Singapore will recognise the Juris Doctor degree of the Australian universities under the new Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and Australia will now recognise the undergraduate and Juris Doctor law degrees of Singapore universities.
Australian undergraduate law degrees are currently recognised in Singapore under the SAFTA.
"A new process to allow Australian universities to make a case to use the term 'university' in Singapore is particularly pleasing and will enhance recognition of Australia's high quality institutions,” said Universities Australia chief executive Belinda Robinson.
Masters in Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy will also now be recognised under the agreement. Robinson said she looks forward to expanding the list of mutually recognised courses between Australia and Singapore.
University of Sydney deputy vice-chancellor (registrar) Professor Tyrone Carlin, said the changes make qualifications more valuable.
“It offers real job security for students from Singapore studying Law at the University of Sydney, knowing they can go home and their educational achievements will be valued,” he said.
He also acknowledged the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) throughout the negotiations.
“I thank DFAT for consulting with the university sector during the process, and understanding the importance of qualification recognition in these and hopefully future trade negotiations,” he said.
A joint statement by the Australian and Singaporean governments said that the changes will mean more certainty for Aussie law firms operating in Singapore and Singapore firms collaborating with such Australian law firms.
