 While Koon-Teck was actually really interesting in building things, and had wanted to study architecture; that was a six-year course, and all the money he had for his studies and living abroad were insufficient for that, so he decided to take up law instead.In June 1924 he learnt that he had passed the matriculation examination of London University and he left for England by the Hakusan Maru on 19 August 1924, for law studies at the University College, London (UCL),

He passed his intermediate examination for the LL.B in 1925.He graduated with honours, was called to the Bar at Middle Temple in July 1927, and proceeded to return to Singapore.