be subject to the approval of NUS Law Academy and, where applicable, the relevant University office, and shall not take effect unless and until approved in writing.
10.3 NUS Law Academy reserves the right to impose conditions on any approval for withdrawal, deferment, or leave of absence.
10.4 Withdrawal, deferment, or leave of absence may have academic, financial, administrative, sponsorship, funding, immigration, and completion implications. The Applicant or Student remains responsible for understanding and accepting such implications.
11. Refunds and Fee Liability
11.1 Any refund of fees shall be governed by the applicable refund policy published or otherwise communicated by NUS Law Academy or the relevant University office from time to time.
11.2 Unless otherwise expressly stated, application fees are non-refundable.
11.3 Fee liability on withdrawal is determined by reference to the grade-penalty deadlines for the relevant course:
-
- Where a Student withdraws within the "No Penalty" period, the course fees paid (less miscellaneous fees) will be returned;
- Where a Student withdraws within the "W" grade period, the applicable partial charge under the refund policy applies; and
- Where a Student withdraws after the "W" grade deadline (i.e. the "F" grade period), no return of course fees will be applicable.
11.4 No refund shall be payable merely because a Student: withdraws from the Programme; fails to attend classes or assessments; is unable to complete the Programme; is suspended, dismissed, or removed from the Programme; or ceases to be eligible for sponsorship, subsidy, or funding, except where otherwise provided in the applicable refund policy or required by law.
11.5 Where a refund is approved, NUS Law Academy reserves the right to deduct any applicable administrative charges, amounts already incurred, or other sums due and payable. The refund will be credited back into the student's MyEduRec Account to offset the fees of future semesters.
11.6 Any approved refund will ordinarily be credited to the Student's MyEduRec Student Account to offset the fees of future semesters. Where a credit to the Student account is not appropriate (for example, where the Student has fully ceased candidature), the refund shall be made to the original payer using the original method of payment where practicable. NUS Law Academy shall endeavour to process approved refunds within a reasonable period.
12. Cancellation, Postponement, Suspension and Variation
12.1 NUS Law Academy reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice where necessary, to cancel, postpone, suspend, combine, restructure, or otherwise vary any Programme, course, class, seminar, examination, or academic activity.
12.2 Without limitation, this may arise due to: insufficient enrolment; staff unavailability; operational requirements; health or safety concerns; regulatory or accreditation requirements; or any event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of NUS Law Academy or the University.
12.3 NUS Law Academy may also vary the mode of delivery of any Programme or part thereof, including converting in-person teaching to online or hybrid delivery, where it considers such variation necessary or appropriate.
12.4 In the event of cancellation of a Programme prior to commencement, NUS Law Academy may, at its discretion, offer: a place in a later intake; a place in another suitable programme; a credit towards future study; or a refund of fees paid, subject to applicable policy.
13. Conduct and Discipline
13.1 Students shall conduct themselves in a lawful, responsible, respectful, and professional manner at all times.
13.2 Students shall comply with all applicable University statutes, regulations, rules, codes of conduct, disciplinary procedures, examination rules, classroom requirements, information technology policies, library rules, and other directions issued by NUS Law Academy or the University.
13.3 NUS Law Academy reserves the right to deny access to classes, suspend participation, remove a Student from any academic activity, or refer a Student for disciplinary action where the Student's conduct is disruptive, abusive, dishonest, unsafe, unlawful, or otherwise unacceptable.
13.4 Any disciplinary action taken under applicable University rules may affect a Student's academic standing, continued enrolment, access to facilities, eligibility to sit assessments, or eligibility to receive an award.
14. Academic Integrity
14.1 Students shall uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity.
14.2 Plagiarism, cheating, collusion, personation, fabrication, falsification, unauthorised use of materials, unauthorised use of artificial intelligence tools, or any other form of academic misconduct is strictly prohibited.
14.3 Alleged academic misconduct may be investigated and dealt with in accordance with applicable University procedures and may result in academic penalties, disciplinary sanctions, termination of candidature, or any combination thereof.
15. Intellectual Property and Use of Materials
15.1 All lectures, teaching materials, course content, slides, notes, recordings, handouts, assessments, problem questions, case studies, and other materials made available in connection with a Programme are and shall remain the property of the University, NUS Law Academy, or the relevant third-party rights holder, unless otherwise stated.
15.2 Such materials are provided solely for the Student's personal educational use in connection with the relevant Programme.
15.3 No Applicant or Student may copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, publish, display, upload, share, adapt, sell, licence, or otherwise exploit any such materials, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the relevant rights holder.
15.4 No Applicant or Student may make any audio, video, photographic, screen, or other recording of any class, lecture, seminar, tutorial, assessment, or academic activity except with prior written approval.
16. Online Learning, Digital Assessments and Technology Requirements
16.1 Where any part of a Programme is delivered or assessed through online, digital, or technology-enabled means, Students shall be responsible for ensuring that they have access to appropriate hardware, software, internet connectivity, and technical capability.
16.2 NUS Law Academy and the University shall not be responsible for any inability of a Student to participate in any online or technology-enabled academic activity or assessment due to the Student's own equipment, software, connectivity, environment, or technical limitations.
16.3 Students shall comply with all technical instructions, platform rules, acceptable use requirements, cybersecurity measures, and digital access conditions imposed by the University.
17. Personal Data
17.1 NUS Law Academy and the University may collect, use, disclose, process, and retain personal data relating to Applicants and Students for purposes connected with admissions, registration, academic administration, assessment, student support, graduation, alumni relations, legal and regulatory compliance, institutional administration, and any other purposes reasonably related to the administration of the Programme.
17.2 Such personal data may be shared within the University and with relevant service providers, professional bodies, regulators, partner institutions, government authorities, sponsors, or other third parties where such disclosure is reasonably necessary for the purposes described above or is otherwise required or permitted by law.
17.3 The collection, use, disclosure, and processing of personal data shall be subject to the applicable data protection laws and the relevant privacy notices and policies of the University.
18. Sponsorships, Subsidies and Third-Party Funding
18.1 Where any fee or charge is to be paid by an employer, sponsor, funding agency, grant provider, or other third party, the Student remains responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable conditions.
18.2 If any sponsorship, subsidy, grant, or third-party funding is withdrawn, reduced, withheld, rejected, or not paid for any reason, NUS Law Academy and the University may require the Student to pay all outstanding sums.
18.3 NUS Law Academy makes no representation or warranty as to any Applicant's or Student's eligibility for any sponsorship, subsidy, funding, or reimbursement scheme.
19. Limitation of Liability
19.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, NUS Law Academy and the University shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive loss or damage, including any loss of income, earnings, profits, business, contracts, opportunity, reputation, goodwill, or data, arising out of or in connection with any Programme or these Terms and Conditions.
19.2 Without prejudice to Clause 19.1, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, the total liability of NUS Law Academy and the University arising out of or in connection with any Programme or these Terms and Conditions shall not exceed the total amount of fees actually paid by the Student for the relevant Programme.
19.3 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall exclude or limit any liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
20. Force Majeure
20.1 NUS Law Academy and the University shall not be liable for any delay, disruption, suspension, variation, postponement, cancellation, or failure in performance arising from any cause beyond their reasonable control.
20.2 Such causes include, without limitation, acts of God, natural disasters, fire, flood, epidemic, pandemic, war, civil disorder, labour dispute, government action, regulatory restriction, power failure, information technology failure, building closure, transport disruption, or the unavailability of teaching staff, examiners, facilities, or essential services.
20.3 In any such event, NUS Law Academy may take such steps as it considers necessary or appropriate, including rescheduling, substituting, varying the mode of delivery, deferring, suspending, or cancelling the relevant Programme or activity.
21. Insurance, Health and Safety
21.1 Students are responsible for arranging and maintaining such personal, medical, travel, and other insurance as may be appropriate for their participation in a Programme, whether in person or otherwise.
21.2 Students shall comply with all health, safety, security, and emergency requirements, instructions, and directions issued by NUS Law Academy or the University while on University premises or participating in any Programme activity.
22. Immigration and Passes
22.1 Students who are not citizens or permanent residents of Singapore are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining any visa, pass, or other authorisation required for their participation in a Programme.
22.2 NUS Law Academy and the University make no representation or warranty as to the grant of any immigration pass and shall not be liable for any consequence arising from the refusal, expiry, revocation, or non-renewal of any such pass.
23. Notices and Communications
23.1 Unless otherwise stated, all official communications from NUS Law Academy or the University to a Student may be sent to the Student's University-issued email account or to the most recent contact details provided by the Student, and shall be deemed to have been received by the Student on the date sent.
23.2 Students are responsible for regularly monitoring their University-issued email account and any official communication channels, and shall not be excused from any obligation, deadline, or consequence by reason of a failure to do so.
24. Amendments
24.1 NUS Law Academy reserves the right to amend, modify, supplement, or replace these Terms and Conditions from time to time.
24.2 The version of these Terms and Conditions in force at the relevant time, together with any applicable Programme-specific rules and University policies, shall apply to the Applicant or Student.
25. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
25.1 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Singapore.
25.2 Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click HERE to view the FAQs.
Contact
Please contact Law Graduate Admissions at email: lawGRADadm@nus.edu.sg.
