Guide to Studying Law in Malaysia

Areas of law practice that you can study

Besides the tough choice of picking a university, there is another decision you need to be aware off. Law is a broad field and there are many areas that you can specialise in, such as:

• Advertising law
• Criminal law
• Family law
• Business law
• Constitutional law

Besides the above, there are many others. You don’t have to choose an area to specialise in right now, but it might be wise to start reading about them.

That way, you can steer yourself in the right direction when you start to study law in Malaysia. This will help you achieve your main goal as you prepare yourself for a rewarding career in law.

The following sections cover some other questions you might have about studying law in Malaysia.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements vary depending on the institution, but typically the criteria for a Bachelor’s degree in law are:

• SPM or O Levels – passed with a minimum of 3 credits including English, and
• Foundation or Diploma – passed with a minimum CGPA of 2.00, or
• STPM or A-Levels – minimum 2 principal passes, or
• Any other qualifications that are deemed equivalent by the university

How much does it cost to study law course in Malaysia?

As a general estimate, the price range according to the type of university is as below:

• Public universities – RM 5,000 – 49,900
• Private universities – RM 33,000 – 105,000

Similar to entry requirements, universities charge differently for their Bachelor law degree programmes. 

How long is a Bachelor’s degree in law?

The duration of study for a Bachelor’s degree in law (abbreviated as LL.B) depends on whether it includes a professional year or not. The professional year embeds the CLP exam into the curriculum so that students don’t have to take it after they graduate from their Bachelor programme.

If the CLP exam is not included in your programme, you have to take it after you get your Bachelor’s degree in order to qualify for chambering in Malaysia (refer to the previous section).

• 3 years if the programme does not include a professional year
• 4 years if the programme includes a professional year

How can you study law after SPM?

After completing SPM or O Levels, you might be wondering how and where to begin your journey in the field of law. If you’re still unsure about it, no worries! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan out your education pathway:

• Step 1 – Pass SPM. Aim to get credits or higher in English, Bahasa Melayu and History
• Step 2 – Study a pre-university programme, such as A-Levels, STPM or Foundation. Some universities also offer Diploma programmes leading to their Bachelor degree programmes
• Step 3 – Study and complete a Bachelor’s degree in law
• Step 4 – If not covered in your Bachelor programme, sit for the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) exam, which is stretched out over a period of 9 months
• Step 5 – Begin your chambering (also called pupillage) at a law firm. Chambering is basically an internship, and generally lasts for 9 months
• Step 6 – Congratulations! You have received your ‘call to the bar’. Usually, this is an official ceremony where you finally get accepted as a qualified lawyer. Now, you can practise law in Malaysia

But wait, the journey doesn’t have to end here! If you still want to further your education in law, many Malaysian universities also offer postgraduate law courses. Here are the steps to continue your pursuit of justice:

• Step 7 – Study for a Master’s degree in law. To qualify, you will need to have passed your Bachelor of Law with a minimum CGPA of 2.75. Some universities may require you to have a few years of working experience as well.
• Step 8 – Take a Doctoral degree in law! To take this step, you will need a relevant Master’s degree. You may also opt to take the PhD programme directly after your Bachelor studies if your results are very good.

Note: Make sure that all the programmes you study are recognised by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB)

Which universities in Malaysia offer law courses?

The first step is to find a university that meets all of your expectations. You should consider all the potential universities in Malaysia that offer law courses, such as:

1. UOW Malaysia KDU University College

2. Management & Science University (MSU)

3. SEGi University Kota Damansara

4. Sunway University

5. BERJAYA University College

6. Advance Tertiary College (ATC College)

7. HELP University

How to choose the best law school in Malaysia for you

So, which university should you go to? Here are a few points to consider:

1. Location

Choose a practical location that is most convenient for you. You will have to ask yourself if you want to live on campus, or rather rent a room nearby. Do you want to live in Malaysia’s beautiful capital Kuala Lumpur, or somewhere in a quiter city?

2. Tuition fees

The cost of the programme is of great importance as well. Are the fees affordable to you?  If the programme is too expensive, are there scholarships you can apply for?

3. Reputation

The most important factor is that you should select a university with an excellent reputation where you will be sure to learn the ins and outs of the legal world. A highly qualified university will make sure that you are well-equipped for any legal job.

You can use EasyUni to compare universities that offer law courses, read reviews and see their tuition fees to help you decide on which university is the best fit for you.

(Read: Top law degrees and universities)

Subjects needed to study law

Good law courses ensure that students have a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Here are examples of a few topics you might cover in a general law degree programme:

• Legal Methods
• English and Malaysian Legal System
• International Human Rights and Humanitarian law
• Criminal Procedure
• Mooting (simulation of a court proceeding)

What are the career options?

There are many job opportunities available for students after they graduate. The table below will give you an idea of careers that you can take up and their estimated salaries according to Payscale.

Of course, the amount you ultimately earn depends on which stage of your career you are in, such as whether you are fresh in the field, or an executive or senior with years of work experience behind you.

Your reputation in the field may also influence your pay. For example, well-known attorneys can make as much as RM 19,000 monthly!

Be prepared for the journey

Are you ready? Law is an intense field of study as it requires you to read more, brush up your communication skills, work extra hard and be organised.

Becoming a full-fledged lawyer means that you have to complete at least a Bachelor’s degree, pass the CLP exam and chamber for 9 months before you are allowed to practise.

The journey to enter the world of courtrooms and civil codes may be a long one, but remember – long journeys are always the most rewarding ones.

Want to know more? Feel free to get in touch with us.